占用

• Pinyin: zhàn yòng
• Hanzi breakdown: 占 = 卜 + 口 (to occupy); 用 = 用 (to use)

Meaning

To occupy; to take up; to use up. To take possession of space, time, or resources.

Often implies improper or excessive use of shared resources. Common objects: 时间 (time), 空间 (space), 资源 (resources), 带宽 (bandwidth). Can carry negative connotation when resources are misappropriated.

Examples

1. 这个程序占用了太多内存，导致电脑运行缓慢。 This program uses up too much memory, which makes the computer run slowly.
2. 开会不要占用太多工作时间，简短高效才是关键。 Don’t let meetings take up too much work time; keeping them short and efficient is the key.
3. 违规建筑占用了公共绿地，引发居民强烈不满。 Illegal construction took over public green space, sparking strong resentment among residents.

Usage Guide

Context: resources, computing, space

Tone: neutral/critical

Do Say

• 请不要占用公共停车位存放私人物品。(Please do not occupy public parking spaces to store personal items.)
• 这款软件占用系统资源较少，非常适合老旧电脑使用。(This software uses fewer system resources and is well-suited for older computers.)

Don't Say

• 占用座位 for simply sitting — 占用 implies taking something that should be shared; for normal sitting use 坐

Origin & History

占 (to occupy) + 用 (to use)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal