坐
zuò
Sit
坐 (zuò) is the primary verb for 'to sit' in Mandarin Chinese. It's used for the action of sitting down, being seated, or even taking a specific type of transportation like a bus or train.
What does 坐 (zuò) mean?
坐 (zuò) means “sit” in English.
When to use it
Neutral. To politely invite someone to sit, use 请坐 (qǐng zuò), meaning 'please sit.' 坐下 (zuò xià) is often used as a direct command, similar to 'sit down!'
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “dzwoh” or “tswoh” with a falling tone (like saying 'ts' then 'woah' quickly and dropping your voice).
Other ways to say it
- 请坐qǐng zuòplease sit
- 坐下zuò xiàsit down (often a command)
- 坐着zuòzhesitting (in the state of sitting)
Examples
请坐这儿
qǐng zuò zhèr
Please sit here.
他坐在椅子上。
tā zuò zài yǐzi shàng.
He is sitting on the chair.
我们坐公交车去吧。
wǒmen zuò gōngjiāochē qù ba.
Let's take the bus.
Pro tip: Beyond just 'sitting,' 坐 is also used for 'taking' or 'riding' certain forms of transportation, like 坐飞机 (zuò fēijī, 'take a plane') or 坐火车 (zuò huǒchē, 'take a train').
Related phrases
用 · By你是哪里人？ · Where are you from你去哪儿？ · Where are you going
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