siéntate
/ˈsjentate/
The English phrase 'sit down' is translated into Spanish as siéntate.
The verb is used to instruct someone to assume a sitting position from a standing position. While siéntate is a common way to give this command, you may also use phrases like Tome asiento, por favor to say 'Please take a seat'.
Meaning: to assume a sitting position from a standing position (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The verb is reflexive, which means it literally translates to 'to seat oneself'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina and Uruguay, the phrase Tomá asiento is used instead of Tome asiento.
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive form of the verb is sentarse. The form siéntate is the informal imperative or command form. When addressing more than one person, use the plural form siéntense. When addressing someone formally, use siéntese.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsjentate/
Did you know?
- In certain Latin American countries, a person might avoid saying siéntate to a guest and instead use acomódate, which means 'make yourself comfortable' and implies settling in.
- If you want to tell a child to sit down in a very cute or diminutive way, you might say siéntate un ratito, which implies sitting down for 'a little while'.
- In some Latin American countries, using the formal siéntese with a stranger is so critical that using the informal siéntate could be perceived as a deliberate insult or a sign of superiority.
Examples in context
- Ven aquí y siéntate.Come here and sit down.This sentence is useful for practicing the command with siéntate.Tatoeba #2149095 by Shishir, translation #1860747 by CK
- Siéntate en la banca.Sit down on the bench.This sentence shows how to use siéntate with a location.Tatoeba #1703081 by marcelostockle, translation #33808 by CK
- Ven y siéntate a comer.Come and sit down to eat.This sentence demonstrates using siéntate to invite someone to eat.Tatoeba #3742303 by cueyayotl, translation #11213937 by DJ_Saidez
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía is welcoming Javier into her living room.
- SofíaHola Javier, pasa y siéntate.Hello Javier, come in and sit down.
- JavierMuchas gracias, Sofía.Thank you very much, Sofía.
- SofíaSiéntate en el sofá.Sit down on the sofa.
- JavierEstá muy cómodo aquí.It is very comfortable here.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry siéntate, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
