comportar in 30 Seconds
- Comportar means to behave or to hold/contain.
- Use 'comportar-se' for people's behavior.
- Use 'comportar' for capacity or containment.
- It's crucial to distinguish between these two uses.
- Basic Meaning
- To behave or conduct oneself in a particular way. It implies acting according to certain standards, rules, or expectations.
- Nuances
- It can refer to general behavior, or how someone acts in a specific situation. It's often used in contexts where proper conduct is important, such as in schools, workplaces, or social gatherings. It can also be used to describe how something functions or contains something.
As crianças devem comportar-se bem na escola.
Este armário consegue comportar muitos livros.
- Contexts for Behavior
- You'll hear 'comportar-se' in discussions about upbringing, discipline, social etiquette, and professional conduct. For example, parents might tell their children how they should comport themselves at a party, or a manager might remind employees about how to comport themselves when meeting clients.
- Contexts for Capacity
- The non-reflexive 'comportar' is used when talking about physical limitations or the capacity of objects. For instance, a bus might 'comportar' 50 passengers, or a small room might only 'comportar' a few pieces of furniture. This usage is less frequent in everyday conversation compared to the reflexive form for behavior.
Os alunos precisam de comportar-se de maneira respeitosa.
A caixa não pode comportar tanto peso.
- Basic Structure (Behavior)
- Subject + comportar-se + adverb/prepositional phrase. The verb 'comportar' must be conjugated according to the subject, and the reflexive pronoun ('me', 'te', 'se', 'nos', 'vos', 'se') must agree with the subject.
- Example Sentences (Behavior)
- Eu me comporto bem quando estou cansado. (I behave well when I am tired.)
- Eles se comportaram de maneira inadequada na festa. (They behaved inappropriately at the party.)
- Como você se comporta em situações de estresse? (How do you behave in stressful situations?)
- Nós nos comportamos como esperávamos. (We behaved as we expected.)
- Ela se comporta como uma criança às vezes. (She behaves like a child sometimes.)
Os funcionários devem comportar-se profissionalmente.
- Basic Structure (Capacity)
- Subject + comportar + object. The verb 'comportar' is conjugated according to the subject, and it directly takes an object.
- Example Sentences (Capacity)
- Este recipiente pode comportar dois litros de água. (This container can hold two liters of water.)
- A sala de concertos comporta mil pessoas. (The concert hall accommodates one thousand people.)
- O avião comporta duzentos passageiros. (The airplane holds two hundred passengers.)
- A nova versão do software comporta mais funcionalidades. (The new version of the software includes more functionalities.)
- A legislação atual não comporta esse tipo de exceção. (The current legislation does not allow for this type of exception.)
O carro novo comporta cinco pessoas confortavelmente.
- Parental Guidance
- Parents frequently use 'comportar-se' when instructing children on how to act in various social settings. Phrases like 'Comporte-se na casa dos avós' (Behave at your grandparents' house) or 'Não se comporte assim!' (Don't behave like that!) are common. This is a fundamental word for teaching children social norms and expectations.
- Educational Settings
- In schools, teachers often remind students to 'comportar-se' in the classroom, during assemblies, or on field trips. Rules and regulations are often framed around expected behavior, making this verb a staple in educational discourse. 'Os alunos devem comportar-se de forma educada' (Students must behave in a polite manner) is a typical instruction.
- Workplace and Professionalism
- In professional environments, 'comportar-se' is used to emphasize the importance of maintaining a certain decorum. Company handbooks might include guidelines on how employees should 'comportar-se' when interacting with clients, colleagues, or during company events. 'É importante comportar-se com discrição' (It's important to behave with discretion) is a common sentiment.
- Social Etiquette and Formal Occasions
- When attending formal events like weddings, ceremonies, or important dinners, people are often reminded to 'comportar-se'. This refers to adhering to the expected social graces and etiquette of the occasion. 'Peço que se comportem à altura da cerimônia' (I ask that you behave fittingly for the ceremony) might be heard.
- Discussions about Capacity and Functionality
- The non-reflexive form 'comportar' is heard when discussing the capacity of spaces, vehicles, or containers. For example, in real estate, you might hear 'Esta casa comporta uma família grande' (This house accommodates a large family). In technical contexts, 'O sistema comporta muitas conexões simultâneas' (The system handles many simultaneous connections) is also common.
A professora pediu para os alunos se comportarem.
Este elevador comporta no máximo dez pessoas.
- Forgetting the Reflexive Pronoun
- A very common mistake for learners is to omit the reflexive pronoun ('me', 'te', 'se', 'nos', 'vos', 'se') when referring to how people behave. For example, saying 'Ele comporta bem' instead of 'Ele se comporta bem'. This changes the meaning entirely, as 'comportar' without 'se' means to hold or contain.
- Incorrect Pronoun Agreement
- The reflexive pronoun must agree with the subject. For instance, using 'se' with 'eu' (I) would be incorrect ('Eu se comporto'). The correct form is 'Eu me comporto'. Similarly, 'Nós se comportam' is wrong; it should be 'Nós nos comportamos'.
- Confusing 'Comportar' and 'Comportar-se' in Context
- Learners might mistakenly use 'comportar' when they mean 'comportar-se', or vice versa. For example, saying 'O recipiente comporta-se bem' when they mean 'O recipiente comporta bem' (The container holds well - which is nonsensical) or 'Eu comporto muitos livros' when they mean 'Eu me comporto bem com muitos livros' (I behave well with many books - also unlikely). The key is to remember 'se' for personal behavior and no 'se' for capacity.
- Using 'Comportar' for Emotions or Feelings
- 'Comportar' is not typically used to describe how someone feels or reacts emotionally in a general sense, unless it's about their outward display of behavior. For instance, you wouldn't say 'Ele se comporta triste' (He behaves sad). You would say 'Ele se comporta de maneira triste' (He behaves in a sad manner) or 'Ele parece triste' (He seems sad).
- Overuse in Informal Speech for Capacity
- While 'comportar' is correct for capacity, in very informal spoken Portuguese, other verbs might be more common depending on the region, such as 'caber' (to fit) or 'levar' (to carry). However, 'comportar' is perfectly acceptable and understood in most contexts for capacity.
Erro: Eu comporto bem.
Correto: Eu me comporto bem.
Erro: A mala comporta-se muitas coisas.
Correto: A mala comporta muitas coisas.
- Agir (to act)
- 'Agir' is a more general term for acting or doing something. 'Comportar-se' specifically implies acting in a certain way, often according to social norms or rules. You 'age' in a situation, but you 'comport-se' appropriately or inappropriately.
- Proceder (to proceed, to act)
- Similar to 'agir', 'proceder' can mean to act or proceed. It often implies acting according to a procedure or a specific method. 'Comportar-se' focuses more on the manner of acting, especially in a social context.
- Portar-se (to behave)
- 'Portar-se' is a very close synonym to 'comportar-se' and is often used interchangeably, especially in European Portuguese. Both mean 'to behave oneself'. For example, 'Ele portou-se mal' is equivalent to 'Ele se comportou mal'.
- Conter (to contain, to hold)
- When 'comportar' is used for capacity, 'conter' is a strong synonym. 'Este frasco contém 100ml' is very similar to 'Este frasco comporta 100ml'. 'Conter' often implies a more physical containment.
- Acomodar (to accommodate)
- For capacity, 'acomodar' is another good alternative, especially when referring to spaces or people. 'O hotel acomoda 200 hóspedes' is similar to 'O hotel comporta 200 hóspedes'.
- Suportar (to support, to bear)
- In the sense of bearing a load or weight, 'suportar' can sometimes be used, though 'comportar' is more common for general capacity. 'A viga suporta muito peso' vs 'A viga comporta muito peso'.
Ele se comporta bem. / Ele se porta bem.
A caixa comporta 10 quilos. / A caixa contém 10 quilos.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The original Latin 'comportare' had a sense of gathering or collecting things. This foundational meaning of 'bringing together' or 'containing' is still evident in the Portuguese 'comportar' when it refers to capacity. The shift to 'behavior' is a semantic extension, much like how 'carrying oneself' can imply attitude.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'o' in 'com' as a long vowel.
- Not stressing the final syllable.
- Pronouncing the 'r' too strongly.
- Forgetting the reflexive pronoun 'se' in 'comportar-se', leading to confusion.
Difficulty Rating
The distinction between 'comportar' and 'comportar-se' can be tricky for beginners. Understanding the context is key. The reflexive form is more common and requires attention to pronoun agreement.
Producing grammatically correct sentences with the correct reflexive pronoun and verb conjugation can be challenging. Mastering the two main meanings is essential for accurate writing.
Correctly using the reflexive pronoun and choosing the right verb form in spontaneous speech requires practice. Hesitation may occur due to the subtle but important difference in meaning.
Distinguishing between the two meanings based on context is crucial. Learners need to listen for the presence or absence of 'se' and the surrounding words to interpret correctly.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Reflexive Verbs
Verbs like 'comportar-se' require a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, vos, se) that agrees with the subject. Example: 'Eu me comporto', 'Eles se comportam'.
Verb Conjugation (Present Tense)
Comportar: eu comporto, tu comportas, ele/ela/você comporta, nós/a gente comporta(mos), vós comportais, eles/elas/vocês comportam. Comportar-se: eu me comporto, tu te comportas, ele/ela/você se comporta, nós nos comportamos, vós vos comportais, eles/elas/vocês se comportam.
Subjunctive Mood
Often used after expressions of desire, necessity, or doubt. Example: 'É importante que você se comporte bem.' (It is important that you behave well.)
Preterite Perfect Simple
Used for completed actions in the past. Example: 'Ontem, ele se comportou mal.' (Yesterday, he behaved badly.)
Infinitive Usage
After modal verbs or verbs of necessity. Example: 'Eu preciso me comportar.' (I need to behave.) 'O armário pode comportar 10 livros.' (The cupboard can hold 10 books.)
Examples by Level
Crianças devem se comportar bem.
Children should behave well.
Simple present tense, reflexive verb 'comportar-se'.
Ele comporta-se.
He behaves.
Third person singular, present tense, reflexive.
Eu me comporto.
I behave.
First person singular, present tense, reflexive.
O cão se comporta.
The dog behaves.
Third person singular, present tense, reflexive.
Nós nos comportamos.
We behave.
First person plural, present tense, reflexive.
Vocês se comportam.
You all behave.
Second person plural, present tense, reflexive.
Ela se comporta bem.
She behaves well.
Third person singular, present tense, reflexive.
Eles se comportam bem.
They behave well.
Third person plural, present tense, reflexive.
As crianças precisam se comportar na aula.
The children need to behave in class.
Infinitive 'comportar-se' after 'precisar'.
Ele se comportou mal ontem.
He behaved badly yesterday.
Preterite perfect simple tense.
Este armário comporta muitos sapatos.
This cupboard holds many shoes.
Non-reflexive use for capacity.
Como você se comporta em público?
How do you behave in public?
Question using 'comportar-se' in the present tense.
A mochila comporta livros e cadernos.
The backpack holds books and notebooks.
Non-reflexive use for capacity.
Eles se comportaram de maneira educada.
They behaved in an educated/polite manner.
Adverbial phrase 'de maneira educada'.
A sala comporta vinte pessoas.
The room accommodates twenty people.
Non-reflexive use for capacity.
Nós nos comportamos bem na festa.
We behaved well at the party.
Preterite perfect simple tense.
É importante que você se comporte adequadamente.
It is important that you behave appropriately.
Subjunctive mood after 'é importante que'.
O carro comporta cinco passageiros confortavelmente.
The car accommodates five passengers comfortably.
Non-reflexive use for capacity with an adverb.
Eles se comportaram como se nada tivesse acontecido.
They behaved as if nothing had happened.
Subjunctive imperfect after 'como se'.
A nova legislação comporta mudanças significativas.
The new legislation involves significant changes.
Non-reflexive use for 'involves' or 'includes'.
O gerente pediu aos funcionários que se comportassem com profissionalismo.
The manager asked the employees to behave with professionalism.
Subjunctive imperfect after 'pediu que'.
Este recipiente pode comportar até 500ml de líquido.
This container can hold up to 500ml of liquid.
Modal verb 'poder' with infinitive 'comportar'.
As crianças se comportaram muito bem durante a visita.
The children behaved very well during the visit.
Adverb 'muito bem'.
A capacidade total do estádio comporta 60.000 espectadores.
The total capacity of the stadium accommodates 60,000 spectators.
Non-reflexive use for capacity.
O seu comportamento naquela situação foi exemplar, você se comportou de maneira impecável.
Your behavior in that situation was exemplary, you behaved impeccably.
Using 'comportamento' (noun) and 'comportar-se' (verb).
O novo software comporta uma interface mais intuitiva e recursos avançados.
The new software includes a more intuitive interface and advanced features.
Non-reflexive use for 'includes' or 'features'.
Os diplomatas devem comportar-se com a máxima discrição em reuniões internacionais.
Diplomats must behave with maximum discretion in international meetings.
Adverbial phrase 'com a máxima discrição'.
A estrutura do prédio foi projetada para comportar um grande número de pessoas em caso de emergência.
The building's structure was designed to accommodate a large number of people in case of emergency.
Non-reflexive use for capacity in a design context.
Ele sempre se comportou de forma ética em seus negócios, o que lhe rendeu respeito.
He has always behaved ethically in his business, which earned him respect.
Adverbial phrase 'de forma ética'.
A legislação atual não comporta a flexibilização das regras propostas.
The current legislation does not allow for the flexibility of the proposed rules.
Non-reflexive use for 'allow for' or 'permit'.
As crianças se comportaram maravilhosamente bem durante toda a apresentação.
The children behaved wonderfully well throughout the entire performance.
Intensified adverbial phrase 'maravilhosamente bem'.
A capacidade máxima deste navio comporta mil passageiros e uma tripulação considerável.
The maximum capacity of this ship holds one thousand passengers and a considerable crew.
Non-reflexive use for capacity of a large vessel.
O orador soube se comportar com elegância perante a plateia exigente.
The speaker knew how to behave with elegance in front of the demanding audience.
Using 'soube' (knew how to) with 'comportar-se'.
A plataforma digital comporta a integração de diversos sistemas legados.
The digital platform allows for the integration of various legacy systems.
Non-reflexive use in a technical/business context for integration.
A delegação se comportou de maneira exemplar, representando fielmente os interesses do país.
The delegation behaved in an exemplary manner, faithfully representing the country's interests.
Formal adverbial phrase 'de maneira exemplar'.
O projeto arquitetônico foi concebido para comportar as mais avançadas tecnologias ambientais.
The architectural project was conceived to incorporate the most advanced environmental technologies.
Non-reflexive use for incorporating advanced elements.
Diante da crise, a empresa se comportou com resiliência, adaptando suas estratégias.
Faced with the crisis, the company behaved with resilience, adapting its strategies.
Abstract noun 'resiliência' used with 'comportar-se'.
A nova política fiscal não comporta a isenção de impostos para grandes corporações.
The new fiscal policy does not allow for tax exemption for large corporations.
Non-reflexive use for 'allow for' or 'permit' in a financial context.
Os atletas se comportaram com grande espírito esportivo, mesmo após a derrota.
The athletes behaved with great sportsmanship, even after the defeat.
Abstract noun 'espírito esportivo' used with 'comportar-se'.
O servidor de rede comporta um tráfego de dados estimado em terabytes por dia.
The network server handles an estimated data traffic of terabytes per day.
Non-reflexive use for handling large amounts of data.
A sua capacidade de se comportar com serenidade em meio ao caos é notável.
Your ability to behave with serenity amidst chaos is remarkable.
Complex abstract noun phrase 'capacidade de se comportar com serenidade'.
O sistema de gestão da qualidade comporta auditorias rigorosas e um processo contínuo de melhoria.
The quality management system involves rigorous audits and a continuous improvement process.
Non-reflexive use in a highly specialized quality management context.
Os líderes se comportaram com a dignidade esperada, honrando o legado de seus antecessores.
The leaders behaved with the expected dignity, honoring the legacy of their predecessors.
Formal and abstract use of 'dignidade' and 'legado'.
A nova arquitetura de software foi projetada para comportar a escalabilidade e a resiliência necessárias para aplicações críticas.
The new software architecture was designed to accommodate the scalability and resilience required for critical applications.
Highly technical non-reflexive use for architectural design.
Em face de adversidades extremas, a equipe se comportou com uma bravura que inspirou a todos.
In the face of extreme adversity, the team behaved with a bravery that inspired everyone.
Elevated vocabulary: 'adversidades extremas', 'bravura'.
A proposta de emenda constitucional não comporta a alteração dos princípios fundamentais.
The constitutional amendment proposal does not allow for the alteration of fundamental principles.
Precise legal/political non-reflexive use.
O maestro se comportou com uma maestria absoluta, guiando a orquestra a uma performance memorável.
The conductor behaved with absolute mastery, guiding the orchestra to a memorable performance.
Figurative use of 'maestria' with 'comportar-se'.
O sistema de armazenamento de dados comporta petabytes de informação, com redundância e segurança aprimoradas.
The data storage system handles petabytes of information, with enhanced redundancy and security.
Highly technical non-reflexive use for vast data capacity.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— He behaves like a child. (Used to describe immature behavior.)
Mesmo sendo adulto, ele se comporta como uma criança.
— The car holds five people. (Referring to capacity.)
Este modelo de carro comporta cinco pessoas confortavelmente.
— The room holds few people. (Referring to limited capacity.)
A sala comporta poucas pessoas, então é melhor reservar com antecedência.
— To behave in an appropriate manner.
É fundamental se comportar de maneira adequada em eventos formais.
— To behave with dignity.
Ele se comportou com dignidade durante toda a crise.
— What does this container hold/contain? (Asking about capacity.)
O que este recipiente comporta? Preciso saber se cabe a garrafa.
— Don't behave like that! (A strong reprimand.)
Não se comporta assim! É falta de respeito.
— The system includes/allows for... (Referring to features or capabilities.)
O novo sistema comporta diversas atualizações.
— Does not allow for exceptions. (Referring to rules or policies.)
Essa regra não comporta exceções.
Often Confused With
'Portar-se' is a very close synonym for 'comportar-se' (to behave), particularly common in European Portuguese. The distinction is minimal in meaning, but 'comportar-se' is generally more widespread across Portuguese-speaking regions.
'Agir' means 'to act' in a general sense. 'Comportar-se' implies acting in a specific manner, often with a focus on social norms or expectations. You 'agir' (act), but you 'comportar-se' (behave).
'Conter' is a direct synonym for 'comportar' when it means 'to contain' or 'to hold'. Both are used for capacity, but 'conter' might emphasize a more physical containment, while 'comportar' can also imply accommodation or inclusion.
Idioms & Expressions
— To behave perfectly, like an angel. (Used for exceptionally good behavior.)
Hoje o meu filho comportou-se como um anjo o dia todo!
Informal— To behave bravely or fiercely, like a lion. (Often used in a positive, courageous sense.)
Ele se comportou como um leão na defesa da sua equipa.
Informal— To not behave according to the rules or expectations; to act out of line.
Ele não se comportou como manda a cartilha e teve problemas.
Informal— To bear the burden of the world; to seem to carry immense responsibility or worry.
Ele parecia comportar o peso do mundo nos ombros.
Figurative— To behave appropriately for the occasion or situation; to live up to expectations.
Esperamos que todos se comportem à altura do evento.
Formal— To behave ostentatiously or vainly, like a peacock showing off.
Ele adora se comportar como um pavão quando está em público.
Informal— To behave meekly, passively, or innocently, like a lamb.
Ela sempre se comportou como um cordeiro, nunca reclamando.
Informal— To behave with an air of superiority; to act like one is better than others.
Ele se comporta com ares de superioridade, o que irrita muitas pessoas.
Neutral— To behave like a saint; to be exceptionally virtuous or patient.
Ela se comporta como um santo, mesmo quando provocada.
Informal— To behave like a renegade; to act in a disloyal or rebellious manner.
Ele se comportou como um renegado, traindo seus amigos.
InformalEasily Confused
Learners often confuse it with the non-reflexive 'comportar' or with similar verbs like 'agir'.
Refers specifically to the way a person or animal acts, implying adherence to norms or expectations. Requires a reflexive pronoun ('me', 'te', 'se', etc.). Example: 'Ela se comporta bem.'
Ela se comporta bem na escola.
Mistaken for 'comportar-se' when talking about capacity, or vice versa.
Refers to the ability of something to hold, contain, accommodate, or include something else. Does not use a reflexive pronoun. Example: 'O armário comporta muitos livros.'
O armário comporta muitos livros.
Both involve action, but 'comportar-se' is more specific about the manner of action.
Means 'to act' generally. 'Comportar-se' means 'to behave' specifically. You can 'agir' impulsively, but you 'comportar-se' according to rules. Example: 'Ele agiu rápido.' vs. 'Ele se comportou rapidamente.'
Ele agiu rápido para salvar o dia.
Very similar meaning to 'comportar-se', especially in Portugal.
Essentially a synonym for 'comportar-se' when referring to behavior. 'Ele se portou bem.' is equivalent to 'Ele se comportou bem.'
Ele se portou bem na reunião.
Both mean to hold/contain, but 'comportar' can also mean to accommodate or include.
Means 'to contain' physically. 'Comportar' can mean 'to contain' but also 'to accommodate' or 'to include'. Example: 'A garrafa contém água.' vs. 'O país comporta muitos imigrantes.'
A garrafa contém água.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + se + comportar + bem/mal.
Eu me comporto bem.
Subject + comportar + quantity/object.
A caixa comporta 5 quilos.
Subject + se + comportar + de maneira + adjective.
Eles se comportaram de maneira educada.
Subject + poder + comportar + object.
O carro pode comportar 5 pessoas.
É importante que + Subject + se + comporte (subjunctive).
É importante que você se comporte.
Subject + comportar + adverb + object.
O armário comporta muitos livros confortavelmente.
Subject + se comportar + com + noun.
Ele se comportou com profissionalismo.
Subject + comportar + noun + e + noun.
O sistema comporta recursos e funcionalidades.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High. Both 'comportar' (for capacity) and 'comportar-se' (for behavior) are frequently used.
-
Forgetting the reflexive pronoun 'se' when referring to behavior.
→
Ele se comporta bem.
The verb 'comportar-se' is reflexive when referring to behavior. Omitting 'se' changes the meaning to capacity.
-
Using 'comportar' instead of 'comportar-se' for personal conduct.
→
As crianças devem se comportar na escola.
'Comportar' without 'se' refers to capacity, not behavior. The reflexive form is essential for talking about how someone acts.
-
Incorrect agreement of the reflexive pronoun.
→
Nós nos comportamos.
The reflexive pronoun must match the subject. 'Nós se comportam' is incorrect; it should be 'Nós nos comportamos'.
-
Confusing 'comportar' (capacity) with verbs meaning 'to carry' or 'to wear'.
→
A mala comporta muitas roupas.
'Comportar' in this context means 'to hold' or 'to contain', not 'to carry' (transportar) or 'to wear' (vestir).
-
Using 'comportar-se' when talking about the capacity of an object.
→
O armário comporta muitos livros.
'Comportar-se' is for behavior. For capacity, use the non-reflexive 'comportar'.
Tips
Behavior vs. Capacity
The most critical tip is to remember the 'se'. If it's about how someone acts, use 'comportar-se'. If it's about what something can hold, use 'comportar'. This distinction is key to correct usage.
Reflexive Pronouns
When using 'comportar-se', ensure the reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, vos, se) correctly matches the subject of the verb. Incorrect agreement, like 'Eu se comporto', is a common error.
Listen to Native Speakers
Pay attention to how native Portuguese speakers use 'comportar' and 'comportar-se' in various situations. This will help you internalize the nuances and choose the right verb form and meaning.
Sentence Building
Create your own sentences using both meanings of 'comportar'. Write about how you behave in different scenarios and then describe the capacity of your belongings. This active practice reinforces learning.
Know Your Alternatives
Be aware of synonyms like 'portar-se' (for behavior) and 'conter' or 'acomodar' (for capacity). Knowing these helps you understand native speech and provides alternative ways to express yourself.
Verb Conjugation
Master the conjugation of 'comportar' in different tenses, and always remember to correctly place and agree the reflexive pronoun when using 'comportar-se'.
Abstract Usage
Remember that 'comportar' can also have abstract meanings like 'to include' or 'to allow for', especially in formal or technical contexts. For example, 'O plano comporta riscos.' (The plan involves risks.)
Avoid Omission
Never omit the reflexive pronoun 'se' when talking about behavior. 'Ele comporta' does not mean 'He behaves'; it means 'He holds/contains'.
European vs. Brazilian Portuguese
While 'comportar-se' is widely used, be aware that 'portar-se' is a very common and direct synonym for 'to behave' in European Portuguese.
Use in Conversation
Actively try to use 'comportar' and 'comportar-se' in your Portuguese conversations. The more you use them, the more natural they will become.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'comport' (like a compartment or a container) that needs to 'portar' (carry) things. This compartment needs to 'comportar' (hold) a certain amount. When people are inside, they need to 'comportar-se' (behave) so they don't break the compartment!
Visual Association
Picture a large, sturdy box labeled 'COM-PORTAR'. Inside, you see neatly arranged items (capacity). Then, imagine a well-dressed person stepping out of the box, bowing politely ('comportar-se').
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe how you would 'comportar-se' in a new country, and then describe the capacity of your suitcase using 'comportar'.
Word Origin
The word 'comportar' comes from the Latin 'comportare', which is a combination of 'com-' (together, with) and 'portare' (to carry).
Original meaning: Literally, 'to carry together' or 'to bring together'. This evolved to mean to contain, to hold, and then, metaphorically, to carry oneself in a certain way.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > PortugueseCultural Context
When discussing behavior, especially with children or in formal settings, using 'comportar-se' implies an expectation of adherence to certain standards. Misunderstandings can arise if the context of capacity is confused with behavior.
The English word 'behave' is a direct equivalent for 'comportar-se'. For capacity, words like 'hold', 'contain', 'accommodate', or 'fit' are used. The distinction between personal conduct and physical capacity is clear in both languages.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Parent-child interactions regarding behavior
- Comporte-se!
- Não se comporte assim!
- Seja um bom menino/menina.
- Você precisa se comportar.
School environment
- Comportem-se na sala de aula.
- É importante se comportar com respeito.
- Os alunos se comportaram bem no passeio.
- Regras de comportamento.
Describing capacity of objects or spaces
- Este carro comporta X pessoas.
- A mala comporta muita coisa.
- A sala comporta poucas pessoas.
- Qual a capacidade que este recipiente comporta?
Professional settings
- Comporte-se profissionalmente.
- É preciso se comportar com discrição.
- A empresa espera que todos se comportem adequadamente.
- Comportamento ético.
Social events and etiquette
- Comporte-se à altura da ocasião.
- Por favor, se comportem com elegância.
- Um bom comportamento é essencial.
- Etiqueta e comportamento social.
Conversation Starters
"Como você se comporta em situações novas?"
"Que tipo de comportamento você espera das crianças?"
"Qual a capacidade máxima do seu carro?"
"Como você acha que as pessoas deveriam se comportar em público?"
"O que você acha que o verbo 'comportar' significa em diferentes contextos?"
Journal Prompts
Descreva uma situação em que você teve que se comportar de uma maneira específica. Como foi?
Pense em um objeto que você usa diariamente. O que ele comporta? Como ele funciona?
Escreva sobre um momento em que você ou alguém que você conhece se comportou de forma exemplar. O que o tornou especial?
Se você pudesse dar uma regra de comportamento para o mundo, qual seria?
Como o seu ambiente (casa, trabalho, cidade) comporta as pessoas e suas atividades?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe main difference lies in the reflexive pronoun 'se'. 'Comportar-se' (with 'se') means 'to behave oneself' and refers to how people or animals conduct themselves. 'Comportar' (without 'se') means 'to hold', 'to contain', or 'to accommodate' and refers to the capacity of objects, spaces, or systems. For example, 'As crianças se comportaram' (The children behaved) vs. 'O ônibus comporta 50 passageiros' (The bus holds 50 passengers).
You use 'comportar-se' whenever you are talking about how someone or something (like an animal) acts or conducts itself, especially in relation to rules, manners, or expectations. It's about their behavior. For instance, 'Ele se comporta muito bem na escola.' (He behaves very well at school.)
You use 'comportar' when you are referring to the capacity of something to hold, contain, or accommodate other things. Think of it as what something 'can hold'. For example, 'Esta caixa comporta 20 quilos.' (This box can hold 20 kilos.) It can also mean 'to include' or 'to allow for', like 'A nova lei comporta mudanças.' (The new law allows for changes.)
'Portar-se' is a very close synonym to 'comportar-se' and is often used interchangeably, especially in European Portuguese. Both mean 'to behave oneself'. The choice between them might depend on regional preference or subtle stylistic nuances, but for learners, understanding 'comportar-se' is paramount.
Yes, 'comportar' can be used in a more abstract sense to mean 'to include', 'to involve', or 'to allow for'. For example, 'O projeto comporta várias etapas' (The project involves several stages) or 'A legislação não comporta essa exceção' (The legislation does not allow for this exception).
If you forget the 'se' when you intend to talk about behavior, you change the meaning entirely. 'Ele comporta bem' would sound like 'He holds well' (which is nonsensical), instead of 'He behaves well'. This is a common mistake for learners and changes the meaning from behavior to capacity.
Yes, 'agir' is a more general verb for 'to act', while 'portar-se' is a direct synonym for 'comportar-se'. 'Agir' is broader; you 'agir' (act) in a situation, but you 'comportar-se' (behave) in a specific way within that situation.
A common mistake might be using it when 'caber' (to fit) is more natural in very informal contexts, or incorrectly conjugating the verb. However, 'comportar' is generally understood and correct for capacity discussions.
'Comportar-se' is a reflexive verb. You conjugate 'comportar' and add the appropriate reflexive pronoun that agrees with the subject. For example: 'Eu me comporto', 'Tu te comportas', 'Ele/Ela/Você se comporta', 'Nós nos comportamos', 'Vós vos comportais', 'Eles/Elas/Vocês se comportam'.
Both can mean 'to contain' or 'to hold'. 'Conter' often implies a more direct physical containment. 'Comportar' can also mean 'to accommodate' or 'to include', making it slightly broader in its capacity-related meanings. For example, 'A garrafa contém água' (The bottle contains water) and 'A caixa comporta 10 kg' (The box holds 10 kg).
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Summary
The verb 'comportar' has two main meanings: 'to behave' (as 'comportar-se') and 'to hold/contain' (as 'comportar'). Always check if the reflexive pronoun 'se' is present to understand the intended meaning.
- Comportar means to behave or to hold/contain.
- Use 'comportar-se' for people's behavior.
- Use 'comportar' for capacity or containment.
- It's crucial to distinguish between these two uses.
Behavior vs. Capacity
The most critical tip is to remember the 'se'. If it's about how someone acts, use 'comportar-se'. If it's about what something can hold, use 'comportar'. This distinction is key to correct usage.
Reflexive Pronouns
When using 'comportar-se', ensure the reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, vos, se) correctly matches the subject of the verb. Incorrect agreement, like 'Eu se comporto', is a common error.
Listen to Native Speakers
Pay attention to how native Portuguese speakers use 'comportar' and 'comportar-se' in various situations. This will help you internalize the nuances and choose the right verb form and meaning.
Sentence Building
Create your own sentences using both meanings of 'comportar'. Write about how you behave in different scenarios and then describe the capacity of your belongings. This active practice reinforces learning.
Related Content
More emotions words
a sério?
A2seriously?, an expression of surprise, disbelief, or to check earnestness
abalado
A2Emotionally disturbed or upset; shaken.
abalar
A2To shake or disturb (emotionally); to affect deeply.
abalo
A2Shock, emotional disturbance; a sudden, disturbing, or upsetting emotional experience.
abandonado
B1Left by the owner or inhabitants; deserted.
abatidamente
B1In a dejected or disheartened manner; dejectedly.
abatido
A2Dejected; sad and depressed; dispirited.
abatimento
A2Dejection; a sad and depressed state; low spirits.
abertamente
A2openly, frankly; without concealment; publicly.
abismado
B1Filled with astonishment or wonder.
