Por favor, tome asiento
In Spanish, "please have a seat" is translated as Por favor, tome asiento.
The phrase is a polite request used to ask someone to sit down. In relaxed settings, you might also use Ponte cómodo/a to mean "make yourself comfortable" when inviting someone to take a seat.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase tome asiento is a literal translation of "take a seat". Here, tome is the imperative form of the verb tomar (to take) and asiento means "seat".
Which one should you use?
While Por favor, tome asiento is a polite way to say "have a seat", the form siéntese is a more direct command meaning "sit down" and can feel more abrupt depending on the context and tone. For informal situations, you may use siéntate or toma asiento.
How does it change in a sentence?
When speaking to a friend or someone you know well, you should use the informal toma asiento instead of the formal tome asiento.
Did you know?
- The verb tomar in tome asiento is used similarly to the English 'take', but it is the same verb used for 'drinking' a beverage.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is common to offer a seat by gesturing with an open palm toward the chair rather than pointing with a single finger. Pointing at a seat while saying tome asiento can be perceived as rude or aggressive.
- The word asiento comes from the verb asentar, which means to settle or to establish something firmly. This implies that by taking a seat, you are not just sitting, but becoming settled in that space.
Examples in context
- Por favor, tome asiento y espere un momento.Please have a seat and wait a moment.
- Por favor, tome asiento en la sala de espera.Please have a seat in the waiting room.
- Pase a la oficina y, por favor, tome asiento.Come into the office and, please, have a seat.
Example conversation
A professional office setting where a receptionist greets a visitor.
- SofíaBuenos días, Mateo. Por favor, tome asiento.Good morning, Mateo. Please have a seat.
- MateoMuchas gracias, Sofía.Thank you very much, Sofía.
- Sofía¿Desea un poco de agua mientras espera?Would you like some water while you wait?
- MateoSí, por favor, sería muy amable.Yes, please, that would be very kind.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries asiento, favor, por, CC BY-SA 4.0.
