How to Say "to seat" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to seat” is “sentar” — use 'sentar' when you are directly causing someone to sit down, often in a more immediate or definitive way, like a waiter showing you to your exact spot.
Use 'sentar' when you are directly causing someone to sit down, often in a more immediate or definitive way, like a waiter showing you to your exact spot.
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Use 'acomodar' when you are helping someone find and settle into a comfortable place, implying a bit more assistance or arrangement.
Learn more →sen-TARsenˈtaɾ
Examples
El camarero nos sentó en una mesa cerca de la ventana.
The waiter seated us at a table near the window.
Mi trabajo es sentar a los invitados.
My job is to seat the guests.
Direct Action
When you use 'sentar' without a reflexive pronoun, you are performing the action on someone else (the direct object).
ah-koh-moh-darakomoˈðar
Examples
El camarero nos acomodó en una mesa cerca de la ventana.
The waiter seated us at a table near the window.
Acomodaron a los invitados en las primeras filas.
They seated the guests in the front rows.
Podemos acomodar a tu primo en el sofá cama.
We can put your cousin up on the sofa bed.
The Personal 'a'
Since this meaning involves people, remember to use the word 'a' after the verb: 'Acomodé a María'.
Sentar vs. Acomodar
Learners often confuse 'sentar' and 'acomodar' because both can mean 'to seat'. Remember that 'sentar' is more direct, about the action of sitting, while 'acomodar' is about arranging or making someone comfortable in a seat.
Related Translations
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