You're standing in a crowded Parisian bistro, or maybe you're trying to get a stubborn Labradoodle to behave during a walk along the Seine. You want to know how to say sit in French. Simple, right? You look it up, find s’asseoir, and think you’re good to go.
Think again.
French is notoriously finicky about reflexive verbs and commands. If you just shout "Asseoir!" at a dog or a friend, you're going to get some very confused looks. One is a grammatical mess, and the other is just plain rude. Knowing the word is a start. Using it without sounding like a textbook from 1985 is the real challenge.
The Verb You'll Use Most: S'asseoir
The heavy lifter here is s’asseoir. It’s a reflexive verb. That means, literally translated, you are "seating yourself." You don't just "sit"; you "self-sit."
Most learners struggle with the conjugation because it's—honestly—a nightmare. There are actually two different ways to conjugate it in the present tense, and both are technically correct. You have the je m'assieds version and the je m'assois version.
While je m'assieds is often considered more "formal" or traditional by the Académie Française, you’ll hear je m'assois constantly in casual conversation. If you’re hanging out in a cafe, go with the latter. It feels less like you’re reading from a dusty grammar manual.
Breaking Down the Command
When you want someone else to take a seat, you're using the imperative. This is where people trip up.
If you're talking to a friend, you say Assieds-toi.
If you’re being formal or talking to a group, it’s Asseyez-vous.
Notice that little "-toi" or "-vous" at the end? You can't drop it. In French, the action of sitting is something you do to yourself. Without that pronoun, the sentence just hangs there, unfinished and awkward.
✨ Don't miss: Weather Forecast Calumet MI: What Most People Get Wrong About Keweenaw Winters
How to Say Sit in French to Your Dog
This is where the rules change completely. If you tell your dog Assieds-toi, your French friends might giggle. It’s too "human." It sounds like you’re inviting the dog to join you for a glass of Bordeaux and a chat about existentialism.
For pets, use the word Assis.
Just one word. Sharp. Clear. Assis !
It’s actually the past participle of the verb, but in the world of canine training, it functions as the universal command for "sit." If you want to be extra and tell them to "stay," you'd follow up with Pas bouger.
The Nuance of "Being Seated" vs. "Sitting Down"
English is lazy. We use "sit" for the action of moving your butt toward a chair and for the state of already being in that chair. French makes a sharp distinction.
- The Action: S’asseoir (I am sitting down right now).
- The State: Être assis (I am currently seated).
If you walk into a room and someone asks where you are, you wouldn't say "Je m'assieds" if you're already on the sofa. You'd say, "Je suis assis sur le canapé."
It’s a small detail. But it’s the difference between sounding like a tourist and sounding like someone who actually lives there.
Common Phrases and Slang
Sometimes s'asseoir feels a bit too formal for the vibe. If you’re at a party and a friend wants you to take a load off, they might use more colloquial expressions.
🔗 Read more: January 14, 2026: Why This Wednesday Actually Matters More Than You Think
Prends une chaise. (Take a chair.)
This is the go-to for hospitality. It’s warm. It’s inviting. It’s what you say when you actually want someone to stay a while.
Pose-toi. (Park yourself / Settle down.)
This is very casual. It’s what you’d say to a roommate who just got home from a long shift. It implies relaxing, not just the physical act of sitting.
S’installer. (To get settled.)
You’ll hear this a lot in restaurants. "Installez-vous" is what the host says when they lead you to a table. It’s more than sitting; it’s about making yourself comfortable in that space.
Why "Place" Isn't Usually "Sit"
A common mistake for English speakers is trying to use the word place. In English, we might say "Place yourself there," but in French, se placer is usually reserved for sports or specific positioning (like an actor on a stage).
If you tell someone to "place" themselves when you mean "sit," they might think you want them to stand in a specific corner for a photo. Stick to the seating verbs.
The Cultural Etiquette of Sitting
In France, where you sit matters.
If you’re in a crowded bakery or a "fast" cafe, you don't just grab a seat without asking. "Est-ce que cette place est prise ?" (Is this seat taken?) is a vital phrase.
Also, beware of the "terrasse" pricing. In many French cities, especially Paris, sitting down to drink your espresso costs more than drinking it standing at the zinc bar. You’re paying for the "sit." If you're on a budget, look for the people standing up.
💡 You might also like: Black Red Wing Shoes: Why the Heritage Flex Still Wins in 2026
Regional Variations: Do They Exist?
Not really. Unlike words for "towel" or "bread," the way to say sit in French is pretty standard across the Francophone world. Whether you’re in Quebec, Brussels, or Dakar, s’asseoir remains the king.
However, the accent will change. In Quebec, the "t" in s'asseoir might sound a bit sharper, and the vowels might pull differently, but the vocabulary is stable.
Actionable Steps for Mastering the Move
Don't just memorize the word. Practice the transitions.
Start by narrating your life. When you go to sit on your own couch tonight, say out loud: "Je m'assois." When you see your cat on the chair, say "Tu es assis."
If you really want to nail the "human-quality" feel of the language, focus on the reflexive pronouns. That "me," "te," or "se" before the verb is the heartbeat of French grammar.
Here is exactly how to practice today:
- For the dog: Use "Assis !" with a firm hand signal.
- For your partner/friend: Use "Assieds-toi" when offering them a spot on the couch.
- For a stranger: Use "Asseyez-vous, je vous en prie" (Sit down, I beg of you/please) to sound incredibly polite and sophisticated.
- For yourself: Use "Je vais m'asseoir" (I'm going to sit down) to announce your intention.
French isn't just a collection of words; it's a series of social contracts. Knowing how to navigate the simple act of sitting down ensures you aren't breaking those contracts the second you enter a room. Focus on the reflexive nature of the verb, distinguish between the pet command and the human invitation, and you’ll blend in perfectly.