sé bueno
/se bweno/from spelling rules
To say 'be nice' in Spanish, you use sé bueno.
The phrase sé bueno con is used to mean 'be nice to' someone, as you must use the preposition con after the phrase. Note that while sé bueno can mean 'be nice', it can also literally mean 'be a good boy' or 'be well-behaved' depending on the context.
How does it change in a sentence?
sé bueno uses the informal singular imperative of the verb ser. If you are telling a female to be nice, you must change the adjective to the feminine form sé buena. The formal version sea bueno is used when addressing someone as usted.
Did you know?
- When answering the telephone in Mexico, it is common to say bueno instead of hola to indicate that you are listening and ready to speak.
- If you use the verb estar instead of ser, as in está bueno, you are often describing a temporary state or physical attractiveness rather than a permanent 'nice' personality.
- The word bueno is frequently used as a filler word or a way to start a sentence, similar to how English speakers use 'well' or 'anyway', regardless of whether they are being 'nice'.
Examples in context
- Sé bueno con tu hermano.Be nice to your brother.This sentence shows how to use sé bueno to tell someone to be nice to their brother.Tatoeba #10205332 by Shishir, translation #10205312 by Hybrid
- Sé bueno con tu hermanito.Be nice to your little brother.Tatoeba #10205330 by Shishir, translation #10205323 by DJ_Saidez
- Hola, soy [your name]. Por favor, sea amable.Hello, I'm [your name]. Please, be nice.
- Recuerda tratar a los demás con amabilidad. Nosotros trabajamos mejor en equipo.Remember to treat others with kindness. We work better as a team.
- Hijo, siempre recuerda ser amable con los demás. Eso te hará feliz y hará felices a los demás también.Son, always remember to be kind to others. It will make you happy and make others happy too.
- Sé bueno con los animales.Be nice to animals.
Example conversation
Elena is reminding Javier how to behave at a party.
- ElenaJavier, sé bueno con los invitados.Javier, be nice to the guests.
- JavierNo te preocupes, Elena.Don't worry, Elena.
- ElenaSolo quiero que todos estén felices.I just want everyone to be happy.
- JavierEstá bien, seré muy amable.Alright, I will be very kind.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
