gaan zitten
To sit down in Dutch is gaan zitten.
The phrase gaan zitten is used to describe the action of assuming a sitting position from a standing position.
Meaning: to assume a sitting position from a standing position (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, gaan zitten translates to 'to go sit'.
Which one should you use?
While gaan zitten describes the movement of sitting down, the word zitten is used to describe the state of being seated.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal settings, you can use Neem plaats to mean 'take a seat' or Gelieve te gaan zitten to say 'please sit down'. Another polite option is Zou u willen gaan zitten?, which means 'Would you like to sit down, please?' In contrast, the imperative Ga zitten is used to tell someone to sit down in an informal or direct manner. If you want to use the formal Neem plaats but wish to sound friendly, you can say Neem plaats, hoor!
Did you know?
- In Dutch, the phrase ga zitten is often used as a command for dogs. Using this direct imperative with a human can sound remarkably blunt or even rude depending on the tone.
- The Dutch word zitten is a direct relative of the English word 'sit' and the Latin 'sedere'. Both share a common ancestor in the Proto-Indo-European root *sed-.
- Because zitten describes a state, Dutch uses it in contexts where English might use 'to be', such as describing how an object or person is positioned.
Examples in context
- Wil je gaan zitten?Do you want to sit down?This sentence is useful for asking if someone wants to gaan zitten.Tatoeba #10043982 by Micsmithel, translation #64486 by CK
- Nog niet gaan zitten.Don't sit down yet.This sentence is useful for telling someone not to gaan zitten yet.Tatoeba #13666872 by doemaar14, translation #13666118 by maaster
- We moeten gaan zitten.We must sit down.This sentence is useful for expressing the necessity to gaan zitten.Tatoeba #8588281 by Micsmithel, translation #533145 by blay_paul
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Levi and Emma enter a waiting room.
- LeviZullen we hier gaan zitten?Shall we sit down here?
- EmmaJa, dat is een goed idee.Yes, that is a good idea.
- LeviKijk, daar kunnen we gaan zitten.Look, we can sit down over there.
- EmmaLaten we dat doen, Levi.Let's do that, Levi.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sit down” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gaan, zitten, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
