Meaning
A polite invitation to take a seat.
Cultural Background
Hospitality (Philoxenia) is a core Greek value. Offering a seat is the first physical manifestation of this value when someone enters your space. Hierarchy is respected through language. Even if a workplace is modern, the use of 'καθίστε' with senior management remains the norm. Greeks are generally very respectful to the elderly on public transport. Offering a seat is expected behavior for younger people. In traditional coffee houses, the owner will often use 'Παρακαλώ, καθίστε' to welcome patrons, signaling that they are welcome to stay as long as they like.
The Palm Gesture
When saying this, gesture toward the chair with an open palm facing up. It's the universal Greek sign of welcome.
Don't forget the 'th'
Make sure to pronounce the 'θ' in 'καθίστε' clearly. If you say it with a 't' sound, it might be harder to understand.
Meaning
A polite invitation to take a seat.
The Palm Gesture
When saying this, gesture toward the chair with an open palm facing up. It's the universal Greek sign of welcome.
Don't forget the 'th'
Make sure to pronounce the 'θ' in 'καθίστε' clearly. If you say it with a 't' sound, it might be harder to understand.
Combine with 'Ορίστε'
Saying 'Ορίστε, παρακαλώ καθίστε' makes you sound like a native-level host.
Eye Contact
Always make brief, friendly eye contact when offering a seat. It reinforces the sincerity of the invitation.
Test Yourself
You are at a job interview. How do you invite the interviewer to sit down after they enter?
__________, καθίστε.
'Παρακαλώ' is the standard polite way to say 'please' in this context.
Complete the phrase for an elderly person on the bus.
Ορίστε, παρακαλώ _________ στη θέση μου.
The plural/formal 'καθίστε' is required to show respect to an elder.
Match the phrase to the correct person.
With whom would you use 'Παρακαλώ, καθίστε'?
Formal phrases are best for professional relationships and strangers.
Complete the dialogue at the doctor's office.
Γιατρός: Καλημέρα σας. Ασθενής: Καλημέρα, γιατρέ. Γιατρός: __________, __________.
This is the standard polite sequence in a medical consultation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs. Informal Sitting
Practice Bank
4 exercises__________, καθίστε.
'Παρακαλώ' is the standard polite way to say 'please' in this context.
Ορίστε, παρακαλώ _________ στη θέση μου.
The plural/formal 'καθίστε' is required to show respect to an elder.
With whom would you use 'Παρακαλώ, καθίστε'?
Formal phrases are best for professional relationships and strangers.
Γιατρός: Καλημέρα σας. Ασθενής: Καλημέρα, γιατρέ. Γιατρός: __________, __________.
This is the standard polite sequence in a medical consultation.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYou can, but it sounds much more like a command. Adding 'Παρακαλώ' makes it a polite invitation.
Yes! The plural 'καθίστε' is the standard way to show respect to a single person (the 'formal you').
'Καθίστε' is formal/plural; 'κάτσε' is very informal/singular, used with friends.
Usually, you wouldn't invite someone to sit in an email unless you are giving directions for an upcoming meeting.
Use 'Κάθισε' or 'Κάτσε'. 'Καθίστε' would sound very strange to a child.
Yes, 'Θα θέλατε να καθίσετε;' (Would you like to sit?) is even more formal.
You say it as they are approaching the chair or standing undecided.
No, this phrase is strictly polite. For a rude command, Greeks use different, harsher words.
No, you can say 'Καθίστε, παρακαλώ' as well. Both are correct.
Usually 'Ευχαριστώ' (Thank you).
Related Phrases
Ορίστε
similarHere you go / Please (versatile)
Περάστε
builds onCome in / Pass through
Κοπιάστε
specialized formCome and join us (often for food)
Κάθισε
synonymSit (singular/informal)
Αναπαυθείτε
specialized formRest / Make yourself comfortable
