comportar
“comportar” means “to entail” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to entailAlso: to involve, to imply

📝 In Action
Ser el jefe comporta una gran responsabilidad.
B2Being the boss entails a great responsibility.
Este proyecto comporta riesgos financieros que debemos analizar.
B2This project involves financial risks that we must analyze.
La libertad siempre comporta deberes.
C1Freedom always implies duties.
Word Connections
to behaveAlso: to act

📝 In Action
Los niños se comportaron muy bien en el cine.
A2The children behaved very well at the cinema.
Tienes que comportarte como un adulto.
A2You have to behave like an adult.
¿Por qué te comportas así conmigo?
B1Why are you acting like that with me?
Word Connections
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "comportar" in Spanish:
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: comportar
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence means 'The child behaved well'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family
📚 Etymology
From Latin 'comportare,' which means 'to carry together' or 'to collect.' Over time, it shifted from physically carrying things to the way a person 'carries' themselves or what a situation 'carries' with it.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'comportar' mean the same as 'portarse'?
Yes! When talking about behavior, 'comportarse' and 'portarse' are almost identical and interchangeable. 'Portarse' is slightly more common in everyday conversation, while 'comportarse' is a bit more formal.
Can I use 'comportar' to mean carrying bags?
No. Even though it sounds like 'carry,' it is only used for abstract things like consequences or behavior. To carry physical items, use 'llevar' or 'cargar'.
What is the difference between 'comportar' and 'conllevar'?
They are very similar. Both mean 'to entail.' However, 'conllevar' is used exclusively for consequences, while 'comportar' can also be used for behavior if you add the reflexive pronouns.

