zitjes

Zitjes is the plural form of zitje, a Dutch noun meaning a small seat or a seating area. The term is used for various related ideas, ranging from a single compact chair to a cluster of seats in a public or semi-public space. The word derives from zitje, a diminutive of zit, related to sitting, with the plural formed by adding -jes or -s in everyday usage.

In everyday language, zitjes can refer to small, informal seats in homes, such as a zithoek (a seating corner) or a compact chair near a window, as well as to seating arrangements at tables. In cafes, restaurants, theaters, and waiting areas, the word describes the available seating options, often contrasted with standing space or larger benches. In urban design and interiors, zitjes denote designated seating zones that encourage casual social interaction and comfortable resting points within parks, squares, shopping centers, or transit hubs.

Regional usage and synonyms vary. The term is common in the Netherlands and Flemish-speaking parts of Belgium. Alternatives with similar meaning include zitplek, zitplaats, bankje, and stoeltje, though these can carry slightly different nuances (for example, bankje often implies a bench).

See also: zithoek, bankje, stoeltje, zitplaats. Zitjes reflect a broader preference for approachable, human-scale seating in both private and public environments.