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"Ser amable" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to be kind", and "sé amable" is a phrase which is often translated as "be kind". Learn more about the difference between "ser amable" and "sé amable" below.
ser amable(
sehr
ah
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mah
-
bleh
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
1. (general)
a. to be kind
La empleada del mostrador de atención al cliente es muy amable.The employee at the customer service desk is very kind.
b. to be nice
Si eres amable con la gente, también lo serán contigo.If you're nice to people, they'll be nice to you.
c. to be polite
El policía con el que hablé era amable y servicial.The police officer I talked with was polite and helpful.
sé amable(
seh
ah
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mah
-
bleh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (informal) (imperative; second person singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
a. be kind
Si quieres que la gente que te rodea sea más feliz, simplemente sé amable. Es así de fácil.If you want people around you to be happier, just be kind. It's as simple as that.
b. be nice
¿Qué tengo que hacer? - Sobre todo, sé amable con los clientes.What do I have to do? - Above all, be nice to customers.
