Spanish proverbs and popular sayings: how many do you know?

The word ‘refrán’ comes from French and means a 'commonly used sententious saying.' It is attributed to the words repeated at the end of each stanza of a song. However, we usually speak of a "refrán" when referring to a traditional proverb of popular use with a didactic, moral, or philosophical intent.

These little gems of wisdom transmit the culture, experience, and wit of a language like Spanish in a single phrase. Therefore, knowing these phrases will help you fully immerse yourself in the language and expand your knowledge of Spanish. Let's begin!

Most Popular Proverbs in Spanish

These are some of the most popular proverbs and sayings in Spanish and their meanings:

• Dime con quién andas, y te diré quién eres.

Meaning: This warns about the influence of companions on a person's character. The choice of our circle of friends can reflect our own personality (Similar to "Birds of a feather flock together").

• A caballo regalado no le mires el diente.

Meaning: This proverb advises being grateful and not questioning or criticizing something we receive as a gift, even if it is not perfect or not to our liking (Similar to "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth").

• Al mal tiempo, buena cara.

Meaning: This suggests facing difficulties with optimism and a positive attitude. Despite adversities, keeping a smile can help us overcome them.

• A falta de pan, buenas son tortas.

Meaning: It tells us that, in difficult situations, we must make do with what we have available instead of mourning what we lack (Similar to "Beggars can't be choosers").

• Barriga llena, corazón contento.

Meaning: This highlights the connection between physical and emotional well-being. When our basic needs are satisfied, we are emotionally happier.

• Camarón que se duerme se lo lleva la corriente.

Meaning: This serves as a reminder of the importance of staying alert and not being careless. If you lose focus or let an opportunity pass, you might lose it and later regret it (Similar to "You snooze, you lose").

• Cría cuervos y te sacarán los ojos.

Meaning: This warns about the consequences of raising ungrateful or ill-intentioned people. Crows are associated with betrayal in some places, as they may attack the one who raises them—hence this Spanish proverb.

• Cuando el río suena, agua lleva.

Meaning: This proverb suggests that if there are rumors or whispers, there is some truth to them. It reminds us to be cautious and pay attention to signs because, even if you don't believe it, it might be true (Similar to "Where there's smoke, there's fire").

• Del tal palo, tal astilla.

Meaning: It tells us that children often share characteristics or behaviors similar to their parents. Literally, the splinter doesn't fall far from the stick (Similar to "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree").

• El que madruga coge agua clara.

Meaning: This implies that those who get up early have a better chance of succeeding. A call to productivity and one more reason to wake up early every day (Similar to "The early bird catches the worm").

• El que quiera pescado que se moje el culo.

Meaning: This indicates that to get something you desire, you must be willing to face difficulties or put in the effort. It is direct advice for achieving goals (Similar to "No pain, no gain").

• Hablando del rey de Roma…

Meaning: This proverb suggests that when you are talking about someone, that person suddenly appears. It is a warning to be careful with what is said (Similar to "Speak of the devil").

• Más vale tarde que nunca.

Meaning: This proverb reminds us that it is better to do something late than never to do it at all. It emphasizes the importance of action, even if delayed (Similar to "Better late than never").

• Más vale pájaro en mano que cien volando.

Meaning: This advises valuing what we already have instead of risking it for something that might not be certain. Certainty in the known is preferable to uncertainty (Similar to "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush").

• Moro viejo nunca será buen cristiano.

Meaning: This proverb refers to distrust. It reflects historical prejudices since, in the past during the Reconquista in Spain, Moors (Muslims) were associated with not converting to Christianity (Similar to "Old habits die hard" or "You can't change your spots").

• No hay mal que por bien no venga.

Meaning: This proverb invites us to see the positive side of any situation, even the difficult ones. Although something bad happens, it may lead to something good in the future (Similar to "Every cloud has a silver lining").

• Ojos que no ven, corazón que no siente.

Meaning: It says that if we are not aware of something, it will not affect us emotionally. Sometimes, ignoring certain things can be beneficial for our inner peace (Similar to "Out of sight, out of mind").

• Quién se fue a Sevilla, perdió su silla.

Meaning: This suggests that if you leave your seat, someone else might take it. It is a warning about the importance of securing what you have (Similar to "Finders keepers, losers weepers" or "Move your feet, lose your seat").

• Vivieron felices y comieron perdices (y a mí no me dieron).

Meaning: This fragment is a humorous and somewhat ironic variation of the typical fairy tale ending "they lived happily ever after." Adding "and they didn't give me any" adds a comic twist to the traditional ending.

Therefore, the full phrase could be interpreted as someone talking about a situation where other people enjoy happiness, but said happiness has not extended to the person speaking.

• En boca cerrada no entran moscas.

Meaning: This advises prudence and moderation in speaking. It suggests that if a person remains silent and does not speak unnecessarily, they avoid getting into trouble or saying something inappropriate (Similar to "Loose lips sink ships").

These Spanish proverbs and sayings are small capsules of wisdom that have stood the test of time. As you expand your knowledge of Spanish, keep these proverbs in mind; you will be surprised how much they can enrich your understanding of the language.

However, if what you are looking for is to learn Spanish in Spain, Enforex has intensive Spanish courses for all levels and ages. Take the opportunity and expand your knowledge of the language with native teachers who will help you better understand the language and learn many more Spanish proverbs.