pórtate bien
/poɾtate bjen/from spelling rules
The English phrase "be good" is translated into Spanish as pórtate bien.
This phrase is an instruction to behave properly or follow the rules. While the English "be good" can sometimes refer to being a good person in general, pórtate bien specifically refers to a person's behavior and conduct.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a combination of the reflexive verb portarse (to behave) and the adverb bien (well), literally meaning "behave yourself well".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form pórtate bien uses the informal tú imperative, which is used when speaking to one child or one friend. The form pórtese bien uses the formal usted imperative, which is used when speaking to one person with respect or distance.
Did you know?
- The verb portarse comes from the noun porte, which refers to a person's physical carriage or the way they carry themselves.
- Using the formal pórtese bien to a child might actually sound humorous or overly dramatic, as if you are treating them like a visiting dignitary.
- If you are speaking to a group of children in Spain, you would say portaos bien, but in Mexico and other Latin American countries, you would say pórtense bien.
Examples in context
- Tenga buen comportamiento durante la claseHave good behavior during class
- Sé bueno/a y compórtate durante la fiesta.Be good and behave during the party.
- Recuerda tener buen comportamiento cuando visites a tus abuelos.Remember to have good behavior when visiting your grandparents.
- Pórtate bien en la escuela.Be good at school.
- Pórtate bien con tus abuelos.Be good with your grandparents.
Example conversation
Alejandro is dropping Sofía off at her babysitter's house.
- AlejandroPórtate bien, Sofía.Be good, Sofía.
- SofíaSí, papá, lo haré.Yes, Dad, I will.
- AlejandroNo me des problemas.Don't give me any trouble.
- SofíaNo te preocupes.Don't worry.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
