si sieda, per favore
The English phrase "please sit down" is translated into Italian as si sieda, per favore.
This phrase is used to invite someone to take a seat.
Meaning: please sit down (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase si sieda comes from the reflexive verb sedersi, which literally means "to seat oneself". The word sieda is the formal imperative form of this verb.
Which one should you use?
The phrase si sieda is a standard formal command. If you wish to be even more polite and less direct, you might use a phrase like prenda posto.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form si sieda, per favore uses the formal third-person singular imperative. In contrast, the informal version siediti, per favore is used when speaking to someone you know well.
Did you know?
- Using the informal siediti with a stranger or a superior in Italy is not just a grammar mistake but can be interpreted as a deliberate sign of disrespect or an attempt to assert dominance.
- The formal version si sieda uses the third-person singular conjugation because, in formal Italian, you address a person as if they were 'he' or 'she' to maintain social distance.
- In very formal contexts, a speaker might use si accomodi instead of si sieda to invite someone to make themselves comfortable, which can include sitting down.
Examples in context
- Si sieda, per favore!Please sit down!This sentence is useful for practicing the formal expression si sieda, per favore.Tatoeba #1222444 by Guybrush88, translation #1222430 by Zifre
- Prego, si accomodi. Sarà un piacere discutere dei dettagli del contratto.Please sit down. It will be a pleasure to discuss the details of the contract.
- La prego di accomodarsi. Possiamo procedere con l'intervista.Please sit down. We can proceed with the interview.
- Per favore, siediti. Abbiamo tanto da discutere.Please sit down. We have much to discuss.
- Fai pure, siediti. Hai fatto un lungo viaggio.Go ahead, sit down. You have made a long journey.
- Si sieda, per favore, all'inizio della fila.Please sit down at the beginning of the row.
Example conversation
Martina is welcoming Matteo into her office.
- MartinaBuongiorno, Matteo. Entri pure.Good morning, Matteo. Please come in.
- MatteoGrazie, Martina. Buongiorno a te.Thank you, Martina. Good morning to you.
- MartinaSi sieda, per favore, su quella sedia.Please sit down on that chair.
- MatteoGrazie mille.Thank you very much.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
