pórtate bien
/poɾtate bjen/from spelling rules
The English phrase "behave yourself" is translated into Spanish as pórtate bien.
This phrase is a command used to tell someone, often a child, to act in a polite and appropriate manner. You may also encounter the playful or affectionate expression compórtate, porfi, which translates to "behave, pretty please" through the use of a diminutive.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the reflexive imperative verb pórtate (behave yourself) and the adverb bien (well).
Which one should you use?
While pórtate bien is the standard way to say "behave yourself", it literally translates to "behave yourself well", which is the natural way to express this command in Spanish.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are speaking to an adult or someone you address with respect, use the formal form pórtese bien instead of pórtate bien. To tell a group of people to behave themselves, use the plural form pórtense bien.
Did you know?
- While pórtate bien is used for behavior, the root verb portar also means 'to carry', which is why the phrase literally implies how one 'carries' oneself.
- In some regions, a very common way to tell someone to behave is to say no hagas travesuras, which means 'do not do mischiefs'.
- Depending on the region, using the formal pórtese bien with a stranger can sometimes sound sarcastic or condescending rather than respectful.
Examples in context
- Pórtate bien en la escuela.Behave yourself at school.
- Pórtate bien con tus abuelos.Behave yourself with your grandparents.
- ¡Pórtate bien hoy!Behave yourself today!
Example conversation
Elena is giving advice to Mateo before he goes to a party.
- ElenaMateo, pórtate bien esta noche.Mateo, behave yourself tonight.
- MateoNo te preocupes, Elena.Don't worry, Elena.
- ElenaEs una fiesta elegante.It is an elegant party.
- MateoLo tendré en cuenta.I will keep that in mind.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
