vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Sentar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to sit", and "asentar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to set up". Learn more about the difference between "sentar" and "asentar" below.
sentar(
sehn
-
tahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to set
Sentamos las bases de la cooperación internacional.We set the foundations for international cooperation.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
4. (food)
a. to agree with
Me gusta el ajo pero no me sienta bien.I like garlic, but it doesn't agree with me.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
No me sentó bien tu actitud. Un poco de respeto, por favor.I don't appreciate your attitude. Show a little respect, please.
Deberías pedirle perdón a tu hermana. Tu comentario no le sentó bien.You should apologize to your sister. Your comment upset her.
sentarse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
asentar(
ah
-
sehn
-
tahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to set up
Nuestros aliados enviaron tropas para ayudarnos a combatir a los rebeldes y asentar la monarquía.Our allies sent troops to help us fight the rebels and set up the monarchy.
b. to lay down
El tratado asentó las bases para la cooperación económica en el futuro.The treaty laid down the foundation for future economic cooperation.
2. (to locate)
a. to place
Lucas asentó la silla en el piso y se subió para cambiar la bombilla.Lucas placed the chair on the floor and hopped on it to replace the light-bulb.
a. to secure
Cava un hoyo y asienta el poste con cemento.Dig a hole and secure the post with cement.
a. to firm down
La aplanadora está asentando el asfalto para las reparaciones en la calle.The steamroller is firming down the asphalt for the repairs to the road.
b. to flatten
Este ejercicio te servirá para asentar la panza cervecera.This exercise will help you flatten your beer belly.
a. to seat
El político asentó a su hijo en un puesto en la embajada.The politician seated his son in a position at the embassy.
6. (to book)
a. to enter
El contador se olvidó de asentar la compra del vehículo en los formularios fiscales.The accountant forgot to enter the purchase of the vehicle on the tax forms.
7. (mechanics)
a. to seat
Cuando limpies el tanque, no te olvides de asentar la válvula de alivio.When you're cleaning the tank, don't forget to seat the pressure-relief valve.
a. to state
Alicia asentó que nunca antes había visto a Pedro.Alicia stated that she had never met Pedro before.
asentarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
9. (to sit)
a. to settle
Barniza el tocador una vez que la pintura se haya asentado.Varnish the dresser once the paint has settled.
10. (to set up home)
11. (to stand)
a. to be situated
La ciudad se asentaba a diez kilómetros de la actual Berlín.The city was situated ten kilometers from today's Berlin.
12. (to put down roots) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. to settle down
Mariana finalmente se asentó, se casó y tuvo un hijo.Mariana finally settled down, got married, and had a child.
