Is this seat taken?
oc-cu-PA-to — double 'c', stress on third syllable. The 'c' before 'u' is hard /k/.
Use in a cinema with free seating before sitting down. Polite way to check before sitting next to someone. Also appropriate in theatres, on trains, and at any venue with unassigned seats.
'Occupato' literally means 'occupied' and is the standard word for a taken seat. The opposite is 'libero' (free). In cinemas with assigned seating this question is less necessary, but in small arthouse cinemas or free-seating screenings it is essential.
È libero questo posto?
Is this seat free?
Alternative phrasing — same meaning, asking from the opposite angle.
C'è qualcuno qui?
Is someone sitting here?
Informal alternative when someone's bag is on a seat.
Posso sedermi qui?
May I sit here?
Politely asks permission rather than asking about the seat status.
In Italian cinemas with assigned seating, finding someone in your seat is common. Italians typically handle this politely by showing their ticket — 'Scusi, questo è il mio posto' without confrontation.