sé tú mismo
/se tu mismo/from spelling rules
To say "be yourself" in Spanish, use sé tú mismo.
This expression is used to encourage someone to act naturally and stay true to their own character.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative sé (be), the pronoun tú (you) and mismo (self/same).
Which one should you use?
Sé tú mismo is used for a male or as a generic neutral form, whereas sé tú misma is used specifically for a female.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes to sé tú misma when speaking to a woman. If you are addressing a group of people, use the plural form sean ustedes mismos.
How do you pronounce it?
/se tu mismo/
Did you know?
- While sé tú mismo encourages individuality, Spanish culture often emphasizes el qué dirán, the social pressure of 'what people will say'.
- If you were to say this to a crowd of people in Spain, you would likely use sed vosotros mismos instead of the Latin American sean ustedes mismos.
- The word tú is a direct cousin of the archaic English word 'thou', sharing the same Proto-Indo-European roots.
Examples in context
- Sé tú mismo, no seas como yo.Be yourself. Don't be like me.This sentence is useful for showing how to use sé tú mismo in a comparison.Tatoeba #12367297 by Shishir, translation #12367313 by DJ_Saidez
- Sé tú mismo.Be yourself.This sentence provides a simple example of sé tú mismo.Tatoeba #1571956 by Alba, translation #1490941 by BraveSentry
- ¡Sé tú mismo!Be yourself!This sentence shows the use of sé tú mismo with emphasis.Tatoeba #691006 by Shishir, translation #438573 by FeuDRenais
- En la entrevista de trabajo, asegúrate de ser tú mismo.In the job interview, make sure to be yourself.
- No te preocupes por lo que piensen los demás, sé tú mismo.Don't worry about what others think, be yourself.
- Sé tú mismo, no importa lo que digan los demás.Be yourself, no matter what others say.
- En este mundo, es importante ser fiel a uno mismo.In this world, it's important to be true to yourself.
- No trates de ser otra persona, simplemente sé tú mismo.Don't try to be someone else, just be yourself.
- Ser tú mismo es la mejor manera de encontrar la verdadera felicidad.Being yourself is the best way to find true happiness.
- ¡Sé tú mismo y disfruta tu camino!Be yourself and enjoy your journey!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro is giving Lucía advice before her first date.
- AlejandroNo estés nerviosa, Lucía.Don't be nervous, Lucía.
- LucíaTengo miedo de no gustarle.I'm afraid he won't like me.
- AlejandroSolo sé tú mismo y todo saldrá bien.Just be yourself and everything will be fine.
- LucíaTienes razón, gracias Alejandro.You're right, thanks Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mismo, sé, tú, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
