sentada
“sentada” means “sit-in” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
sit-in
Also: sit-down demonstration
📝 In Action
La sentada duró cinco horas frente al edificio del gobierno.
B1The sit-in lasted five hours in front of the government building.
Organizaron una sentada pacífica para pedir mejores salarios.
B2They organized a peaceful sit-down demonstration to ask for better wages.
seated
Also: sitting
📝 In Action
La estudiante sentada en la primera fila es mi hermana.
A2The student seated in the first row is my sister.
Ella se quedó sentada esperando el autobús.
B1She remained sitting, waiting for the bus.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: sentada
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'sentada' as a noun (the protest)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word 'sentada' comes from the feminine past participle of the verb 'sentar' (to seat), which itself traces back to the Latin word 'sedentāre,' meaning 'to cause to sit.' The noun meaning of 'sit-in' developed much later, directly from the act of being 'seated' in protest.
First recorded: Medieval Spanish (as a form of the verb); 20th century (as a noun meaning 'protest')
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'sentada' and 'sentado'?
'Sentada' is the feminine form. If you are describing a woman who is seated, you say 'ella está sentada.' If you are describing a man, you say 'él está sentado.' 'Sentada' is also the specific noun meaning a political 'sit-in.'
Is 'sentada' the same as 'sitting' in English?
Not exactly. While it can mean 'seated' (the state of sitting), the noun 'la sentada' specifically refers to a protest or demonstration where people sit down, which is a very different context.