Top 10 Spanish Sayings

Learning Spanish can be a daunting task for many. However, one way to ease into the language is to start with some common Spanish sayings. Not only will you learn new phrases, but you will also gain insight into the culture and customs of Spanish-speaking countries. In this article, we will cover the top 10 Spanish sayings that will come in handy in everyday conversations.

Table of Contents

1. “No hay mal que por bien no venga” – Every cloud has a silver lining.
2. “A quien madruga, Dios le ayuda” – The early bird catches the worm.
3. “Más vale tarde que nunca” – Better late than never.
4. “Quien calla, otorga” – Silence implies consent.
5. “A caballo regalado, no se le mira el diente” – Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.
6. “El que mucho abarca, poco aprieta” – Jack of all trades, master of none.
7. “En boca cerrada no entran moscas” – Silence is golden.
8. “Al mal tiempo, buena cara” – When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
9. “No por mucho madrugar amanece más temprano” – Rome wasn’t built in a day.
10. “La esperanza es lo último que se pierde” – Hope springs eternal.

1. “No hay mal que por bien no venga”

This Spanish saying translates to “Every cloud has a silver lining” in English. It is often used to convey the message that no matter how bad a situation may seem, there is always a positive side to it. For example, if someone loses their job, they may find a better opportunity as a result.

2. “A quien madruga, Dios le ayuda”

This popular Spanish saying means “The early bird catches the worm” in English. It emphasizes the importance of starting the day early and being proactive. The saying suggests that those who wake up early and get a head start on their day will be more successful in achieving their goals.

3. “Más vale tarde que nunca”

“Más vale tarde que nunca” translates to “Better late than never” in English. This saying encourages people to take action, even if it’s not perfect or ideal. It’s better to do something late than to not do it at all.

4. “Quien calla, otorga”

In English, “Quien calla, otorga” means “Silence implies consent.” This saying suggests that if someone remains quiet when they have the opportunity to speak up, they are agreeing with the situation or the person.

5. “A caballo regalado, no se le mira el diente”

This Spanish saying translates to “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth” in English. It’s used to suggest that when you receive a gift or opportunity, you should be grateful and not scrutinize it too closely.

6. “El que mucho abarca, poco aprieta”

“El que mucho abarca, poco aprieta” means “Jack of all trades, master of none” in English. This saying suggests that if you try to do too many things at once, you may not be successful in any of them. It’s better to focus on one thing at a time and master it before moving on to something else.

7. “En boca cerrada no entran moscas”

This saying means “Silence is golden” in English. It encourages people to think before they speak and to be mindful of the impact their words may have on others. Sometimes it’s better to remain quiet and avoid saying something that may cause harm or conflict.

8. “Al mal tiempo, buena cara”

This popular Spanish saying translates to “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade” in English. It encourages people to maintain a positive attitude even in difficult situations. When faced with adversity, we should try to find the silver lining and focus on the good.

9. “No por mucho madrugar amanece más temprano”

This saying means “Rome wasn’t built in a day” in English. It reminds us that achieving success takes time and effort. We should be patient and persistent in pursuing our goals, even if progress seems slow.

10. “La esperanza es lo último que se pierde”

This Spanish saying translates to “Hope springs eternal” in English. It encourages people to remain optimistic and to never give up hope, even in the face of adversity. Hope is a powerful motivator that can help us overcome obstacles and achieve our dreams.

In conclusion, learning common Spanish sayings is a great way to gain insight into the language and culture of Spanish-speaking countries. The top 10 Spanish sayings we covered in this article are not only useful in everyday conversations but also provide valuable life lessons. By incorporating these sayings into your vocabulary, you can improve your Spanish skills and gain a deeper appreciation for the richness and diversity of the language.

FAQs

1. Are these Spanish sayings commonly used in all Spanish-speaking countries?

While some of these sayings may be more common in certain regions or countries, they are all widely recognized and understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world.

2. Can I use these sayings in formal situations?

Some of these sayings may be more appropriate for informal conversations, while others can be used in more formal settings. It’s important to use discretion and consider the context before using any saying.

3. Are there any similar sayings in English?

Yes, many of these sayings have English equivalents. For example, “Every cloud has a silver lining” is a common English saying that has a similar meaning to “No hay mal que por bien no venga.”

4. Can I learn Spanish just by memorizing these sayings?

While learning these sayings is a great way to improve your Spanish skills, it’s important to also focus on grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation to become truly fluent in the language.

5. Are there any other Spanish sayings that I should know?

Yes, there are many other Spanish sayings that are worth learning. You can find them in Spanish language books, online resources, or by talking to native speakers.