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"Sit up" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "incorporarse", and "sit down" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "sentarse". Learn more about the difference between "sit up" and "sit down" below.
sit up(
sihd
uhp
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
a. incorporarse
The injured man tried to sit up, but didn't have the strength.El hombre herido intentó incorporarse, pero no tenía fuerzas.
a. ponerse derecho
We all sat up when the teacher came into the room.Todos no pusimos derechos cuando el profesor entró en el aula.
b. enderezarse
My mother always told me I'd have bad posture if I didn't sit up.Mi madre siempre me decía que, si no me enderezaba, acabaría teniendo mala postura.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
They soon sat up and paid attention when they realized there was something in it for them.Pronto empezaron a prestar atención, en cuanto se dieron cuenta de que tenían algo que ganar con ello.
Things like this make you sit up and reconsider the consequences of your actions.Cosas así te obligan a detenerte y reconsiderar las consecuencias de tus actos.
a. quedarse levantado
I sat up all night writing this essay!¡Me quedé toda la noche levantada escribiendo este trabajo!
b. esperar levantado
My mother used to sit up for us when we went out at night.Mi madre solía esperarnos levantada cuando salíamos por la noche.
A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
a. sentar
I sat the baby up so he wouldn't mess up his clothes as he was eating.Senté al bebé para que no se ensuciara la ropa mientras comía.
b. incorporar
A nurse came and sat me up on the pillows.Vino una enfermera que me incorporó y me dejó apoyada contra las almohadas.
sit down(
siht
daun
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
a. sentar
I sat my boyfriend down and explained we couldn't see each other anymore.Senté a mi novio y le expliqué que no nos podíamos seguir viendo.
