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Three stylized human figures are shown in mid-motion, simultaneously lowering themselves onto three simple wooden chairs, illustrating a group being commanded to sit down.

siéntense

syén-ten-seh

Verb (Command Form)A1Irregular (Stem-Changing e→ie) and Reflexive ar
Sit down?Used when commanding a group of people (ustedes) to take a seat.
Also:Have a seat?A polite, plural invitation.

Quick Reference

infinitivesentarse (to sit down / to seat oneself)
gerundsentándose
past Participlesentado

📝 In Action

Bienvenidos a la clase. Por favor, siéntense.

A1

Welcome to the class. Please, sit down.

Siéntense, que la reunión está a punto de empezar.

A2

Sit down, the meeting is about to start.

No se queden parados, siéntense donde quieran.

B1

Don't stay standing, sit down wherever you like.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • tomen asiento (take a seat (more formal))

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • Siéntense aquí – Sit here
  • Por favor, siéntense – Please, sit down

💡 Grammar Points

It's a Command for a Group

This word is a command form for 'ustedes' (the plural 'you'). It is used to tell multiple people to do something, specifically to 'sit themselves down'.

The Attached 'se'

The 'se' at the end is like 'themselves' or 'yourselves'. It shows that the action (sitting) is done by the people receiving the command, making it a reflexive verb.

The Special Accent

When you attach the 'se' to the command form ('sienten'), the original stressed syllable ('sien') needs an accent mark (sién) to keep the stress in the right place.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Forgetting the Accent

Mistake: "Sentense (without the accent)."

Correction: Siéntense. Without the accent, the stress shifts to the wrong syllable, making it sound incorrect.

Using the 'tú' command for a group

Mistake: "Using 'siéntate' when speaking to two people."

Correction: Use 'siéntense' when addressing two or more people formally, or in all plural situations in Latin America.

⭐ Usage Tips

Politeness Check

Always add 'Por favor' (please) before or after 'siéntense' to make the command sound like a polite invitation.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: siéntense

Question 1 of 2

If you are addressing your entire family (multiple people) in Mexico, which command would you use?

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does 'siéntense' have an accent mark?

The accent mark is necessary because when you attach the pronoun 'se' to the end of the verb form, the natural stress of the word tries to shift. The accent mark ('sién') tells you to keep the strong emphasis on the first syllable, just like in the original verb form.

What is the difference between 'siéntense' and 'tomen asiento'?

Both mean 'sit down.' 'Siéntense' is the common, everyday command derived from the verb 'to sit oneself.' 'Tomen asiento' literally means 'take a seat' and is usually considered slightly more formal or polite.