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Sit
اجلس (Ijlis) is the imperative form of the verb meaning 'sit down' or 'be seated.' It is a common command used to instruct someone to take a sitting position. This word is essential for everyday Arabic communication and is used in both formal and informal contexts.
Worksheets, games, and lesson plans for Years 1-11
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اجلس على الكرسي من فضلك
Ijlis 'ala al-kursi min fadlak
Please sit on the chair
اجلس بجانبي
Ijlis bijanibi
Sit beside me
اجلس هنا وانتظر قليلا
Ijlis huna wa-intazir qalilan
Sit here and wait a moment
اجلس بهدوء من فضلك
Ijlis bihudu' min fadlak
Please sit quietly
اجلسوا جميعا على الأرض
Ijlisu jami'an 'ala al-ard
Sit down all of you on the ground
In Arab culture, sitting is often a social and respectful gesture. When someone offers you a seat, it is a sign of hospitality and welcome. The command 'اجلس' is commonly used in homes, offices, and public spaces to invite guests or colleagues to sit and engage in conversation. Respecting personal space and the comfort of guests is an important aspect of Arab etiquette.
Remember that 'اجلس' is the masculine singular imperative form. For females, use 'اجلسي' (ijlisi), for mixed or multiple people, use 'اجلسوا' (ijlisu). When making a polite request, it's common to add 'من فضلك' (min fadlak - please) after the verb. This word is fundamental for classroom instruction and everyday commands.
اجلس (ijlis) is the imperative form of the Arabic verb جلس (jalasa), which means 'to sit' or 'to be seated.' When you command someone to sit down in Arabic, you use this essential word. It is one of the most commonly used commands in everyday Arabic speech, whether in casual conversations, classrooms, offices, or formal settings. The word directly translates to 'sit' and is used to give instructions or make polite requests for someone to take a seated position.
The verb اجلس exists in multiple forms depending on the subject:
Singular Forms:
Plural Forms:
Understanding these variations is crucial for Arabic learners because Arabic grammar requires gender and number agreement. You must choose the correct form based on whether you are addressing a male, female, one person, or multiple people.
The word اجلس is incredibly practical in everyday situations. Teachers use it in classrooms to instruct students to sit down. Parents use it with their children. Hosts use it to invite guests to sit and join them. Medical professionals might use it in clinical settings. It's a fundamental command that you will encounter and need to use frequently when learning and speaking Arabic.
While اجلس is technically a command, Arabs often add polite words to soften it. The most common addition is "من فضلك" (min fadlak/fadlik) meaning 'please.' The full phrase becomes: "اجلس من فضلك" (ijlis min fadlak - Please sit). This transforms a direct command into a courteous invitation, which is the preferred way to ask someone to sit in formal or respectful situations.
In Arab culture, offering someone a seat is a significant gesture of hospitality and respect. When you invite someone with "اجلس," you are essentially welcoming them into your space and showing that their presence is valued. This is particularly important in traditional Arab homes and social gatherings, where hospitality is a core value. The act of sitting together often precedes meaningful conversation, tea sharing, or meal preparation.
Learners should be familiar with common phrases using اجلس:
Each of these phrases is useful in different contexts and helps learners expand their practical vocabulary.
To use اجلس effectively, learners should know related words:
English speakers learning Arabic should note that اجلس is exclusively an imperative form - a direct command. It cannot be used as a statement like 'I sit' or 'they sit.' For those meanings, you must use different verb forms. Additionally, remember that Arabic distinguishes between addressing males and females, unlike English, so pay attention to which form you are using.
Mastering اجلس (ijlis) is one of the first steps in learning practical, conversational Arabic. Its frequent use in daily life makes it an essential word for any Arabic learner. Whether you're in a classroom, social gathering, or professional setting, knowing how to properly use this command and its variations will significantly enhance your ability to communicate naturally in Arabic.