take a seat
يجلس
Littéralement: Take a chair/place to sit
Use 'take a seat' to politely invite guests or colleagues to sit and begin a conversation.
En 15 secondes
- A polite way to tell someone to sit down.
- Used in both offices and living rooms.
- Sounds much friendlier than the command 'Sit down'.
Signification
This phrase is a polite and common way to invite someone to sit down. It is much warmer and more natural than just saying the word sit.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Welcoming a guest home
Make yourself at home, please take a seat on the sofa.
Make yourself at home, please take a seat on the sofa.
Starting a job interview
Thank you for coming in today, please take a seat.
Thank you for coming in today, please take a seat.
At a busy cafe with a friend
I'll get the coffees, you go grab a seat before they're all gone!
I'll get the coffees, you go grab a seat before they're all gone!
Contexte culturel
The phrase reflects the Western emphasis on hospitality and organized social interaction. It transitioned from formal parliamentary language into everyday polite conversation during the 19th century. In modern times, 'taking a seat' is the psychological 'start button' for meetings and social visits.
The 'Please' Power
Always add `please` before or after the phrase. It turns a suggestion into a warm invitation.
Avoid 'Sit!'
Never just say `Sit!` to a person. In English, that is a command for dogs and can be very rude.
En 15 secondes
- A polite way to tell someone to sit down.
- Used in both offices and living rooms.
- Sounds much friendlier than the command 'Sit down'.
What It Means
Take a seat is a friendly invitation to sit down. It doesn't mean you are literally picking up a chair and moving it. It means you are claiming a spot to rest. It is one of the most common collocations in English. It sounds much more welcoming than the command Sit down.
How To Use It
You use it when someone enters a room. You can use it at home or at work. It works perfectly after a greeting. For example, say Hello! Please, take a seat. You can also use it to offer a specific chair. Just point to the chair and say the phrase. It makes people feel comfortable and welcome immediately.
When To Use It
Use it when a guest arrives at your house. Use it at the start of a business meeting. It is perfect for doctors' offices or job interviews. Use it when you want to start a long conversation. It signals that the person should stay for a while. It is great for making a space feel hospitable.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if someone is already sitting. That would be very confusing! Avoid it in high-stress, emergency situations where speed matters. In those cases, a quick Sit! is better. Don't use it if there are no chairs available. That might feel like a mean joke. Also, avoid it in very crowded standing-room-only events.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, offering a seat is a sign of respect. It shows you value the other person's comfort. Historically, taking a seat implied taking a position in a formal assembly. Today, it is the standard way to begin any professional interaction. It bridges the gap between being a stranger and a guest. It is the universal signal for 'let's begin'.
Common Variations
You might hear Have a seat which is almost identical. Grab a seat is the more casual, cool version for friends. Pull up a chair is used for joining a group at a table. Please, be seated is the very formal version used by judges or priests. Each one changes the vibe but keeps the same basic meaning.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is highly versatile and safe for almost any social situation. It is the 'gold standard' for politeness when welcoming someone into a space.
The 'Please' Power
Always add `please` before or after the phrase. It turns a suggestion into a warm invitation.
Avoid 'Sit!'
Never just say `Sit!` to a person. In English, that is a command for dogs and can be very rude.
The 'Grab' Secret
If you are at a party, say `grab a seat`. It sounds more energetic and less like a formal meeting.
Exemples
6Make yourself at home, please take a seat on the sofa.
Make yourself at home, please take a seat on the sofa.
Used to make a friend feel relaxed and welcome.
Thank you for coming in today, please take a seat.
Thank you for coming in today, please take a seat.
Sets a professional but polite tone for the interview.
I'll get the coffees, you go grab a seat before they're all gone!
I'll get the coffees, you go grab a seat before they're all gone!
'Grab a seat' is a common casual variation of the phrase.
Everyone, please take a seat so we can start the lesson.
Everyone, please take a seat so we can start the lesson.
A polite way for an authority figure to get order.
Sir Fluffington, please take a seat; we need to discuss your treats consumption.
Sir Fluffington, please take a seat; we need to discuss your treats consumption.
Using formal language with a pet creates a humorous effect.
You look exhausted, just take a seat and tell me everything.
You look exhausted, just take a seat and tell me everything.
Used to provide support and a listening ear.
Teste-toi
Choose the most natural word to complete the polite invitation.
Welcome to our office! Please ___ a seat.
The standard collocation is 'take a seat' or 'have a seat'.
Which variation is best for a very casual hangout with friends?
Hey guys, just ___ a seat anywhere on the floor!
'Grab a seat' is the perfect informal version for friends.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Ways to ask someone to sit
Used with friends
Grab a seat
Standard polite use
Take a seat
Ceremonial or legal
Please be seated
Where to use 'Take a seat'
Doctor's Office
The doctor will see you soon.
Living Room
Want some tea?
Meeting Room
Let's look at the agenda.
Restaurant
Your table is ready.
Questions fréquentes
11 questionsThey are almost exactly the same. Have a seat is slightly more common in the US, while take a seat is universal.
Not really, because it refers to a physical action happening now. You might say I'll find us a place to take a seat if planning a meeting.
It can be. Sit down sounds like an order. Take a seat sounds like a choice you are offering.
Then don't use it! You can say Sorry, there's nowhere to sit instead.
It is neutral. It works with your boss and it works with your grandmother.
That is an idiom! It means to let someone else take control of a situation, like a passenger in a car.
Yes, but that implies a specific assigned seat, like in a theater or a classroom.
Just say Thank you and sit down. It is a very simple interaction.
Yes, you can say Everyone, please take a seat. It works for one person or a hundred.
It is very informal, but not quite slang. It is safe to use with friends and peers.
In English, take often means to 'occupy' or 'use'. You are taking the space, not the furniture!
Expressions liées
Have a seat
A synonymous polite invitation to sit.
Grab a seat
An informal way to tell someone to find a place to sit.
Pull up a chair
Inviting someone to join a conversation at a table.
Be seated
A very formal or official command to sit down.
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