preocupar
worry
The Spanish word for 'worry' is 'preocupar'. It is used much like the English word, to express anxiety, unease, or concern about a situation or problem. It's a reflexive verb, meaning in Spanish you often worry yourself about something, using it with reflexive pronouns such as me, te, se, etc, for example 'me preocupo por ti' translates to 'I worry about you'.
Example sentences using: preocupar
¿De qué te preocupas?
What are you worried about?
This question shows how 'preocupar' can be used to ask about someone else's worries or concerns.
Esto me preocupa mucho.
I'm really worried about this.
Here, 'preocupar' is used with an object ('esto') to indicate specific concern or worry.
No te deberías preocupar tanto.
You shouldn't worry so much.
In this case, 'preocupar' is used in the negative imperative form to give advice or a suggestion to another person.
A mi madre le preocupa mi salud.
This sentence uses the reflexive form of 'preocupar' to indicate the person who has the concern.
None
No es algo que me preocupe.
It's not something that worries me.
In this sentence, 'preocupe' is used in the subjunctive form to express lack of concern about a particular issue.
Estas cosas no deberían preocuparte.
These things shouldn't worry you.
Here, 'preocuparte' is used with a negative modal verb ('no deberían') to express an advice or suggestion.
Siempre se preocupa por su familia.
She always worries about her family.
This sentence shows how 'preocupa' can be used to express constant worry or concern about something or someone ('su familia').
¿Por qué te preocupa tanto?
Why does it worry you so much?
In this question, 'preocupa' is used to query the reason for intense concern or worry.
Me preocupa la falta de trabajo.
I'm worried about the lack of work.
This sentence shows how 'preocupa' can be used to express concern about a specific situation or context ('lack of work').
Me preocupa que no esté aquí a tiempo.
I'm worried that he won't be here on time.
The verb 'preocupar' in this context is expressing a feeling of anxiety or concern about a future event, just like 'worry' in English.