How to Say "conduct" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “conduct” is “conducta” — use this for general actions and behavior, especially when referring to how people, often children, act in everyday situations..
conducta
/kon-DÚK-ta//konˈdukta/
Examples
La conducta de los niños fue excelente durante la visita al museo.
The children's behavior was excellent during the museum visit.
Su conducta agresiva en el juego preocupó a los padres.
His aggressive behavior in the game worried the parents.
Always Feminine
Remember that 'conducta' is always a feminine noun, so you must use 'la' or 'una' before it, and any adjectives describing it must also be feminine (e.g., 'buena conducta').
Mixing up the verb
Mistake: “La conducta de la profesora fue conducir bien.”
Correction: La conducta de la profesora fue buena. (The verb 'conducir' means 'to drive' or 'to lead', not 'to behave' in this context.)
comportamiento
/kom-por-tah-myen-to//kompoɾtaˈmjento/
Examples
El comportamiento del niño en la escuela fue excelente.
The child's behavior at school was excellent.
Estudiamos el comportamiento de los animales en su hábitat natural.
We study the behavior of animals in their natural habitat.
Su mal comportamiento resultó en una advertencia.
His bad conduct resulted in a warning.
Always Masculine
Since 'comportamiento' ends in '-miento,' it is always a masculine noun. You must use masculine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'el comportamiento,' 'un comportamiento extraño').
Gender Confusion
Mistake: “La comportamiento”
Correction: El comportamiento. Remember, nouns ending in -miento are almost always masculine, so always use 'el' or 'un'.
maneras
mah-NEH-rahs/maˈneɾas/
Examples
Tu hijo tiene muy buenas maneras.
Your son has very good manners.
Es importante enseñar buenas maneras a los niños.
It is important to teach good manners to children.
Sus maneras eran un poco rudas en la cena.
His manners were a bit rough at dinner.
Always Plural
When referring to social behavior, 'maneras' is almost always used in the plural, just like 'manners' in English.
actuación
Examples
La rápida actuación policial evitó un accidente grave en la autopista.
The rapid police action prevented a serious accident on the highway.
celebrar
/the-leh-BRAR//θeleˈβɾaɾ/
Examples
El director decidió celebrar la reunión de emergencia a las dos.
The director decided to hold the emergency meeting at two o'clock.
En esta iglesia, el sacerdote celebra misa todos los días.
In this church, the priest celebrates (holds) mass every day.
Formal Context
When used this way, 'celebrar' implies a formal or structured event, like a court session or a large conference.
realizar
rreh-ah-lee-SAR/re.a.liˈsaɾ/
Examples
El equipo necesita realizar la prueba antes del viernes.
The team needs to carry out the test before Friday.
¿Cuándo van a realizar el pago?
When are they going to make the payment?
La policía realizó una investigación sobre el caso.
The police conducted an investigation into the case.
Spelling Change for Sound
In the preterite 'yo' form and all present subjunctive forms, the 'z' changes to a 'c' (realicé, realice) to keep the soft 's' sound before 'e'.
False Cognate Alert
Mistake: “Using 'realizar' when you mean 'to notice' or 'to understand' (the English 'to realize').”
Correction: Use 'darse cuenta de' instead. For example, 'Me di cuenta de que llovía' (I realized it was raining).
proceder
/pro-seh-DEHR//pɾo.seˈðeɾ/
Examples
Su proceder fue ejemplar durante toda la crisis.
His behavior was exemplary throughout the entire crisis.
Verbs as Nouns
In Spanish, the base form of a verb can sometimes be used as a noun. In this case, 'el proceder' refers to the concept of 'the acting' or 'the way of acting'.
Conducta vs. Comportamiento
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.