膝を崩してください

[Pavel Bond]

Hello!
The host says 膝を崩してください only if he offers the guest to sit in the Japanese way on the tatami, or he can say this in the European style sitting room with the chairs or sofas as well?

 

[Flaminius]

I don't know the corresponding English words, but 膝を崩す is said about someone changing their sitting position from sēza to agura. If the host says 膝を崩してください, they suggest to the guest that they two should employ more casual manners. An invitation to sit on something, you can just say おかけください and wave towards the sofa or chair.

 

[gengo]

I don't know the corresponding English words, but 膝を崩す is said about someone changing their sitting position from sēza to agura.

There is no direct equivalent in English, since we don't have 正座 in European culture, so the translation would depend on the exact context, but in every case it would require more words in English, to describe what is being done.

 

[Pavel Bond]

Flaminius, Gengo, thank you!

 

[SoLaTiDoberman]

The host says 膝を崩してください only if he offers the guest to sit in the Japanese way on the tatami ---> Yes!, or he can say this in the European style sitting room with the chairs or sofas as well ---> No, he can't ?

He can say in the European style sitting room with the chairs or sofas that:
どうぞおくつろぎください（make yourself comfortable).

 

[Pavel Bond]

SoLaTiDoberman, thanks!