بنشینید
benshinid
To say 'sit down' in Persian, use بنشینید (benshinid).
The phrase is used to instruct someone to assume a sitting position from a standing position.
Meaning: to assume a sitting position from a standing position (verb)
Which one should you use?
The form بنشین is an informal imperative used for a single person or a close friend. The form بنشینید is used when addressing a group of people or when you wish to be polite to a single person.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to describe the state of being seated (for example, 'he is sitting'), Persian uses the past participle نشسته (neshaste) rather than the verb for the action of sitting down. The form بنشینید is the polite or formal way to address one person or a group, while the imperative بنشین is used for a single person or a close friend.
How do you pronounce it?
benshinid
Did you know?
- Persian culture has a specific tradition of Taarof where a host may repeatedly tell a guest to بنشینید while the guest politely declines several times before finally sitting.
- In Persian etiquette, when you tell someone to 'sit down', you should avoid pointing at a chair with a single finger, as the gesture is considered much more impolite than the words themselves.
- The verb root for 'sitting' in Persian, related to نشسته, shares an ancient connection with the concept of 'staying' or 'remaining' in a place, rather than just the physical act of lowering the body.
Examples in context
- استاد، لطفاً بنشینید.Sir/Madam, please sit down.
- بیا اینجا، بشین.Come here, sit down.
- بنشینید تا من چای بیاورم.benshinid tā man chāy biāvaram.Sit down so I can bring tea.
- خانم، لطفاً روی این صندلی بنشینید.khānom, lotfan ruye in sandali benshinid.Ma'am, please sit down on this chair.
Example conversation
At a doctor's office waiting room.
- محمد Mohammadخانم، لطفاً اینجا بنشینید.khānom, lotfan injā benshinid.Ma'am, please sit down here.
- نیلوفر Niloufarممنون، خیلی لطف کردید.mamnun, kheyli lotf kardid.Thank you, that is very kind of you.
- محمد Mohammadخواهش می‌کنم، کمی صبر کنید.khāhesh mikonam, kami sabr konid.You're welcome, please wait a little bit.
- نیلوفر Niloufarبله، حتماً.bale, hatman.Yes, certainly.
