sente-se
To say 'sit down' in Portuguese, use sente-se.
This verb phrase is used to instruct someone to move from a standing position to a sitting position. In casual Brazilian Portuguese, the reflexive form is sometimes replaced by the non-reflexive sentar to express the same idea.
Meaning: to assume a sitting position from a standing position (verb)
Which one should you use?
While sente-se is the standard reflexive form for sitting oneself down, the non-reflexive sentar is often used in casual contexts in Brazil to mean the same thing.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Portugal, it is more common to use the phrase Sente-se, por favor to convey a formal request for someone to sit down.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing more than one person, use the plural form sentem-se. Use senta-te specifically when using the informal 'tu' form with a single person.
Did you know?
- In Brazil, using the verb sentar without the reflexive pronoun can sometimes carry a suggestive sexual connotation depending on the context and tone.
- Unlike English where 'sit down' is often an imperative, in many Portuguese social circles, it is much more polite to use a question form like 'Quer sentar?' even when you are clearly inviting them to sit.
- If you are in Portugal and use the informal senta-te with a stranger, you might be perceived as being unintentionally rude or overly intimate.
Examples in context
- Venha aqui e sente-se.Come here and sit down.This sentence shows how to use sente-se in a command to come and sit.Tatoeba #7826537 by Ricardo14, translation #1860747 by CK
- Sente-se! Não se levante.Sit down! Don't stand up.This sentence demonstrates using sente-se as a direct command to sit and not stand up.Tatoeba #1840943 by gleydin, translation #1242876 by alec
- Sente-se e converse comigo.Sit down and talk with me.This sentence uses sente-se to suggest sitting down to talk.Tatoeba #9102775 by JGEN, translation #9058320 by CK
- Por favor, sentem-se e vamos começar a reunião.Please, sit down, and let's start the meeting.
- Senta-te aqui ao meu lado e conversa comigo.Sit down here next to me and talk with me.
- Pode se sentar onde preferir. Fique à vontade.You can sit down wherever you prefer. Make yourself comfortable.
- Caro cliente, por favor, sente-se e aguarde o seu atendimento.Dear customer, please sit down and wait for your service.
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a doctor's waiting room.
- MarianaFelipe, sente-se aqui, por favor.Felipe, sit down here, please.
- FelipeObrigado, Mariana. Posso sentar nesta cadeira?Thank you, Mariana. Can I sit in this chair?
- MarianaSim, pode se sentar.Yes, you can sit down.
- FelipeMuito obrigado pela ajuda.Thank you very much for the help.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
