sentó
Wordform Details
Translation: satseated
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
third-personsingularpreteriteIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: sentar
Translation: to sit; to seat; to set; to establish; to suit; to become (verb)
Etymology: Sentar comes from Latin 'sedentare', a frequentative form of 'sedere' meaning 'to sit'. This Latin root also gave English words like 'sedentary', 'session', and 'sediment' (things that sit or settle). The evolution from 'sedentare' to 'sentar' involved the loss of the middle 'd' and vowel changes typical in the development from Latin to Spanish.
Example Usage
Por favor, siéntate en esta silla.
Please, sit down in this chair.
El profesor sentó al niño en la primera fila.
The teacher seated the child in the first row.
Esta decisión sentará un precedente importante.
This decision will establish an important precedent.
Ese color te sienta muy bien.
That color suits you very well.
La comida picante no me sienta bien.
Spicy food doesn't agree with me.
Ya es hora de que sientes cabeza.
It's time for you to settle down.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'sentar' as related to 'sedentary' in English - both involve sitting.
- The 'sen' in 'sentar' can remind you of 'senate' - where senators sit to discuss laws.
- For the meaning 'to suit/become', imagine how clothes 'sit' well on someone when they suit them.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Spanish culture, the verb 'sentar' is used in many idiomatic expressions related to behavior, appearance, and health. For example, 'sentar cabeza' (to settle down) is commonly used when someone matures and becomes more responsible, often in the context of marriage or career.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'sentar' means 'to sit/seat', 'sentir' means 'to feel'. They look similar and both have irregular conjugations, but they express completely different actions.
This word:
Me siento en la silla.
I sit in the chair.
Confused word:
Siento mucha alegría.
I feel a lot of joy.
Notes: Both verbs have similar present tense conjugations: 'yo siento' can mean either 'I sit' or 'I feel' depending on whether it's from 'sentar' or 'sentir'.
Mnemonic: SentAr is about where you Are sitting; SentIr is about what's Inside you (feelings).
Explanation: 'Sentar' means 'to sit/seat' while 'asentar' means 'to settle/establish'. 'Asentar' is often used for more permanent placement or establishment.
Confused word:
Los colonos asentaron un pueblo en el valle.
The settlers established a town in the valley.
Notes: 'Asentar' can be considered a more specific form of 'sentar' when referring to establishing something.
Mnemonic: 'Asentar' has an extra 'a' because it's about additional permanence.