How to translate "Se sienta en la silla".

Question

It might not be as obvious as you think. "Se sienta en la silla" describes the downward motion towards the chair, not the act of resting on it for a period of time. Some natives tell me that "He is sitting on the chair" doesn't seem to be a convincing translation for this, because of the potential confusion. Any ideas?

How do you describe the act of resting on it for a period of time then? Doesn't "está sentado" also describe the downward motion of sitting? Gracias. - jeezzle, Jan 2, 2011

Answer 1

He sits down on the chair.

He seats himself on the chair.

These are sentences that describe the act of sitting, not the condition of being seated.

"When he sat down on the chair, the Whoopie cushion made an embarrassing noise."

Great answer - Izanoni1, Jan 2, 2011

"He seats himself on the chair" could also be used to describe a habitual action - so the confusion still exists with that. In fact both sentences could mean that. - - ian-hill, Jan 2, 2011

Good. Also, consider "lowering one's self", ex.: He lowered himself onto the chair (hehe, sounds a little funny to me now. What say you?) - Goldie_Miel, Jan 3, 2011

Answer 2

I am guessing they are confused by the use of the continuous "sitting." I would try "He is seated on the chair" for "Esta sentado en la silla" and "He is taking (or "he takes") a seat / chair" for "Se sienta en la silla."

"He is taking a seat" is an interesting option. - lazarus1907, Jan 2, 2011

And a common way using imperative is "Take a seat" or "Have a seat" - 005faa61, Jan 2, 2011

Wonderful examples, Julian :) - Izanoni1, Jan 2, 2011

Lazarus, I don't know about Spain but in Mexico "Tomar asiento" is quite common. Ira, thanks! Sometimes I get lucky - 005faa61, Jan 2, 2011

Another way to express the imperative is "Please be seated" - 005faa61, Jan 2, 2011

Answer 3

I agree with Joyce. Using the expression "sit down" or "seat oneself" rather than "sit" should avoid any possible ambiguity.

Compare:

•He sits at the table [possible ambiguity]

•He sits down at the table

•He seats himself at the table

Answer 4

Just to bring this thread back to the top.

It would seem that we need to use the English verbs "to sit" and "to seat" to convey what is possible with the Spanish verb "sentar"

Answer 5

He is sitting down in the chair Sit down refers to actual motion of sitting as opposed t to resting in the seat for a period of time Take or have a seat is coloquial option, but it used more for inviting someone to sit down rather to describe the downard motion towards the seat.

Answer 6

¿No nos ha dicho que a veces el presente es utilizado para significar el futuro? ¿Pueda la oración significa que se sentará en la silla?