con las piernas cruzadas
/kon las pjeɾnas kɾuθadas/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'criss cross applesauce' can be translated into Spanish as con las piernas cruzadas.
This phrase is used as a playful way to instruct children to sit on the floor with their legs crossed.
Did you know?
- While English uses a food rhyme for this position, Spanish speakers may use the term sentarse en indio or como indiecitos, meaning 'to sit like an Indian'.
- In Spanish, the word cruzadas is used not only for legs but also to describe 'crusades', as both involve the symbol of the 'cross'.
- The word con in the phrase shares the same Proto-Indo-European root as the English word 'companion', which literally means someone you go 'with'.
Examples in context
- Siéntense con las piernas cruzadas para el cuento.Sit with your legs crossed for the story.
- Debes estar con las piernas cruzadas en la alfombra.You must be sitting with your legs crossed on the rug.
- Todos, pónganse con las piernas cruzadas ahora.Everyone, sit with your legs crossed now.
Example conversation
A teacher is getting children ready for circle time in a classroom.
- Javier¡Niños, siéntense con las piernas cruzadas!Children, sit criss cross applesauce!
- Lucía¡Ya estoy lista, Javier!I am ready, Javier!
- JavierMuy bien, Lucía, qué buena niña.Very good, Lucía, what a good girl.
- Lucía¿Podemos empezar ya la clase?Can we start the class now?
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries con, las, CC BY-SA 4.0.
