vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Por" is a preposition which is often translated as "by", and "ocuparse de" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to deal with". Learn more about the difference between "por" and "ocuparse de" below.
por(
pohr
)A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
5. (by way of)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¿Has ido a por tu hijo a la escuela?Have you picked up your son from school?
Habrá que ir a por leche cuando lleguemos.We'll need to go out for milk when we get there.
8. (for each)
10. (in place of)
a. for
Yo terminaré el trabajo por ti cuando estés de vacaciones.I'll finish the job for you while you're on vacation.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Está por verse.That remains to be seen.
El asunto está por resolverse.The issue is yet to be resolved.
ocuparse de(
oh
-
koo
-
pahr
-
seh
deh
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
1. (to tackle)
a. to deal with
El sur del país se está desertificando a marchas forzadas. Alguien debería ocuparse de este problema ya.The south of the country is rapidly turning into a desert. Someone should deal with this problem now.
a. to be in charge of
D.ª Cruz Palencia se ocupa de gestionar las órdenes de compra de nuestros clientes.Mrs. Cruz Palencia is in charge of managing our customers' purchase orders.
a. to take care of
¿Quién se ocupará de nosotros cuando seamos ancianos?Who will take care of us when we're old?