portarse bien
everyday
To behave in Mexican Spanish is usually portarse bien, literally "to carry oneself well". The more formal verb is comportarse.
Meaning: to act in a proper way (verb)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| portarse bien | everyday |
| comportarse | neutral |
Parents say pórtate bien to children all the time, often before leaving the house or visiting relatives. The opposite is portarse mal.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both verbs are reflexive, so they take me, te, se and so on. For example me porto bien means "I behave" and se portan bien means "they behave".
Did you know?
- The phrase pórtate bien is often said as a goodbye to a child or a joking friend, a bit like "be good".
Examples in context
- Pórtate bien con la abuela.Behave with your grandmother.
- Los niños se portaron muy bien.The children behaved very well.
- Debes comportarte en la oficina.You must behave in the office.
Example conversation
Mamá talks to her son Leo before they enter a relative's house.
- MamáLeo, pórtate bien, ¿sí?Leo, behave, okay?
- LeoSí, mamá. Me porto bien.Yes, mom. I will behave.
- MamáEntonces te compro un helado.Then I will buy you an ice cream.
