sei
Translation
be (imperative), be (subjunctive)
Examples
Sei bitte leise!
Please be quiet!
Er sagt, er sei müde.
He says he is tired.
Grammar Patterns
Sei ((adjective))! Be ((adjective))! Sei vorsichtig!
((sb.)) sagt, ((er/sie/es)) sei ... ((sb.)) says ((he/she/it)) is ... Er sagt, er sei Arzt.
Similar Words
werde (subjunctive of werden), habe (subjunctive of haben)
Etymology
A conjugated form of the infinitive 'sein' (to be), from Old High German 'sī'.
Memory Tips
Remember its two main uses: as a command 'Be!' (Sei still!) and for reported speech 'He says he *be* ill' (Er sagt, er sei krank).