siéntate en mi regazo
/sjentate en mi ɾeɡaθo/from spelling rules
To say "sit on my lap" in Spanish, you say siéntate en mi regazo.
This phrase is used to instruct someone to sit on the upper thighs of a seated person.
What does it mean word for word?
The word regazo specifically refers to the lap or the area created by the thighs when a person is seated.
Which one should you use?
While siéntate en mi regazo uses the specific word for lap, some speakers may use siéntate en mis piernas, which literally means "sit on my legs".
How does it change in a sentence?
The word siéntate is the informal imperative (tú) command form of the verb sentarse.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, physical proximity such as sitting on someone's lap is often seen as a sign of deep familial affection rather than a sexualized gesture.
- The word regazo is derived from the old verb regazar, which originally described the act of sheltering or embracing something.
- The verb sentarse is reflexive, meaning it literally translates to 'to seat oneself' rather than just 'to sit'.
Examples in context
- Por favor, siéntese en mi regazoPlease, sit on my lap
- ¡Ven aquí y siéntate en mi regazo!Come here and sit on my lap!
- Siéntate en mi regazo para que te vea mejor.Sit on my lap so I can see you better.
- Ven aquí y siéntate en mi regazo.Come here and sit on my lap.
Example conversation
Elena is talking to her small child while Javier watches.
- ElenaNo hay más sillas disponibles.There are no more chairs available.
- JavierEntonces, ¿dónde me siento?Then, where do I sit?
- ElenaSiéntate en mi regazo, cariño.Sit on my lap, honey.
- Javier¡Vale, gracias mamá!Okay, thanks mom!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, mi, regazo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
