זעץ זיך
zets zikh
To say "sit down" in Yiddish, use זעץ זיך (zets zikh).
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)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is literally "sit yourself", where זיך is a reflexive pronoun that must accompany the verb to complete the command.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form זעץ זיך is the singular imperative used when speaking to one person. When addressing multiple people, use the plural imperative form זעצט זיך.
How do you pronounce it?
zets zikh
Did you know?
- While זעץ זיך tells someone to sit, the root of the verb זעץ originally referred to a 'leap' or a 'sudden movement' in Old High German.
- In Yiddish, the act of sitting is described as a reflexive action, making זעץ זיך function similarly to the reflexive verbs found in Spanish or French.
- The development of the reflexive structure in Yiddish reflects a historical blending of Germanic and Slavic linguistic influences.
Examples in context
- ניין, זעץ זיך אַוועק.No, sit down.This sentence shows how to use זעץ זיך in a negative context.Tatoeba #11099077 by shekitten, translation #65861 by Zifre
- זעץ זיך אַוועק, קאַטע.Sit down, Kate.This sentence shows how to use זעץ זיך when addressing someone by name.Tatoeba #11099076 by shekitten, translation #243636 by mamat
- זײַ אַזוי גוט, זעץ זיך אַוועק!Please sit down!This sentence shows how to use זעץ זיך when making a polite request.Tatoeba #11099083 by shekitten, translation #1222430 by Zifre
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries זיך, זעץ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
