Meaning
A polite request for someone to take a seat.
Cultural Background
In Spain, the use of 'tú' (and thus 'siéntate') is much more common even with people you've just met, compared to many Latin American countries. Mexican culture places a high value on formal politeness (formalidad). You are more likely to hear 'Siéntese' or 'Pase usted' even in relatively casual business encounters. In Argentina, the 'voseo' is used. Instead of 'siéntate', you will hear 'sentate' (no accent on the 'e', but stress on the 'a').
The Hand Gesture
Always accompany this phrase with a small gesture toward the chair. It makes the invitation feel much warmer.
The Accent Mark
Don't forget the written accent on 'siéntate'. Without it, the word technically violates Spanish stress rules.
Meaning
A polite request for someone to take a seat.
The Hand Gesture
Always accompany this phrase with a small gesture toward the chair. It makes the invitation feel much warmer.
The Accent Mark
Don't forget the written accent on 'siéntate'. Without it, the word technically violates Spanish stress rules.
Wait for the Host
In many Hispanic cultures, it is polite to wait for the host to say 'siéntate' before you actually sit down.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct informal form to tell a friend to sit down.
Hola Carlos, ________, por favor.
'Siéntate' is the informal 'tú' command needed for a friend like Carlos.
Complete the phrase with the missing reflexive pronoun.
Por favor, sién____.
The 'tú' command for 'sentarse' requires the 'te' pronoun.
Match the phrase to the correct person.
Who would you say 'Por favor, siéntate' to?
This is an informal phrase best suited for friends.
Fill in the blank to complete the dialogue.
Anfitrión: 'Bienvenido. ________, siéntate.'
'Por favor' is the standard politeness marker used with this phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Who to say it to
Siéntate (Informal)
- • Friends
- • Siblings
- • Classmates
Siéntese (Formal)
- • Boss
- • Grandparents
- • Strangers
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHola Carlos, ________, por favor.
'Siéntate' is the informal 'tú' command needed for a friend like Carlos.
Por favor, sién____.
The 'tú' command for 'sentarse' requires the 'te' pronoun.
Who would you say 'Por favor, siéntate' to?
This is an informal phrase best suited for friends.
Anfitrión: 'Bienvenido. ________, siéntate.'
'Por favor' is the standard politeness marker used with this phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, as long as you include 'por favor' and use it with friends or peers. Without 'por favor', it can sound like a command to a dog or a child.
In Spanish, reflexive pronouns are attached to the end of affirmative commands. Sentar + te = siéntate.
Only if you have a very close, informal relationship. Otherwise, use 'siéntese' or 'tome asiento'.
In Latin America, it's 'siéntense'. In Spain, it's 'sentaos' (informal) or 'siéntense' (formal).
Related Phrases
Tome asiento
synonymTake a seat (formal)
Ponte cómodo
builds onMake yourself comfortable
Quédate
similarStay
