sé amable
/se amable/from spelling rules
The English phrase "be gentle" can be translated into Spanish as sé amable.
Sé amable is used to instruct someone to exhibit a gentle temperament or kindness toward others. This distinguishes it from physical gentleness.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative form of the verb ser (to be) and the adjective amable (kind/gentle).
Which one should you use?
While sé amable refers to being gentle in terms of temperament or kindness, sé suave is used when referring to physical touch or texture.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the phrase trata con guantes de seda can be used to mean handling something with care or gentleness.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form sé amable is the singular imperative. If you are speaking to someone using the formal usted address, you must change sé amable to sea amable. To tell a group of people to be gentle, use sean amables.
How do you pronounce it?
/se amable/
Did you know?
- The adjective amable originates from the Latin amābilis, which literally translates to 'worthy of being loved'.
- In certain contexts, calling someone manso to mean they are gentle can backfire, as it often implies the person is submissive or has been 'tamed' like an animal.
- To describe a person who is gentle in a way that feels 'sweet' or endearing, Spanish speakers frequently use the word dulce.
Examples in context
- Desea a lo grande, apunta alto, sé amable, sé cauto.Wish big, aim high, be gentle, be careful.This sentence is useful for practicing the command sé amable alongside other imperatives.Tatoeba #10201326 by Seael, translation #9401881 by BobbyLee
- Por favor, sea delicado con los documentos importantes.Please be gentle with the important documents.
- Sé amable con mi hermana, es muy sensible.Be gentle with my sister, she is very sensitive.
Example conversation
Daniel is teaching Elena how to hold a baby.
- DanielSujeta su cabeza con cuidado.Hold the head carefully.
- ElenaTengo miedo de lastimarlo.I am afraid of hurting him.
- DanielNo te preocupes, solo sé amable.Don't worry, just be gentle.
- ElenaEstá bien, lo intentaré.Okay, I will try.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amable, sé, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
