Inklingo

How to Say "sitting" in Spanish

English → Spanish

sentado

sen-TAH-dohsenˈt̪a.ðo

adjectiveA1general
Use 'sentado' when describing the physical act or state of being seated, resting your body on a chair, bench, or the floor.
A friendly cartoon character, a small bear, sitting calmly on a simple wooden stool in a bright, cozy room.

Examples

El perro está sentado en la alfombra.

The dog is sitting on the rug.

El hombre estaba sentado en el banco del parque.

The man was sitting on the park bench.

¿Estás cómodo sentado en esa silla?

Are you comfortable sitting in that chair?

Necesitas mantenerte sentado durante todo el vuelo.

You need to remain seated throughout the whole flight.

Adjective Agreement

As an adjective, 'sentado' must match the person's gender and number: 'sentada' (feminine singular), 'sentados' (masculine plural), 'sentadas' (feminine plural).

State vs. Action

You nearly always use 'estar' with 'sentado' because it describes the temporary state or position of a person ('Estoy sentado' = I am sitting).

Confusing Action vs. State

Mistake: “Me siento en la silla (when describing the current state of sitting).”

Correction: Estoy sentado en la silla. 'Me siento' means 'I sit down' (the action of getting into the seat).

sesión

nounA2formal
Use 'sesión' to refer to a formal meeting or gathering, such as a parliamentary session, a court session, or a therapy session.

Examples

La sesión del congreso fue muy larga.

The congress session was very long.

convocatoria

kon-bo-ka-to-ryakombokaˈtoɾja

nounC1academic
Use 'convocatoria' specifically when referring to the official announcement or scheduled date for taking an exam or a formal test.
A student sitting at a clean desk with a pencil and paper, focused on a task.

Examples

Me inscribí a la convocatoria de enero para el examen de conducir.

I signed up for the January exam session for the driving test.

Si repruebo este examen, tendré que ir a la convocatoria de julio.

If I fail this exam, I'll have to go to the July session.

Solo te quedan dos convocatorias para aprobar la asignatura.

You only have two attempts left to pass the subject.

Sentado vs. Sesión/Convocatoria

The most common mistake is using 'sentado' (seated) when you actually mean a scheduled event like an exam session ('convocatoria') or a formal meeting ('sesión'). Remember, 'sentado' describes a physical posture, not an appointment.

Related Translations

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