When you delve into Spanish culture, you’ll discover a treasure trove of wisdom captured in “Sayings from Spain” – traditional proverbs known as refranes. These pearls of wisdom have been passed down through generations, offering insights into Spanish values, lifestyle, and philosophy.
Quick Examples
- “Agua que no has de beber, déjala correr” (Water you won’t drink, let it flow)
- Meaning: Don’t meddle in affairs that don’t concern you.
- “Quien canta, sus males espanta” (Who sings frightens away their woes)
- Meaning: Staying positive helps overcome difficulties.
- “Del dicho al hecho hay mucho trecho” (From saying to doing is a long stretch)
- Meaning: Actions speak louder than words.
- “A caballo regalado no le mires el diente” (Don’t look at the teeth of a gifted horse)
- Meaning: Be grateful for gifts without criticizing them.
- “Perro ladrador, poco mordedor” (A barking dog seldom bites)
- Meaning: Those who make the most threats rarely act on them.
Daily Life and Work
- “A quien madruga, Dios le ayuda” (God helps those who rise early)
- Meaning: Success comes to those who take initiative.
- Cultural context: Reflects Spain’s traditional agricultural society where early rising was essential.
- “No por mucho madrugar amanece más temprano” (Dawn doesn’t come earlier just because you get up early)
- Meaning: Some things can’t be rushed.
- Often used as a gentle counterpoint to the previous saying.
Wisdom and Speech
- “En boca cerrada no entran moscas” (Flies don’t enter a closed mouth)
- Meaning: Keep quiet to avoid trouble.
- Similar to the English “Silence is golden.”
- “El que tiene boca se equivoca” (He who has a mouth makes mistakes)
- Meaning: Everyone can make errors when speaking.
- Used to forgive verbal mistakes or misjudgments.
Time and Patience
- “Más vale tarde que nunca” (Better late than never)
- Meaning: Value of eventual completion over permanent failure.
- Used to encourage persistence despite delays.
- “No hay mal que cien años dure” (No evil lasts a hundred years)
- Meaning: All bad situations eventually end.
- Offers hope during difficult times.
Food and Hospitality
- “Barriga llena, corazón contento” (Full belly, happy heart)
- Meaning: Good food leads to contentment.
- Reflects Spain’s strong food culture.
- “De la panza sale la danza” (The dance comes from the belly)
- Meaning: Good food gives energy and joy.
- Highlights the connection between nourishment and celebration.
Relationships and Trust
- “Dime con quién andas y te diré quién eres” (Tell me who you walk with and I’ll tell you who you are)
- Meaning: Your companions reflect your character.
- Used to emphasize the importance of choosing good company.
Weather and Nature
- “Hasta el cuarenta de mayo no te quites el sayo” (Don’t remove your coat until the fortieth of May)
- Meaning: Spring weather is unpredictable.
- Shows Spain’s agricultural wisdom and weather patterns.
The enduring power of Sayings from Spain lies in their ability to convey complex life lessons through simple, memorable phrases. While some may seem old-fashioned, their underlying wisdom continues to resonate in modern contexts, making them a vital part of Spanish linguistic and cultural heritage.