sé amable
/se amable/from spelling rules
To say 'be kind' in Spanish, use sé amable.
The phrase sé amable is used as an imperative command to tell someone to act with kindness. To say 'be kind to' someone or something, use the phrase sé amable con.
Which one should you use?
While sé amable is a command, the phrase es amable is used to make a statement of fact, such as saying 'he/she is kind'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the phrase sé buena onda might be used to mean 'be cool' or 'be nice'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To address a group of people, use the plural form sean amables. Additionally, you can use Sé bueno(a) or Sé gentil informally or Sé cariñoso(a) specifically to express being kind in an affectionate or loving way.
How do you pronounce it?
/se amable/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word gentil can mean 'kind', but it can also refer to someone who is not Jewish, mirroring the English word 'Gentile'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, being 'kind' to an elder is often expressed through the grammatical choice of using the formal usted forms instead of just the word 'kind' itself.
- The word amable shares a common ancestor with the English word 'amiable', both originating from the Latin 'amābilis', which means 'lovable'.
Examples in context
- Sé amable con los ancianos.Be kind to your elders.This sentence shows how to use sé amable to direct kindness toward elders.Tatoeba #1431529 by Shishir, translation #10461473 by DJ_Saidez
- Sé amable con los animales pequeños.Be kind to little animals.This sentence demonstrates using sé amable with animals.Tatoeba #1362686 by Kiraness, translation #267531 by CK
- Sé amable con aquellos a tu alrededor.Be kind to those around you.This sentence illustrates how to use sé amable regarding those in one's surroundings.Tatoeba #1563201 by teskmon, translation #266295 by CK
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro is giving María advice on how to deal with a difficult customer.
- AlejandroEl cliente está muy enojado hoy.The customer is very angry today.
- MaríaNo me gusta su actitud.I don't like his attitude.
- AlejandroSolo sé amable y ten paciencia.Just be kind and have patience.
- MaríaEstá bien, lo intentaré.All right, 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.
