ven, siéntate
The English phrase "come sit" is translated into Spanish as ven, siéntate.
This phrase is used as an invitation for someone to move toward the speaker and take a seat.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative ven (come) and the reflexive imperative siéntate (sit yourself down).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, people often use the expression Siéntate, por favor to say "sit down, please".
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form ven, siéntate uses the second-person singular tú imperative, which is used for friends, family or people your own age. The formal version uses the third-person singular imperative forms of the verbs venir and sentarse, resulting in venga, siéntese.
Did you know?
- In many Latin American countries, you might hear the phrase venga, siéntese even with people your own age if you are in a service environment. This is because the 'usted' form is often used to show professional distance rather than just age-based respect.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the invitation to siéntate is often accompanied by a hand gesture sweeping across the seat or chair to physically direct the guest.
- While ven means 'come', using it as a command can sound very direct. In some Latin American regions, speakers might prefer pasa ('pass' or 'come in') to sound more welcoming when inviting someone to sit.
Examples in context
- Por favor, tome asiento. Bienvenido/a a la reunión.Please, take a seat. Welcome to the meeting.
- Ven, siéntate aquí conmigo.Come, sit here with me.
- Ven, siéntate conmigo en el sofá.Come, sit with me on the sofa.
- Ven, siéntate aquí para que hablemos.Come, sit here so we can talk.
- ¡Ven, siéntate un momento!Come, sit down for a moment!
Example conversation
María and Javier are at home in the living room.
- María¡Javier, ven, siéntate!Javier, come, sit down!
- Javier¿Pasa algo, María?Is something wrong, María?
- MaríaNo, solo quiero mostrarte algo.No, I just want to show you something.
- JavierEstá bien, ya voy.Okay, I'm coming.
