Portuguese Phrase
Tô só ocupado com o trabalho.
Meaning
The speaker is saying that they are simply busy with work, implying they have no time for other activities. The use of "tô" makes the sentence informal and conversational.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to explain why you can't meet someone, answer a call, or respond to a request, especially in casual settings with friends or colleagues.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tôsóocupadocomotrabalho
Contraction "Tô"
"Tô" is the colloquial contraction of "estou", the first person singular of the verb "estar" used in informal speech.
"só" as adverb
Here "só" means "only" or "just", modifying the verb phrase to indicate exclusivity.
Adjective agreement
"ocupado" agrees in gender and number with the subject (masculine singular).
Preposition "com"
"com" introduces the complement "o trabalho", indicating the cause or focus of the occupation.
Definite article "o"
The article "o" specifies a particular job or work that both speakers understand.
🗨In Conversation
Vamos sair hoje à noite?
Shall we go out tonight?
Tô só ocupado com o trabalho.
I'm just busy with work.
✕Common Mistakes
Tô só ocupado com o trabalho.
In formal writing, replace "tô" with "estou".
Tô sou ocupado com o trabalho.
Do not confuse "só" (only) with "sou" (I am).
Tô só ocupado com trabalho.
If you want to refer to a specific project, you can say "com o meu trabalho".
↔Alternatives
Estou só ocupado com o trabalho.
I am just busy with work.
Só estou ocupado com o trabalho.
I'm only busy with work.
Estou atarefado com o trabalho.
I'm swamped with work.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, using "tô" instead of "estou" signals a relaxed, informal tone. It's common among friends, but avoid it in formal emails or when speaking to superiors. Also, Brazilians often use "ocupado" to politely decline invitations, so the phrase can serve as a soft refusal.