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"Sentarse" is a reflexive verb which is often translated as "to sit", and "al lado de" is a phrase which is often translated as "next to". Learn more about the difference between "sentarse" and "al lado de" below.
sentarse(
sehn
-
tahr
-
seh
)
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
reflexive verb
a. to sit
Prefiero sentarme al lado del radiador.I prefer to sit next to the radiator.
b. to sit down
¿Por qué no te sientas un rato?Why don't you sit down for a while?
sentar
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to sit
Senté a mi madre a mi lado.I sat my mother next to me.
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.).
intransitive verb
a. to suit
Ese vestido no te sienta bien.That dress doesn't really suit you.
a. to agree with
Me gusta el ajo pero no me sienta bien.I like garlic, but it doesn't agree with me.
a.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct 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.
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al lado de(
ahl
 
lah
-
doh
 
deh
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. next to
Espérame en el restaurante que está al lado del metro.Wait for me at the restaurant that is next to the subway.
b. beside
El novio estaba sentado al lado de la novia durante la ceremonia.The groom was sitting beside the bride during the ceremony.
a. with
Su esposo siempre estuvo al lado de ella cuando lo necesitó.Her husband was always with her when she needed him.
a. compared to
Nuestra casa es muy pequeña al lado de la suya.Our house is very small compared to yours.
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