веди себя хорошо
vedi sebya khorosho
The English phrase 'be nice' can be translated into Russian as веди себя хорошо (vedi sebya khorosho).
In Russian, when you want to tell someone to behave properly or follow the rules, you use веди себя хорошо. While the English 'be nice' can sometimes mean being kind to others, this Russian phrase specifically focuses on behavior and acting in a good manner.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase веди себя хорошо literally translates to 'lead yourself well'.
Which one should you use?
While 'be nice' often implies kindness toward others, веди себя хорошо is used specifically to mean 'behave yourself' or 'be good' in terms of conduct.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, the formal phrase будьте любезны may be used instead of будьте добры to mean 'be kind'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form веди себя хорошо is the singular imperative, which is used when speaking to one person, such as a friend or a child. To address a group of people or to speak to one person using a formal tone, use the plural/formal form ведите себя хорошо.
How do you pronounce it?
vedi sebya khorosho
Did you know?
- If a child is being 'not nice', a Russian parent might say не пакости, which literally means 'do not do mischief' or 'do not make things dirty'.
- The verb веди shares an ancient root with the English word 'way', as both stem from the idea of a path or a course of action.
- The word хорошо can function as both an adverb meaning 'well' and a standalone exclamation meaning 'okay' or 'agreed' in daily conversation.
Examples in context
- Веди себя хорошо в школе.Vedi sebya khorosho v shkole.Be nice at school.
- Веди себя хорошо, когда придут гости.Vedi sebya khorosho, kogda pridut gosti.Be nice when the guests arrive.
- Пожалуйста, веди себя хорошо у бабушки.Pozhaluysta, vedi sebya khorosho u babushki.Please be nice at grandma's house.
Example conversation
A mother is talking to her son before he goes to a party.
- Анастасия AnastasiaВеди себя хорошо на вечеринке.Vedi sebya khorosho na vecherinke.Be nice at the party.
- Сергей SergeyХорошо, я постараюсь.Khorosho, ya postarayus'.Okay, I will try.
- Анастасия AnastasiaНе хулигань, Сергей.Ne khuligany, Sergey.Don't misbehave, Sergey.
- Сергей SergeyЯ понял, мама.Ya ponyal, mama.I understood, mom.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries веди, себя, хорошо, CC BY-SA 4.0.
