It's the subjunctive again

Question

"Would it bother you if I sit down" This was translated in the Spanish as:

"¿Le importaría que me siente?" Without sight of the given translation, I would have translated this as:

"Would it bother you that I sit?" Is there some reason why the author did not use:

"¿Le importaría si me siento?"

Answer 1

Both sentences sound perfect to me. I don't know the reason why the author chose one over the other, but the one that takes subjunctive is a very common way to express things in Spanish.

Also possible: ¿Le importaría que me sentara?

Your last possibility also looks good. This would be in English "Would it bother you if I were to sit down" This grammatical but wouldn't be familiar usage. Thanks - padrin, Dec 17, 2012

Gracias! - annierats, Dec 17, 2012

Answer 2

I think it's a set phrase , Padrin, and always in the subjunctive. It is one of those given as standard examples, probably for good reason.

I think your version of ' si me siento'.. might be followed by 'si me siento mál,' if I feel ill, or something like that.

Await other answers, grammar is not my strong point.

Thanks Annie - I suspected that - padrin, Dec 17, 2012

No, go with Cogumela, I must be wrong on that. Cofusion betwen sitting and feeling, yet again. - annierats, Dec 17, 2012

Although I am right about the set phrase, at least. - annierats, Dec 17, 2012

No problem - padrin, Dec 17, 2012

Glad to see I´m not the only that struggles with sitting and feeling. Strange, in English, I enjoy them both. :) - rogspax, Dec 30, 2012