Meaning
A polite request for someone to take a seat.
Cultural Background
The use of 'tú' is extremely common, even with people you've just met in a social setting. 'Siéntate' is the standard. Politeness is very important. Even when using 'siéntate,' the tone is often very soft and melodic to avoid sounding like a bossy command. The 'voseo' form 'sentate' is used. It's very common and sounds quite strong but is actually very friendly. In regions like Bogotá, 'usted' is used even among family. You might hear 'siéntese' from a mother to a son.
The 'T' Rule
If you are talking to someone you call 'tú', the command must end in 'te' (siéntate).
Don't forget the accent
Without the accent, it's not a proper Spanish word. It's 'siéntate', not 'sientate'.
Meaning
A polite request for someone to take a seat.
The 'T' Rule
If you are talking to someone you call 'tú', the command must end in 'te' (siéntate).
Don't forget the accent
Without the accent, it's not a proper Spanish word. It's 'siéntate', not 'sientate'.
Body Language
Always point to the chair when you say this; it makes the invitation feel much warmer.
Test Yourself
You are inviting your best friend into your living room. Which is the most appropriate phrase?
¡Hola! Pasa a la sala. ________.
Since it's a 'best friend,' the informal 'tú' form (siéntate) is required.
Complete the sentence with the correct reflexive pronoun for the 'tú' command.
Siénta__ por favor, el café está listo.
The informal command for 'sentarse' (tú) is 'siéntate'.
Match the phrase to the correct person you are speaking to.
1. Siéntate, por favor. | 2. Siéntese, por favor.
Informal for family, formal for superiors.
Fill in the missing line in this casual dialogue.
A: ¿Puedo usar esta silla? B: Sí, claro. ________.
The context is a casual permission request.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Tú vs Usted Commands
Practice Bank
4 exercises¡Hola! Pasa a la sala. ________.
Since it's a 'best friend,' the informal 'tú' form (siéntate) is required.
Siénta__ por favor, el café está listo.
The informal command for 'sentarse' (tú) is 'siéntate'.
1. Siéntate, por favor. | 2. Siéntese, por favor.
Informal for family, formal for superiors.
A: ¿Puedo usar esta silla? B: Sí, claro. ________.
The context is a casual permission request.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsBoth are perfectly correct. 'Por favor, siéntate' sounds a bit more like a gentle invitation, while 'Siéntate, por favor' can sound slightly more like a request to follow a rule.
Only if your boss has explicitly asked you to use 'tú'. Otherwise, use 'Siéntese'.
In Latin America, say 'Siéntense'. In Spain, say 'Sentaos'.
Because when we add 'te' to 'sienta', the stress would naturally move. We add the accent to keep the stress on the 'ie'.
Yes, but it's more like 'Take a seat'. It's a bit more formal and very common in offices.
Yes, but it sounds like a direct command. Use it with your kids or very close friends, otherwise it might seem rude.
The negative is 'No te sientes'. The pronoun moves to the front!
Yes, all the time. Spain is very informal, so 'siéntate' is heard everywhere.
It is the infinitive verb meaning 'to sit oneself down'.
It is always 'siéntate' with an accent on the first 'e'.
Related Phrases
Toma asiento
similarTake a seat
Acomódate
builds onGet comfortable
Pasa
similarCome in
Quédate
similarStay
