"have a seat"

Question

I have two possibilities for saying this:

Toma asiento. -and-

Tenga un asiento.

Which is correct for informal use, or is something else better? Gracias.

Answer 1

I think you're being too literal. A better option would probably be "Siéntete"

The choices you give are word for word translations. They would probably be understood, but not the way the expression would be said by a native speaker.

• Well,the WordReference dictionary says that such an [removed]but with the verb "tomar", not "tener") does exist, it's formal, though. - bomberapolac Mar 18, 2010
• "siéntete" means feel yourself. You meant "siéntate". - AntMexico Mar 18, 2010
• This is what I have heard a million times. That or "Siéntese". - Nicole-B Mar 18, 2010
• Nicole, siéntete is incorrect, however, siéntese is correct but it is the formal imperative. - Eddy Mar 18, 2010

Answer 2

As far as I know you can also say: Tome asiento, por favor. Siéntese, por favor. Both are formal. Informal of these two would be: Toma asiento. Venga, siéntate. But I am not a native so I am not 100% sure of that

Answer 3

I believe you are looking for "Siéntete, por favor" with the tone of delivery and the "por favor" indicating you are saying it in a "nice" way. If you want to say "Sit down!" then it is "¡Síentete!".

• "siéntate" - Eddy Mar 18, 2010
• For sure it is "siéntate". I think I made a typo or had a brain cramp! - OldSalt1945 Mar 18, 2010

Answer 4

Thanks very much, I appreciate your help

Answer 5

"siéntete" is wrong if you want to mean -have a seat- indeed it's siéntate