Translation guide
The English verb 'behave' covers a range of meanings from acting in a certain way to following rules of good conduct. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; the best choice depends on whether you mean general conduct, good behavior, or behavior in a specific situation.
Describing how someone acts, carries themselves, or conducts themselves in general.
The most direct equivalent for 'behave' in the sense of conducting oneself in a certain manner. Often used with adverbs like 丁寧に (politely) or 乱暴に (violently).
彼は紳士のように振る舞った。
He behaved like a gentleman.
彼女はいつも冷静に振る舞う。
She always behaves calmly.
Means 'to act' or 'to take action'. Used when focusing on behavior as a series of actions, often in a more formal or analytical context.
彼は責任ある行動をした。
He behaved responsibly.
Pattern for 'behave like ~'. Replace 〜 with a noun or adjective describing the manner.
子供のように振る舞うのはやめなさい。
Stop behaving like a child.
Telling someone to be good, follow rules, or act properly, often used with children or in disciplinary contexts.
Common phrase meaning 'to be a good child', used when telling children to behave. Very natural in family settings.
お母さんが帰るまでいい子にしててね。
Behave until Mom comes back.
Means 'to be quiet/obedient'. Used when telling someone to behave calmly and not cause trouble.
電車の中ではおとなしくしなさい。
Behave on the train.
Means 'to have good manners'. Used for polite behavior, especially in formal or public settings.
レストランでは行儀よくしなさい。
Behave yourself at the restaurant.
Casual phrase meaning 'to do properly' or 'to behave'. Very common in everyday speech.
ちゃんとしなさい！
Behave yourself!
Referring to how someone acts in a particular context, often with an adverb or phrase describing the manner.
Again, 振る舞う is the go-to verb for describing behavior in a specific instance.
彼はその場にふさわしく振る舞った。
He behaved appropriately for the occasion.
Means 'to take an attitude of ~'. Used for deliberate behavior or stance.
彼は反抗的な態度をとった。
He behaved defiantly.
The reflexive 'behave oneself' meaning to control one's behavior and avoid causing trouble.
The most natural equivalent for 'behave oneself' in the sense of staying quiet and not causing trouble.
おとなしくしていなさい。
Behave yourself.
Used for children, similar to 'be a good boy/girl'.
いい子にしていてね。
Behave yourself, okay?
Avoid directly translating 'behave' as 振る舞う in all contexts. For telling someone to behave (imperative), 振る舞え is unnatural and sounds like 'conduct yourself in a certain manner' rather than 'be good'. Use おとなしくしなさい or いい子にして instead.
振る舞う focuses on the manner or style of behavior, often with an evaluative nuance. 行動する is more neutral and refers to actions or conduct as a whole, often used in formal descriptions of behavior.