seduto
The English phrase 'sitting' can be translated into Italian using seduto.
The word seduto is used to describe the state of being seated. If you want to informally describe someone who is sitting comfortably or is well-placed, you might use the word sistemato/a.
Meaning: a period during which one is seated for a specific purpose (noun)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between the state and the action. While seduto describes the state of being seated, the verb sedersi is used to describe the actual action of sitting down.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the state of being seated, Italian uses the auxiliary verb essere (to be) rather than avere (to have). The form seduto must agree in gender and number with the person who is sitting, using the forms seduto, seduta, seduti or sedute.
Did you know?
- The word seduto exists because the direct descendant of the Latin word 'sessus' was avoided to prevent confusion with the Italian word sesso, which means 'sex'.
- The word seduto is used in the common Italian idiom stare seduti e guardare, which describes someone who remains passive during a crisis.
- The verb sedersi is reflexive, meaning that in the Italian mind, the act of sitting is something you do 'to yourself'.
Examples in context
- Tom non è seduto.Tom isn't sitting.This sentence shows how to use seduto in a negative sentence.Tatoeba #8959510 by Guybrush88, translation #8959507 by CK
- È seduto al tavolo.He's sitting at the table.This sentence demonstrates using seduto to describe a location at a table.Tatoeba #744452 by Guybrush88, translation #535010 by blay_paul
- Ero seduto da solo.I was sitting by myself.This sentence shows using seduto to describe being alone.Tatoeba #12391928 by Guybrush88, translation #12391909 by InfinitusPrimus
- Sono seduta sulla sediaI am sitting on the chair
- Sto seduta sul divanoI am sitting on the couch
- Siete sistemati al tavoloYou are seated at the table
- Mi metto seduto sulla sediaI am going to sit on the chair
- I bambini sono seduti all'ombra degli alberiThe children are sitting in the shade of the trees
- Sono seduta sul letto a leggereI am sitting on the bed reading
- 187 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are at an art gallery.
- AlessandroQuanto dura ogni seduto per il ritratto?How long does each sitting for the portrait last?
- SofiaDi solito dura circa un'ora.It usually lasts about an hour.
- AlessandroRiuscirai a stare seduto così a lungo?Will you be able to stay seated for that long?
- SofiaSì, non ho problemi a restare ferma.Yes, I have no problem staying still.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries seduto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
