compórtate

Compórtate is a Spanish imperative verb phrase derived from the verb "comportar" meaning to behave. It is a command directed at a singular person, traditionally a male or a general singular subject, instructing them to act in a certain way. The phrase is commonly used by parents, teachers, or authority figures to admonish or guide a child's or individual's conduct. The implied expectation is that the recipient of the command will exhibit socially acceptable, polite, or appropriate behavior according to the context of the situation.

The verb "comportar" itself originates from the Latin "comportare," meaning to bring together or carry. Over time, its usage evolved to encompass the idea of how one carries or presents oneself, leading to the meaning of behavior. The imperative form "compórtate" is the second-person singular informal (tú) form of the verb "comportarse" in the affirmative imperative. When addressing multiple people informally, the phrase would be "comportaos," and when addressing a single person formally or multiple people formally, it would be "compórtese" or "compórtense" respectively.

The specific behavior expected by the command "compórtate" can vary widely depending on the environment and the individuals involved. It might refer to not being disruptive, showing respect, following rules, or maintaining decorum. The phrase is a direct and unambiguous way to signal disapproval of current actions and to request a change towards a more desirable manner of conduct. It is a fundamental part of early childhood education and social interaction in Spanish-speaking cultures.