Translation guide
How to invite or instruct someone to sit down in Japanese, depending on politeness, formality, and context.
Politely asking someone to sit down, e.g., a guest, customer, or superior.
Standard polite phrase meaning 'please sit down'. Used in formal situations, with guests, or in customer service.
どうぞ、おかけください。
Please, take a seat.
More formal and respectful than おかけください. Often used in very polite contexts or when addressing a group.
皆様、どうぞお座りください。
Everyone, please take a seat.
Very respectful honorific form. Used when showing extreme deference, such as to a VIP or elder.
どうぞ、こちらの席におかけになってください。
Please take a seat here.
Casually telling a friend or equal to sit down.
Casual command meaning 'sit down'. Used among friends, family, or in informal settings.
ここに座って。
Sit here.
Softened casual command, often used by males. Adds a friendly, encouraging tone.
疲れたでしょ？座りなよ。
You're tired, right? Take a seat.
Blunt command form. Can sound rough or masculine. Used in very close relationships or when giving orders.
Can be perceived as rude if used inappropriately.
おい、座れ。
Hey, sit down.
Offering your own seat or indicating an available seat to someone, often on public transport or in waiting areas.
Simply saying 'please' while gesturing to a seat is a common, polite way to offer a seat without specifying the action.
（席を指して）どうぞ。
(Pointing to the seat) Please, take a seat.
Polite phrase used when offering a seat, especially to an elderly person or someone in need.
どうぞ、お座りください。
Please, take a seat.
Telling a group or individual to sit down in a structured setting, like a classroom or meeting.
Formal instruction meaning 'please take your seats'. Used by teachers, meeting chairs, etc.
皆さん、着席してください。
Everyone, please take your seats.
Polite but slightly less formal than 着席してください. Suitable for many group settings.
では、座ってください。
Now, please take a seat.
Both are polite, but お座りください is more formal and respectful. おかけください is the safer, more common choice in most polite situations.
どうぞおかけください。
Please take a seat. (standard polite)
どうぞお座りください。
Please take a seat. (more formal)
The English phrase 'take a seat' cannot be directly translated word-for-word into natural Japanese. Use the phrases provided instead.
おかけになって、少々お待ちください。
Please take a seat and wait for a moment.
Very polite, used in business or formal settings.