levántese, por favor
The English phrase "stand up, please" is translated into Spanish as levántese, por favor.
This phrase is used as a polite request for someone to rise to their feet from a sitting or lying position.
Which one should you use?
The form levántese is the singular formal version, whereas levántense would be used to address a group of people.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form levántate is used instead of levántese when speaking to someone you know well or someone of a lower social status.
Did you know?
- The formal usted form used in levántese is actually a contraction of 'vuestra merced', which meant 'your grace' in Old Spanish. While the phrase has simplified over centuries, the polite distance remains baked into the grammar.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, standing up when an elder or a person of high authority enters the room is a traditional sign of respect.
- The phrase levántese can be used to tell someone to get out of bed, as the verb levantar covers both rising from a chair and waking up for the day.
Examples in context
- Levántese, por favor, para la foto.Stand up, please, for the photo.
- Levántese, por favor, que ya empezamos.Stand up, please, we are starting now.
- Señora, levántese, por favor, para que la ayude.Ma'am, stand up, please, so that I can help you.
Example conversation
A doctor is checking a patient in a clinic.
- JavierLevántese, por favor, para revisar su espalda.Stand up, please, to check your back.
- MaríaEstá bien, doctor, me levanto ahora.Okay, doctor, I am standing up now.
- JavierGracias, María. Todo parece normal.Thank you, María. Everything looks normal.
- MaríaQué alivio, muchas gracias.What a relief, thank you very much.
