sedersi
/seˈder.si/
The English phrase 'sit' is translated into Italian as sedersi. Wiktionary also lists sedere and essere seduto.
Meaning: of a person, be in a position in which the upper body is upright and the legs are supported (verb)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| sedersi | /seˈder.si/ |
| sedere | /seˈde.re/ |
| essere seduto |
The verb describes a person being in a position where the upper body is upright and the legs are supported.
Which one should you use?
The reflexive form sedersi is used to express the action of sitting down. In contrast, essere seduto describes the state of being already seated rather than the transition of the action. The form sedere can mean the act of sitting or, in older or formal contexts, to be seated.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the reflexive verb sedersi in a sentence with a direct object, the reflexive pronoun must agree with the person being seated.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of sedersi is /seˈder.si/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word seduto is used instead of the older Latin-derived form sessus to avoid any confusion with the Italian word sesso, which means 'sex'.
- In many Italian contexts, if you want to tell someone to 'sit down' politely, you might use the verb accomodarsi, which literally means 'to make oneself comfortable'.
- The English word 'sediment' shares the same Proto-Indo-European root as sedere, as sediment refers to things that 'sit' at the bottom of a liquid.
Examples in context
- Si può sedere qui.He can sit here.This sentence demonstrates the use of sedere.Tatoeba #10665145 by Guybrush88, translation #8478869 by CH
- Lo forzò a sedersi.She forced him to sit down.This sentence shows how to use sedersi when a person is forced to sit.Tatoeba #6300013 by Guybrush88, translation #887120 by CK
- La forzò a sedersi.He forced her to sit down.This sentence also shows the use of sedersi in a different gender context.Tatoeba #12680411 by Guybrush88, translation #304012 by CK
- Signora, si accomodi. È un piacere averla quiMadam, please have a seat. It's a pleasure to have you here
- Amici, sedetevi pure e godetevi la serataFriends, sit yourselves down and enjoy the evening
- 233 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Lorenzo are arriving at a cafe.
- SofiaGuarda, c'è un tavolo libero. Possiamo sedersi qui?Look, there is a free table. Can we sit here?
- LorenzoSì, perfetto. Andiamo a sedersi.Yes, perfect. Let's go sit down.
- SofiaTi piace questo posto, Lorenzo?Do you like this place, Lorenzo?
- LorenzoSì, è molto tranquillo.Yes, it is very quiet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sit” translations and entries sedersi, sedere, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries essere, sedere, seduto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
