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"Manejar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to handle", and "ocupar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to take up". Learn more about the difference between "manejar" and "ocupar" below.
manejar(
mah
-
neh
-
hahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
b. to use
Hay que saber cómo manejar los datos para sacarles máximo provecho.You need to know how to use the data to get the most out of it.
c. to operate
¿Has aprendido a manejar la nueva maquinaria?Have you learned how to operate the new machinery?
2. (to control)
a. to handle
Hay que manejar la situación con mucho tacto.We need to handle the situation very tactfully.
3. (to direct)
4. (to exploit)
a. to manipulate
El director de la empresa maneja a sus empleados como quiere.The company director manipulates his staff at will.
5. (automobile) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. to drive
Mi padre me deja manejar su carro los fines de semana.My dad lets me drive his car on weekends.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
6. (automobile) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
manejarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
ocupar(
oh
-
koo
-
pahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to cover)
a. to take up (space)
Los juguetes de los niños ocupan mucho espacio.The kid's toys take up a lot of space.
2. (to invade)
3. (to hold)
a. to occupy
Ha ocupado el puesto de gerente por casi cinco años.He's occupied the manager position for almost five years.
a. to be in
El ciclista colombiano ocupa el primer puesto de la clasificación general.The Colombian cyclist is in the first position of the general standings.
a. to keep occupied
Ya no sé en qué ocupar a los niños.I just don't know how to keep the children occupied anymore.
7. (to hire)
a. to employ
El nuevo proyecto de la industria aeroespacial ocupará a cientos de ingenieros.The new aerospace project will employ hundreds of engineers.
8. (to seize)
ocuparse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
10. (to tackle)
a. to be in charge of
Yo me ocupaba de las compras y de las exportaciones.I was in charge of purchases and exports.
12. (to look after)
a. to take care of
Tanto el padre como la madre se ocupan de sus hijos.Both the father and the mother take care of their children.
