permanezca sentado
/peɾmaneθka sentado/from spelling rules
To say 'stay seated' in Spanish, you say permanezca sentado.
This phrase is used to request or command someone to remain in a seat and not stand up.
Which one should you use?
Permanezca sentado is a formal command, typically used by authorities, flight attendants or in professional settings. In contrast, quédate sentado is the informal version used when speaking to a friend, child or someone you know well.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the person being addressed is female, the adjective 'sentado' must change to the feminine form sentada (e.g., permanezca sentada). To address a group of people, use the plural form permanezcan sentados.
How do you pronounce it?
/peɾmaneθka sentado/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the phrase sentar mal is used idiomatically to describe something that is poorly received or offensive. If a comment te sentó mal, it means it upset you or offended you.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, remaining sentado while greeting a superior or elder can be seen as a sign of disrespect. It is often customary to stand up immediately when someone enters the room.
- While sentado describes the state of being seated, the verb sentar is also used to describe how clothes fit. If a garment sienta bien, it means it is flattering or fits the wearer well.
Examples in context
- Manténganse sentados durante la clase, por favor.Please stay seated during class.
- Permanezcan en sus asientos hasta que la charla haya finalizado.Stay seated until the talk is finished.
- Por favor, quédate sentado y disfruta de la comida.Please stay seated and enjoy your meal.
- Por favor, permanezca sentado mientras el avión aterriza.Please, stay seated while the plane lands.
- Permanezca sentado hasta que la música termine.Stay seated until the music ends.
- Permanezca sentado en su lugar, por favor.Stay seated in your place, please.
Example conversation
A doctor's office during a consultation.
- ElenaMateo, por favor, permanezca sentado.Mateo, please, stay seated.
- Mateo¿Puedo levantarme para tomar mis cosas?Can I stand up to grab my things?
- ElenaNo, debe permanecer sentado un momento más.No, you must stay seated a little longer.
- MateoEstá bien, me quedaré aquí.Alright, I will stay here.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
