estoy sentado
/estoi sentado/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I am sitting" is translated into Spanish as estoy sentado.
estoy sentado is used to describe the state of already being in a seated position.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is literally "I am seated", which uses the verb estar (to be in a state) and the past participle sentado (seated).
Which one should you use?
estoy sentado describes the state of being seated, whereas me estoy sentando is used to describe the physical action of moving from a standing to a seated position (I am sitting down).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase must agree with the gender of the speaker. If the speaker is female, the adjective changes to the feminine form estoy sentada.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying estoy sentando to describe the state of being in a chair. This is an incorrect use of the present participle. Instead, use the past participle sentado to indicate the state of being seated.
Did you know?
- The verb sentar can also mean 'to suit' or 'to look good' on someone, such as saying a specific color 'sienta bien' (sits well) on a person.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, remaining sentado while an elder or person of high authority enters a room can be perceived as a sign of disrespect.
- While estoy sentado refers to the physical act of sitting, the phrase estoy asentado is used to mean one is 'settled' or established in a new place or career.
Examples in context
- Estoy sentado en una fila.I am sitting in a row.This sentence shows how to use estoy sentado to describe your position in a row.Tatoeba #1905455 by marcelostockle, translation #364008 by anubhav
- No tengo ganas de irme, porque aquí estoy sentado muy cómodamente.I don't feel like going, because I am sitting here quite comfortably.This sentence uses estoy sentado to describe being seated comfortably.Tatoeba #2807730 by brandini, translation #2807722 by brandini
- Estoy sentado en la oficinaI am sitting in the office
- Me encuentro sentada en el teatroI am seated in the theater
- Me encuentro sentada en la conferencia.I am seated at the conference
- Estoy sentado en el sofá ahora.I am sitting on the sofa now.
Example conversation
Mateo is calling María while she is at the park.
- María¿Dónde estás, Mateo?Where are you, Mateo?
- MateoEstoy sentado en el banco del parque.I am sitting on the park bench.
- MaríaPerfecto, voy para allí.Perfect, I am going there.
- MateoTe espero aquí.I'll wait for you here.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
