conoce tu lugar
/konoθe tu luɡaɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "know your place" can be said in Spanish as conoce tu lugar.
Meaning: verb (intj)
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the phrase in a formal register, use the third-person singular imperative conozca and the formal possessive su to form conozca su lugar.
How do you pronounce it?
/konoθe tu luɡaɾ/
Did you know?
- If you were to use the formal conozca su lugar to a stranger, it would sound incredibly condescending because formal 'usted' forms are usually used to show respect.
- In Spanish, the verb conocer used in conoce tu lugar refers to a type of knowledge based on familiarity or recognition, rather than the factual knowledge expressed by the verb saber.
- While conoce tu lugar refers to social hierarchy, Spanish uses the word lugar in the phrase ponerse en el lugar de otro to describe the act of empathy.
Example conversation
A heated argument between two coworkers.
- AlejandroNo puedes darme órdenes a mí.You cannot give me orders.
- MaríaSoy tu jefa, conoce tu lugar.I am your boss, know your place.
- AlejandroEso no te da razón.That doesn't make you right.
- MaríaNo me respondas así, Alejandro.Don't answer me like that, Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
