Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| siadać | /ˈɕa.dat͡ɕ/ | imperfective |
| usiąść | /ˈu.ɕɔw̃ɕt͡ɕ/ /ˈu.ɕɔɲɕt͡ɕ/ |
perfective |
This verb describes the physical act of moving from a standing position to a sitting position.
Which one should you use?
The imperfective form siadać is used to describe the ongoing process of sitting down or for actions that happen habitually. In contrast, the perfective form usiąść is used to describe a single, completed act of sitting down.
How does it change in a sentence?
The imperative (command) forms vary based on who you are addressing: Siadaj is used when telling a friend or someone younger to sit down, while the plural imperative siadajcie is used when addressing a group of people informally. For a very polite way to invite someone to sit in a formal setting, you can use niech pan/pani usiądzie.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of siadać is /ˈɕa.datɕ/. It has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse siadać (the act of sitting down) with siedzieć, which means "to be sitting" (the state of being seated).
Did you know?
- The word siadać can be used colloquially to describe a piece of machinery or an organ, such as the heart, failing or 'giving out'.
- The verb siadać is used to describe the way a garment fits, particularly if a piece of clothing 'sits' well on the body.
- The term siadać can be used to describe the settling of a building's foundation into the ground over time.
Examples in context
- Cały dzień byłem na nogach, muszę na chwilę usiąść.I've been on my feet all day, so I just need to sit down for a while.This sentence is useful for practicing the perfective form usiąść to express a need for a brief rest.Tatoeba #975066 by zipangu, translation #953894 by CK
- Muszę usiąść.I need to sit down.This sentence shows how to use the perfective form usiąść to express a necessity.Tatoeba #5514968 by rubber_duck, translation #2387729 by CK
- Nie, proszę siadać.No, sit down.This sentence demonstrates the use of the imperfective form siadać in a polite command.Tatoeba #959029 by zipangu, translation #65861 by Zifre
- Proszę usiąśćPlease have a seat
- Usiądź tutajSit here
- Siadajcie sobieSit down
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Krzysztof and Małgorzata are waiting for a bus.
- KrzysztofZaraz tu siadam, bolą mnie nogi.I'm sitting down here in a moment, my legs hurt.
- MałgorzataNie siadaj na tej ławce, jest brudna.Don't sit down on that bench, it's dirty.
- KrzysztofOjej, faktycznie. Gdzie wtedy siadać?Oh, you're right. Where should I sit down then?
- MałgorzataMożesz siadać na tym krześle obok.You can sit down on this chair next to it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sit down” translations and entries siadać, usiąść, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
