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"Is sitting" is a form of "sit", an intransitive verb which is often translated as "sentarse". "People are" is a phrase which is often translated as "la gente está". Learn more about the difference between "people are" and "is sitting" below.
people are(
pi
-
puhl
ar
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (general)
a. la gente está
People are satisfied with our services.La gente está satisfecha con nuestros servicios.
b. las personas están
People are stuck in a traffic jam due to the demonstration.Las personas están atrapadas en un embotellamiento debido a la protesta.
sit(
siht
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. estar sentado (person)
She was sitting on the floor next to her dog.Estaba sentada en el suelo junto a su perro.
d. estar encima (thing)
Where are the keys? - They're sitting on the table.¿Dónde están las llaves? - Están encima de la mesa.
5. (to suit)
a. sentar (clothing)
I liked the other dress more. That one doesn't sit very well on you.Me gustó más el otro vestido. Este no te sienta muy bien.
a. empollar
The hens are in the barn sitting on their eggs.Las gallinas están en el granero empollando los huevos.
a. quedarse
It all happened so fast that all I could do was sit there staring.Todo pasó tan rápido que lo único que pude hacer fue quedarme allí mirando.
8. (to gather)
a. reunirse (committee)
The Senate will sit tomorrow to discuss the health care system.El Senado se reunirá mañana para debatir sobre el sistema de salud.
a. ser diputado
Those who sit in Congress are the ones with the real power to change the law.Los que son diputados del Congreso son los que tienen el verdadero poder para cambiar la ley.
a. presentarse a
You must all be here to sit for the exam at 9 am on Friday.Todos deben estar para presentarse al examen a las 9 am el viernes.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
11. (to place)
a. presentarse a
If you don't sit the exam, you've certainly no chance of passing.Si no te presentas al examen, seguro que no tienes posibilidad de aprobarlo.
b. tener cabida para
I'm sorry, the car only sits four people.Lo siento, el carro solo tiene cabida para cuatro personas.