Se comporter vs. se conduire
In the French language, 'se comporter' and 'se conduire' both translate to 'to behave' or 'to act' in English. Despite their similar meanings, these verbs can carry slightly different connotations and can be used in different contexts.
Se comporter
'Se comporter' generally refers to one's behavior in a broad sense, including manners, actions, and attitudes in various situations.
Il se comporte bien en classe.
(He behaves well in class.)
Elle s'est comportée comme une véritable professionnelle lors de la réunion.
(She behaved like a true professional during the meeting.)
Les enfants ne se sont pas comportés correctement au musée.
(The children did not behave properly at the museum.)
Se conduire
'Se conduire' often implies conduct that is either guided by moral standards or in accordance with rules or expectations. It can suggest an element of self-control or the way one manages oneself in specific situations.
Comment doit-on se conduire lors d'une cérémonie officielle ?
(How should one behave during an official ceremony?)
Il s'est mal conduit et a reçu un avertissement de son supérieur.
(He behaved badly and received a warning from his superior.)
Elle se conduit toujours avec beaucoup de dignité en public.
(She always conducts herself with a lot of dignity in public.)
Summary
'Se comporter' and 'se conduire' both describe ways of behaving, but 'se comporter' is more general and can refer to behavior as a whole, while 'se conduire' carries a nuance of moral conduct or conformity to specific rules. Choosing between them depends on the context and the specific aspect of behavior being described.