κάτσε
The English phrase 'sit down' is translated into Greek as κάτσε.
Meaning: to assume a sitting position from a standing position (verb)
Which one should you use?
Adding the word κάτω results in the phrase κάτσε κάτω, which makes the command more forceful or emphatic, similar to 'Sit down right now!' in English.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form κάτσε is the singular imperative, used when speaking to one person informally.
Did you know?
- The Greek word for 'chair' is καρέκλα, which is a loanword from the French 'chaise', rather than being derived from the native verb κάτσε.
- While English speakers use 'sit down' to be polite, telling a guest to κάτσε without adding a polite particle can sound like a blunt military command.
- In Greece, if you tell a dog κάτσε, it is a standard command, but adding κάτω might be interpreted as telling the dog to 'lie down' or 'get off' a piece of furniture.
Examples in context
- Κάτσε κάτω!Sit down!This example shows how to use the emphatic phrase κάτσε κάτω!Tatoeba #5625862 by Zeus, translation #1349166 by sacredceltic
- Κάτσε κάτω.Sit down.This example shows the use of the command κάτσε κάτω.Tatoeba #5625871 by Zeus, translation #1553397 by CK
- Σε παρακαλώ κάτσε και θα φτιάξω τσάι.Please sit down, and I will make tea.Tatoeba #12132800 by carlosalberto, translation #12132731 by carlosalberto
- Παρακαλώ, καθήστε και χαλαρώστε.Please, sit down and relax.
- Κάτσε δίπλα μου!Sit next to me!
Example conversation
Dimitris invites Kyriaki to sit in the living room.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΚυριακή, κάτσε εδώ στον καναπέ.Kyriaki, katse edo ston kanape.Kyriaki, sit down here on the sofa.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕυχαριστώ, είναι πολύ άνετος.Efcharisto, einai poly anetos.Thank you, it is very comfortable.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΘέλεις ένα ποτήρι νερό;Thelis ena potiri nero?Do you want a glass of water?
- Κυριακή KyriakiΝαι, σε παρακαλώ.Nai, se parakalo.Yes, please.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
