siéntate y relájate
/sjentate i ɾelaxate/from spelling rules
The English phrase "sit back and relax" can be translated into Spanish as siéntate y relájate.
This phrase is used as an invitation or suggestion to stop working and make oneself comfortable to enjoy a period of rest.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form siéntate y relájate uses the second-person singular imperative, which is used with friends, family or people you know well. The formal version, siéntese y relájese, uses the third-person singular imperative forms to show respect to the listener.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a true state of relaxation is linked to the sobremesa, the tradition of staying at the table talking long after a meal has ended.
- While relájate is a direct translation, Spaniards often use the phrase estirar la pierna meaning 'to stretch the leg' to describe taking a well-earned break.
- The word y in this phrase is a simplified descendant of the Old Spanish é, which was used to avoid a hiatus between two vowel sounds.
Examples in context
- Siéntate y relájate, te lo mereces.Sit back and relax, you deserve it.
- Solo siéntate y relájate en el sofá.Just sit back and relax on the sofa.
- Siéntate y relájate mientras llega la cena.Sit back and relax while dinner arrives.
Example conversation
At home after a long day of work.
- ElenaDaniel, siéntate y relájate un poco.Daniel, sit back and relax a little.
- DanielGracias, Elena, he tenido un día agotador.Thanks, Elena, I have had an exhausting day.
- ElenaTe traeré algo de beber.I will bring you something to drink.
- DanielEres muy amable, gracias.You are very kind, thanks.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries y, CC BY-SA 4.0.
