Comportarse vs. conducirse vs. portarse
The Spanish verbs 'comportarse', 'conducirse', and 'portarse' all carry a sense of acting or behaving. Each verb, however, has its specific nuances and contexts where it is usually applied, thus making their usage unique.
Comportarse
'Comportarse' generally refers to the manner in which someone behaves or conducts themselves in various circumstances. It often has a more formal or polite connotation.
Se comportó muy bien en la cena.
(He behaved very well at dinner.)
Hay que saber comportarse en público.
(One must know how to behave in public.)
Conducirse
'Conducirse' generally refers to how one manages or handles oneself, especially in terms of moral and ethical behavior. It is used less frequently than 'comportarse'.
Se conduce con dignidad a pesar de las dificultades.
(He conducts himself with dignity despite challenges.)
Sabemos que siempre te conduces con integridad.
(We know you always conduct yourself with integrity.)
Portarse
'Portarse' is often used to express simpler, day-to-day behaviors, especially those pertaining to children or pets.
Los niños se portaron bien en la escuela hoy.
(The children behaved well at school today.)
Mi perro se portó mal y rompió el jarrón.
(My dog misbehaved and broke the vase.)
Summary
While all three verbs 'comportarse', 'conducirse', and 'portarse' linguistically convey the notion of behavior or action, they are distinct in usage. 'Comportarse' portrays mannerly behavior, often within polite contexts; 'conducirse' signifies more ethical or moral conduct; while 'portarse' describes simpler, moment-to-moment behavior.