How to Say "Stay There" in German

bleib da

The English phrase 'stay there' is translated into German as bleib da.

This phrase is used as a command telling someone to remain in their current location.

What does it mean word for word?

The word bleib is the imperative form of bleiben (to stay/remain) and da means 'there'.

While bleib da means to remain in a location, bleib dort is a more specific way to say 'stay over there' (at a distance).

The form bleib da is the singular imperative. Use bleibt da when addressing a group of people or bleiben Sie da for the formal singular/plural.

While bleib da is a command for people, you should only say bleib to a dog. Adding da to a dog command sounds unnatural to German speakers.
The word da is a linguistic 'chameleon' that can mean 'there' (a place), 'then' (a time), or even 'at that moment'.
The modern word da is the result of a merger between three different ancient adverbs meaning 'there', 'thither' and 'then'.

Bleib da, und beweg dich nicht!
Stay there and don't move!
This sentence is useful for emphasizing that the person should not move while staying in that location.
Tatoeba #2161484 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2161475 by fanty
Geh in den Keller und bleib da!
Go down into the basement and stay there.
This sentence is useful for giving a sequence of instructions that includes staying in a specific place.
Tatoeba #12577074 by Waldelfe, translation #9776927 by CK
Bleib da!
Stay there.
This sentence is useful for a simple command to stay in a location.
Tatoeba #9968579 by wolfgangth, translation #462476 by lukaszpp
Geben Sie mir bitte einen Moment. Bleiben Sie dort.
Please give me a moment. Stay there.
Bleib da, ich hole dich gleich ab.
Stay there, I'll pick you up soon.

Laura and Julian are playing a game of hide and seek in the living room.

Sources

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