让座 literally means 'to let (someone) sit' — combining 让 (ràng, 'to yield, to allow') and 座 (zuò, 'seat'). It refers specifically to the socially valued act of voluntarily giving up one’s seat to someone who needs it more, such as an elderly person, a pregnant woman, someone with a disability, or a person carrying heavy items. This gesture reflects traditional Chinese values of respect, humility, and communal care.

The phrase is commonly used in public transportation (buses, subways), waiting areas, or crowded venues. While grammatically a verb, it functions as a compound verb and often appears in imperative or descriptive contexts (e.g., 'Please give up your seat' or 'She gave up her seat'). It carries positive moral connotations and is frequently taught to children as part of civic etiquette.