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), derived from Old High German 'sī'.
Memory Tips
Memorize its two key functions: the command 'Be!' (Sei still!) and for indirect speech, 'He says he *is* ill' (Er sagt, er sei krank).