yo no esté

Question

Por favor,¿qué significa, "portate bien mientrás yo no esté"?

Comprendo, "portate bien mientrás" pero "yo no esté"?

gracias....incognito

Answer 1

It is similar to cuando no esté if you are talking about the future. I am making plans for going out this evening and talking to my child. the ....while I am gone... is referring to this future time rather than just whenever I am gone (a condition or situation).

adverbial clauses

The following adverbial conjunctions deal with time, and are followed by the subjunctive when they introduce an anticipated situation. If they introduce one which is viewed as completed or habitual, they are followed by the indicative. Of course, if there is no change of subject involved and a preposition is available, typically the preposition is used with an infinitive.

Gracias Qfreed.... - Incógnito, Oct 29, 2011

I printed this answer. It will come in handy. - rita-elgert, Oct 29, 2011

Answer 2

behave while im not here

eso es, hecho. - annierats, Oct 29, 2011

Answer 3

I believe that is what she is saying, "...while I am gone" but I was not sure of the "esté" thanks Nikkipedia

Yes, I am wondering about the same thing... because I haven't saw the subjunctive used there... - NikkiLR, Oct 29, 2011

Answer 4

I believe the last part is something like "while I am not here..." or better said "while I am gone..."

Pórtate bien mientras estoy fuera de casa.

Pórtate bien mientras no estoy aquí.

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I always see the present used in these cases... is this correct?