compórtate
/kompoɾtate/from spelling rules
To say "pull yourself together" in Spanish, use compórtate.
The command compórtate is used to tell someone to control their emotions and behave in a proper way. While the English phrase "pull yourself together" often refers to achieving emotional stability, the Spanish term focuses more specifically on a person's outward behavior and conduct.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are addressing a group of people to tell them to behave or control themselves, use the plural form compórtense.
How do you pronounce it?
/kompoɾtate/
Did you know?
- While 'pull yourself together' can be used for grief, compórtate is more often used by parents to children or teachers to students. Using it on a grieving adult might imply they are being 'improper' or 'rude'.
- In many Latin American countries, if someone is acting out due to intense emotion, you might hear estate quieto instead. This literally translates to 'be still' and focuses on physical stillness rather than behavior.
- The word comportamiento, meaning 'behavior', shares its root with the English word 'port' as in 'report' or 'import'. Both involve the idea of 'carrying' something, in this case, a reputation or meaning.
Example conversation
Elena is telling Daniel to calm down during a formal dinner.
- ElenaDaniel, por favor, compórtate.Daniel, please, pull yourself together.
- DanielLo siento, es que estoy nervioso.I am sorry, it is just that I am nervous.
- ElenaNo puedes actuar así aquí.You cannot act like that here.
- DanielTienes razón, trataré de calmarme.You are right, I will try to calm down.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
