54 Sayings In Spanish
Spanish sayings, or frases, are expressive and often humorous language for expressing feelings, opinions, and wisdom. They are known for their brevity and expressive tone, making them perfect for use in a variety of social situations. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the most popular and commonly known Spanish sayings, and how to use them in conversation.
Latin American Slang Expressions
Latin American slang expressions are a rich and colorful part of Spanish language culture. Regional slang expresses in Spanish are used in various countries throughout Central and South America to communicate with others. Slang is a type of informal language employed to spice up everyday conversation. It often serves as a way to add humor or emphasis to a phrase or comment. Slang can also signify a speaker's social and cultural identity - it can be used as a way to express a shared geographic or cultural identity between people. Slang can be used to discuss the political, social and economic issues of Latin American countries in an imaginative and creative way. Learning these expressions can be a great way to gain insight into the culture and make new connections with friends and family.
"No hay mal que por bien no venga"
"Ni hablar"
"Echar el cuento"
"¿Qué más?"
"Ya verás"
"Manda huevos"
"O me lo comes o me lo bebes"
"A la chingada"
"Por lo menos allá"
"Hoy no es mi día"
"Tirar la pelota afuera"
"Todo es cuestión de suerte"
Common Spanish Idioms
One of the best parts of learning Spanish is the ability to communicate with native speakers and understand the cultural references behind many of the common phrases and sayings. Spanish has a variety of colorful idioms which often don't directly translate word-for-word but give insight into traditional Spanish culture. For example, "entre cielo y tierra" (between heaven and earth) can be used to describe any situation that is uncertain or beyond one's control. Or "estar hecho una fiera" (to be made into a wild animal) which implies a person is extremely angry or agitated. Learning these sayings can lend greater depth to any conversation in Spanish.
"A buen entendedor, pocas palabras".
"Más vale prevenir que lamentar".
"Más sabe el diablo por viejo que por diablo".
"No dejes para mañana lo que puedes hacer hoy".
"Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando".
"Cuando el río suena, agua lleva".
"Piensa mal y acertarás".
"Dime con quién andas, y te diré quién eres".
"Ojos que no ven, corazón que no siente".
"No hay mal que por bien no venga".
"Mañana es otro día".
Popular Spanish Proverbs
One of the most fascinating aspects of learning a new language is the discovery of its proverbs. Proverbs provide insight into the culture of the native tongue and can even give us a look at the wisdom of the culture's ancestors. Spanish has plenty of popular proverbs that are often quoted and used to provide life advice or as a moral compass. Some of the most popular Spanish proverbs that are used around the world are "Más vale prevenir que lamentar" (better safe than sorry), "No hay mal que por bien no venga" (every dark cloud has a silver lining) and "Donde hay una voluntad hay un camino" (where there's a will there's a way). These sayings provide a unique and meaningful way to express emotion, wisdom and advice in Spanish.
"No hay mal que por bien no venga." (Every cloud has a silver lining).
"La prisa es la enemiga de la perfección." (Haste makes waste).
"No por mucho madrugar amanece más temprano." (The early bird catches the worm).
"A caballo regalado no se le miran los dientes." (Don't look a gift horse in the mouth).
"Cada loco con su tema." (To each his own).
"Más vale tarde que nunca." (Better late than never).
"El que no llora no mama." (Crybaby gets the milk).
"Más vale prevenir que lamentar." (An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure).
"A buen entendedor pocas palabras bastan." (Brevity is the soul of wit).
"A Dios rogando y con el mazo dando." (God helps those who help themselves).
"El que avisa no es traidor." (Forewarned is forearmed).
"El que calla otorga." (Silence is golden).
"A mal tiempo, buena cara." (Make the best of a bad situation.
Cultural Phrases from Around the Spanish-Speaking World
Sayings in Spanish often have deep cultural and even religious roots, which can make them all the more significant when shared with family and friends. From Mexico to Argentina, cultural phrases from around the Spanish-speaking world offer insight into the collective experiences, values, and humor of Spanish-speaking cultures. Whether in the form of proverbs, sayings, or idioms they are a fun way to learn more about the world beyond our borders. Consider a few popular examples: "No hay mal que por bien no venga," (lit. "There’s no bad thing that won’t bring something good") from Spain, or "La prisa mata lentos," (lit. "Rushing kills the patient") from Mexico. Learning these phrases can be an entertaining way to explore the culture of the Spanish-speaking world and gain an appreciation of its people and customs.
La unión hace la fuerza: “Strength lies in unity.”
Los caminos se abren andando: “The roads open up by walking.”
Poco a poco, se anda lejos: “Little by little, we can get far.”
No hay mal que por bien no venga: “No evil comes without some good.”
Quien mucho abarca, poco aprieta: “He who embraces too much, grasps too little.”
A donde fueres, haz lo que vieres: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
Hasta la vista: “See you soon.”
El que algo quiere algo le cuesta: “He who wants something has to pay for it.”
El que mucho se ausenta, pronto se olvida: “He who is absent for long is soon forgotten.”
El que mucho habla, poco dice: “He who talks a lot, says little.”
Más sabe el diablo por viejo que por diablo: “The devil knows more because he’s old than because he’s the devil.”
El que busca, halla: “He who seeks, finds.”
No hay mal que dure cien años: “No evil lasts a hundred years.”
Piensa mal y acertarás: “Think evil, and you’ll be right.”
Cuando el río suena, agua lleva: “When the river sounds, it carries water.”
Ojos que no ven, corazón que no siente: “Eyes that don’t see, heart that doesn’t feel.”
Con paciencia y barro hizo el cartero su morral: “With patience and mud, even a postman can make his bag.”
Quien bien te quiere, te hará llorar: “He who loves you, will make you cry.”
Whether you’re looking for a bit of wise advice or just a new way to express your feelings, Spanish sayings can be an invaluable resource. With their unique mix of humor and insight, these expressions are sure to add a memorable touch to any of your conversations. So next time you’re speaking Spanish, why not give one of these sayings a try?