How to say "behave" in Japanese

• 振舞うふるまうJLPT N2approx.Common
  godan verb, intransitive verbCovers the basic sense of 'behave' in the sense of conducting oneself or acting, e.g. toward guests or in company. This is the common word and usually the natural first choice for 'behave'.
  学生がくせいであるならそのように振舞ふるまいなさい。↗

  If you are a student, behave as such.
• 立ち振る舞うたちふるまう
  godan verbAlso glossed 'act; behave', referring to how one carries or conducts oneself, often with a nuance of bearing or demeanor. It is less common, so learners should treat it as a secondary option.

Use 「振舞う」 for everyday descriptions of how someone conducts or acts; 「立ち振る舞う」 also means to behave, but is less common and suited to more deliberate, composed conduct.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 振る舞うふるまうto behave
• 立ち振る舞うたちふるまうto act
• 出るでるto assume (an attitude)