When you explore Peru’s cultural heritage, you’ll encounter a rich collection of sayings that capture the wisdom, humor, and spirit of the Andean people. Here’s your guide to understanding these fascinating expressions.
Family and Relationships
- “Hijo de gato caza ratón” (A cat’s child hunts mice)
- Meaning: Children often follow their parents’ footsteps.
- Usage: When a child shows talents similar to their parents.
- “Donde hubo fuego, cenizas quedan” (Where there was fire, ashes remain)
- Meaning: Past feelings or relationships leave lasting traces.
- Usage: Referring to former romantic relationships or deep friendships.
Success and Opportunity
- “A la hora del chanchito, cada uno sale con su platito” (At pig-roasting time, everyone comes out with their plate)
- Meaning: People appear when there’s something to gain.
- Usage: When fair-weather friends suddenly show up during good times.
- “El que no llora, no mama” (He who doesn’t cry, doesn’t suckle)
- Meaning: You must speak up to get what you need.
- Usage: Encouraging someone to advocate for themselves.
Work and Effort
- “A Dios rogando y con el mazo dando” (Praying to God while wielding the mallet)
- Meaning: Combine faith with action.
- Usage: When someone needs to take action instead of just hoping.
- “En casa de herrero, cuchillo de palo” (In the blacksmith’s house, wooden knife)
- Meaning: Sometimes professionals lack at home what they provide to others.
- Usage: Similar to “The cobbler’s children have no shoes.”
Wisdom and Experience
- “Más sabe el diablo por viejo que por diablo” (The devil knows more from being old than from being the devil)
- Meaning: Experience outweighs natural talent.
- Usage: When highlighting the value of life experience.
- “Camarón que se duerme se lo lleva la corriente” (The sleeping shrimp gets carried away by the current)
- Meaning: If you’re not alert, you’ll miss opportunities.
- Usage: Warning against complacency.
Food and Prosperity
- “Barriga llena, corazón contento” (Full belly, happy heart)
- Meaning: Physical satisfaction leads to emotional wellbeing.
- Usage: After a satisfying meal or when basic needs are met.
- “A falta de pan, buenas son las tortas” (When bread is lacking, cakes will do)
- Meaning: Make the best of what you have.
- Usage: When adapting to less-than-ideal circumstances.
Life Lessons
- “No por mucho madrugar amanece más temprano” (Dawn doesn’t come earlier just because you wake up early)
- Meaning: Some things can’t be rushed.
- Usage: When patience is needed.
- “El que ríe último, ríe mejor” (He who laughs last, laughs best)
- Meaning: Final success matters more than temporary victories.
- Usage: When early setbacks turn into ultimate triumph.
Social Commentary
- “El que tiene padrino se bautiza” (He who has a godfather gets baptized)
- Meaning: Having connections helps achieve goals.
- Usage: When discussing the importance of networking.
- “Dime con quién andas y te diré quién eres” (Tell me who you walk with and I’ll tell you who you are)
- Meaning: You’re judged by the company you keep.
- Usage: When discussing the influence of friendships.
Weather and Nature
- “Año de nieves, año de bienes” (Year of snow, year of goods)
- Meaning: Harsh weather often leads to good harvests.
- Usage: Finding silver linings in difficult situations.
- “Después de la tempestad viene la calma” (After the storm comes the calm)
- Meaning: Difficult times will pass.
- Usage: Offering hope during challenging periods.
These Peruvian sayings reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage, blending Indigenous wisdom with Spanish influences. Through them, you gain insight into Peruvian values, humor, and daily life perspectives, from the coastal regions to the Andean highlands and Amazon rainforest.