占据

• Pinyin: zhàn jù
• Hanzi breakdown: 占 = 卜 (divination) + 口 (mouth); 据 = 扌 (hand) + 居 (reside)

Meaning

To occupy, take up, or hold a position; to possess or control something.

Used for both physical occupation of space and abstract control of positions, markets, or advantages. Can describe military occupation, market share, or taking up time and attention. Implies a degree of control or dominance.

Examples

1. 这家公司占据了国内智能手机市场近四成的份额。 This company holds nearly forty percent of the domestic smartphone market.
2. 工作占据了他生活的大部分时间，几乎没有空陪家人。 Work takes up most of his life, leaving him almost no time to spend with family.
3. 游击队占据了有利地形，成功抵御了敌人的进攻。 The guerrillas occupied favorable terrain and successfully repelled the enemy's attack.

Usage Guide

Context: business, military, general

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这个话题占据了新闻头条好几天。(This topic occupied the news headlines for several days.)
• 不要让负面情绪占据你的内心。(Don't let negative emotions occupy your mind.)

Don't Say

• 他占据了那本书。(Awkward — for owning books, use 拥有 or 有; 占据 implies taking over)

Origin & History

Compound of 占 (to occupy, divine) and 据 (to hold, according to). Together they emphasize taking and holding a position or place.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal