坐好
zuòhǎo
Sit properly
坐好 (zuò hǎo) is a command meaning "sit properly" or "sit well." It is often used by parents or teachers to tell children to maintain good posture or to be still in their seats, emphasizing that the action of sitting should be done correctly.
What does 坐好 (zuòhǎo) mean?
坐好 (zuòhǎo) means “sit properly” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “sit well.”
When to use it
This is a direct command, typically used by an authority figure like a parent or teacher to a child or student. It implies an expectation of proper behavior or posture.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “DZWO-how.” 坐 falls sharply (fourth tone), and 好 dips (third tone).
Other ways to say it
- 坐端正zuò duānzhèngsit upright
- 站好zhànhǎostand properly
- 做好zuòhǎodo it properly (general)
Examples
请你坐好，不要乱动。
qǐng nǐ zuòhǎo, búyào luàndòng.
Please sit properly, don't fidget.
孩子们，坐好，老师要讲故事了。
háizimen, zuòhǎo, lǎoshī yào jiǎng gùshi le.
Children, sit properly, the teacher is going to tell a story.
上课的时候，我们都要坐好。
shàngkè de shíhou, wǒmen dōu yào zuòhǎo.
During class, we all must sit properly.
Pro tip: The structure "verb + 好" is common in Chinese to mean "do the verb properly" or "finish the verb well," not just "do it good." For example, 写好 (xiě hǎo) means "write it properly/well."
Related phrases
听妈妈的话 · Listen to mommy听老师的话 · Listen to your teacher不许打人 · No hitting
Want to speak Chinese for real?
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →