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 (please) or as a simple request.
Please sit down.
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.
Please have a seat.
He sat down on the sofa.
Formal verb meaning 'to take a seat'. Used in formal settings like meetings, ceremonies, or classrooms.
Please be seated. (formal)
Everyone has taken their seats.
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.
Please sit on the floor.
To sit in the formal kneeling position (seiza). Specific to traditional Japanese sitting.
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.
Please, sit down.
Casual command: 'Sit down.' Used among friends, family, or when speaking to someone of lower status.
Honorific request: 'Please sit down.' Very polite, used in formal situations or when addressing customers.
Please have a seat. (honorific)
To sit down from a standing position, often implying a change of posture.
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).
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.
He stood up but immediately sat back down.