siedzieć
/ˈɕɛ.d͡ʑɛt͡ɕ/imperfective
The English word "sit" is translated into Polish as siedzieć.
siedzieć is an imperfective verb used to describe the state of a person being in a position where the upper body is upright and the legs are supported.
Meaning: of a person, be in a position in which the upper body is upright and the legs are supported (verb)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between siedzieć and siadać. While siedzieć describes the state of being seated, siadać describes the action of the process of sitting down.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb siedzieć changes depending on the subject and tense. The third-person plural present tense form is siedzą (they sit/are sitting). In the past tense, the masculine singular form is siedział (he sat/was sitting) and the feminine singular form is siedziała (she sat/was sitting).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable. The IPA is /ˈɕɛ.dʑɛtɕ/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse the state of being seated (siedzieć) with the action of sitting down (siadać).
Did you know?
- The Polish word siedzieć is used to say someone is in prison, as in on siedzi (one is sitting). In this context, it means 'to be serving time' without mentioning a chair or a cell.
- The Polish verb siedzieć shares the same ancient root as the English word 'sit', both tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root *sed-.
- In Polish, you can use siedzieć to describe where someone 'lives' or 'resides' in a very informal, colloquial way, much like saying someone 'sits' in a certain apartment.
Examples in context
- Chcę siedzieć w środku.I want to sit in the middle.This sentence shows how to use siedzieć to express a desire to sit in a specific location.Tatoeba #4375282 by nusia2302, translation #2831798 by kevinhsu
- Chcę siedzieć z przodu.I want to sit at the front rows.This sentence demonstrates the use of siedzieć regarding sitting in the front.Tatoeba #10568168 by antio, translation #8863645 by moxy
- Nie możemy tu tak siedzieć.We can't just sit here.This sentence illustrates using siedzieć to express that a specific way of sitting is not possible.Tatoeba #6554120 by arie, translation #1952009 by CK
- Proszę, usiądź.Please, sit down.
- Proszę, usiądźmy wszyscy.Please, let's all sit down.
- Siadaj tutaj.Sit here.
- Chodźcie, siadamy w ogrodzie.Come on, let's sit in the garden.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Piotr and Agnieszka are in a cafe looking for a table.
- PiotrCzy możemy tutaj siedzieć?Can we sit here?
- AgnieszkaTak, to miejsce jest wolne.Yes, this seat is free.
- PiotrWolę siedzieć przy oknie.I prefer to sit by the window.
- AgnieszkaDobrze, przejdźmy tam.Okay, let's go there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sit” translations and entries siedzieć, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries siedzieć, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
