Portuguese Phrase
Esse lugar tá ocupado?
Meaning
Literally, 'Is this place occupied?'. It’s a quick way to ask whether a seat, table, or any spot is already taken, often before you sit down or set something down.
When to use
Use it in informal settings such as cafés, libraries, public transport, or any shared space when you want to check if you can use a spot. In more formal contexts, replace 'tá' with 'está'.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Esselugartáocupado?
Esse (demonstrative pronoun)
Used to point to something near the listener; in Portuguese, 'esse' refers to something that is closer to the person you are speaking to.
lugar (noun)
Means 'place' or 'spot'; it is masculine, so adjectives must agree in gender.
tá (colloquial contraction)
Informal spoken form of the verb 'estar' (to be) in the third person singular; appropriate in casual conversation.
ocupado (adjective)
Means 'occupied' or 'busy'; it must agree with the masculine noun 'lugar' (hence 'ocupado' not 'ocupada').
🗨In Conversation
Esse lugar tá ocupado?
Is this place occupied?
Não, pode sentar.
No, you can sit.
✕Common Mistakes
Esse lugar está ocupado?
If you are the one near the place, use 'este' instead of 'esse'.
Esse lugar tá ocupado?
In formal contexts, replace 'tá' with 'está'.
Esse lugar está ocupada?
The adjective must match the gender of 'lugar' (masculine).
↔Alternatives
Este lugar está ocupado?
Is this place occupied?
Esse espaço está livre?
Is this space free?
Tem alguém aqui?
Is there anyone here?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, 'tá' is extremely common in everyday speech, but it’s considered informal. If you’re speaking to a stranger in a professional setting, use 'está' instead of 'tá'. Also, note that 'esse' points to something near the listener, while 'este' points to something near the speaker; both are acceptable here, but 'este' sounds slightly more formal.