Translation guide
The English phrase 'sit down' can be expressed in Japanese through various verbs and phrases depending on the context, formality, and the type of seating. The most common and neutral way is 座る (suwaru), but other expressions like 腰を下ろす (koshi o orosu) or 着席する (chakuseki suru) are used in more formal or specific situations.
To lower oneself onto a seat, chair, floor, or other surface.
The most common and neutral verb for 'to sit down'. Can be used for sitting on chairs, floors, etc. Often used in the te-form with ください (please) or as a simple request.
どうぞ座ってください。
Please sit down.
彼は椅子に座った。
He sat down on the chair.
Literally 'to lower one's hips'. A slightly more formal or descriptive way to say 'sit down'. Often used when inviting someone to sit, or in narrative.
どうぞ腰を下ろしてください。
Please have a seat.
彼はソファに腰を下ろした。
He sat down on the sofa.
Formal verb meaning 'to take a seat'. Used in formal settings like meetings, ceremonies, or classrooms.
To sit on the floor, typically in a traditional Japanese manner (seiza, cross-legged, etc.).
The same verb 座る is used for sitting on the floor. Context makes it clear.
床に座ってください。
Please sit on the floor.
To sit in the formal kneeling position (seiza). Specific to traditional Japanese sitting.
正座してください。
Please sit in seiza.
To sit cross-legged. Common casual floor sitting posture.
Telling or inviting someone to sit down, with varying levels of politeness.
Polite request: 'Please sit down.' Standard and safe in most situations.
どうぞ、座ってください。
Please, sit down.
Casual command: 'Sit down.' Used among friends, family, or when speaking to someone of lower status.
座って。
Sit down.
Honorific request: 'Please sit down.' Very polite, used in formal situations or when addressing customers.
お座りください。
Please have a seat. (honorific)
To sit down from a standing position, often implying a change of posture.
Again, 座る covers this. The context of standing up first makes it clear.
立たないで座ってください。
Don't stand, please sit down.
Emphasizes the action of lowering oneself onto a seat.
彼は立ち上がったが、すぐに腰を下ろした。
He stood up but immediately sat back down.
English 'sit down' is an action (to move into a sitting position). Japanese 座る (suwaru) is also an action. To express the state of being seated, use 座っている (suwatte iru).
彼は座っている。
He is sitting (seated).
Adding どうぞ before a request makes it more inviting and polite. It's very common with 'please sit down'.
彼はあぐらをかいて座った。
He sat down cross-legged.