tiens-toi bien
In French, to say 'behave yourself' you say tiens-toi bien.
The phrase is most commonly used as a direct command to a child to ensure they act with good manners in a social setting.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, tiens-toi bien means 'hold yourself well', combining the verb tenir (to hold), the reflexive pronoun toi (yourself) and the adverb bien (well).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form tiens-toi bien is used when speaking to a single person with whom you use the 'tu' form, such as a child or a close friend.
Did you know?
- While tiens-toi bien is for manners, French uses the word sage (meaning 'wise') to tell a child to be 'good' or quiet, such as sois sage.
- The verb tenir in tiens-toi bien is also used to describe the 'hold' or 'grip' of a car's tires on the road, linking physical stability to moral behavior.
- While tiens-toi bien is a common way to correct a child, using it on an adult in France might be seen as a sharp insult to their character.
Examples in context
- Alice, ne fais pas de bêtises pendant que nous sommes chez grand-mère. Tiens-toi bien !Alice, don't misbehave while we're at grandma's. Behave yourself!
- Éric, arrête de faire le clown en classe. Fais attention à ta conduite.Eric, stop clowning around in class. Behave yourself.
- Tiens-toi bien pendant le dîner.Behave yourself during dinner.
- Tiens-toi bien à l'école, s'il te plaît.Behave yourself at school, please.
Example conversation
Gabriel is taking Manon to a formal dinner.
- GabrielOn arrive, tiens-toi bien.We are arriving, behave yourself.
- ManonOui, je sais, papa.Yes, I know, Dad.
- GabrielNe cours pas dans le salon.Do not run in the living room.
- ManonD'accord, je suis sage.Okay, I am being good.
