sednout si
perfective
To sit down in Czech is to say sednout si. Wiktionary also lists posadit se and sedat si.
Meaning: to assume a sitting position from a standing position (verb)
Ways to say it
| Czech | Note |
|---|---|
| sednout si | perfective |
| posadit se | perfective |
| sedat si | imperfective |
The phrase describes the action of moving from a standing position to a sitting position.
Which one should you use?
The imperfective form sedat si is used to describe the ongoing process of sitting down or the habitual action of sitting. In contrast, the perfective form sednout si is used to describe the single, completed act of moving from a standing to a sitting position.
How does it change in a sentence?
The imperative form posaďte se is the standard polite way to tell a person (formally) or a group to sit down. The informal imperative posaď se is used when addressing a friend or a child.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse sedět (to be in a seated state) with sednout si (the action of sitting down).
Did you know?
- In Czech culture, it is common to wait for the host to say posaďte se before sitting down in a formal setting.
- The word si in sednout si functions as a 'middle voice' marker, implying that the action is being done for one's own benefit or comfort.
- The Czech word sedět (to be sitting) shares a deep ancient root with the English word 'sit' and the Latin 'sedere'.
Examples in context
- Děkuji, sednu si.Thank you, I will sit down.
- Přisedněte, prosím, a začneme.Please take a seat, and let's begin.
Example conversation
Kateřina and Tomáš are arriving at a cafe.
- KateřinaTady je volný stůl.There is a free table here.
- TomášSkvěle, pojďme si sednout si.Great, let's sit down.
- KateřinaChceš jíst nebo jen pít?Do you want to eat or just drink?
- TomášJen kávu, prosím.Just coffee, please.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sit down” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
