“A proverb is to speech what salt is to food.” — Arabic proverb

Our whole lives are filled with proverbs.

One here, one there. A grandmother’s favorite that’s cited at every holiday meal. The nugget of wisdom given just before a big event. Your sister’s motto.

Proverbs. They’re all around us!

We bet you could pull a few from your mind in a matter of seconds.

Try it.

Aha! You did it, didn’t you?

Maybe you’re thinking about “a stitch in time saves nine.” Or to “look before you leap.” Or even “haste makes waste.”

Proverbs are brief bits of wisdom.

Some of these adages about love, life, family and everything else are used globally—and across cultures. Others are used only in certain countries or parts of the world. It’s fun to compare proverbs and collect unique ones!

Take this one, for instance: “Más vale tarde que nunca.” (“Better late than never.”) You’ll hear it practically anywhere on the planet, in nearly every language! I heard it in China—in Chinese!

Mexico has a term for their proverbs. They call them dichos.

Mexican proverbs bring the vibrant culture of this stunning country alive.

They also give us a great way to flavor our own Spanish language practice.

Let’s check out some proverbs from Mexico!
 

How Mexican Proverbs Fit into a Spanish Language Program

It’s generally accepted that the best way to learn language is through immersion. Just go someplace, study the language and absorb the culture.

In theory, that’s a super idea but in reality, it’s not possible for everyone to head out on an immersive trip.

An alternative is bringing language and culture to the learner. That means a solid language course and exposure to some first-rate cultural points.

How do proverbs fit into this? They’re nuggets of wisdom that are indicative of a culture. So learning about people, how they live and what they think through the proverbs they use is an excellent way to gain cultural insight.

Additionally, Mexican proverbs provide lots of vocabulary to help build strong language skills.

Keep a dicho journal to add to your reading and writing practice. It’s a fun way to add proverbs to your Spanish program!

And if you can’t actually visit Mexico in person, bring the immersive Spanish experience to you with FluentU. FluentU takes real-world videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.

It’s a great way to hear Spanish as it’s spoken all over the world, by real native speakers!

14 Meaningful Mexican Proverbs for Life and Language Learning

Con dinero baila el perro.

Meaning: With money the dog dances.

This is one of those two-sided proverbs. That is, it’s got more than one meaning.

To some, it means that everybody has a price. Pay enough and even a dog will dance.

It also means that if you work hard to get paid, you’ll be happy. You might even be happy enough to dance!

El que con lobos anda, a aullar se enseña.

Meaning: He who runs with wolves will learn to howl.

You’re influenced by the company you keep.

And yes, this is a proverb that many of us hear a lot from parents and grandparents during those teenage years!

It’s not confined to Mexico: Other Spanish-speaking countries use this proverb, too.

Desgracia compartida, menos sentida.

Meaning: Shared misfortune, less felt.

This is similar to the English proverb, “Misery loves company.”

When sorrow is shared, it’s easier to bear—at least that’s the implication of this proverb!

Al mal tiempo, buena cara.

Meaning: To bad times, a good face.

The power of positive thinking crosses cultures. This is a saying that reminds us to be positive even through the hard times.

En boca cerrada no entran moscas.

Meaning: No flies enter a closed mouth.

If I had a dollar for every time my Abuela (Grandma) said this to me and my cousins, I’d be rich!

It basically means to keep quiet, mind your own business or don’t comment on something that you know nothing about.

Cuando el río suena es que agua lleva.

Meaning: When the river sounds, water is running.

This one’s similar to the “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire” maxim.

It’s often used to mean that if you want to get to the truth of something, go to the source.

A darle que es mole de olla.

Meaning: To give you mole de olla.

This is such a great cultural tidbit. It means that you need to have enthusiasm for whatever task is before you.

Mole de olla is a traditional Mexican soup. It’s nourishing and tasty and is a staple for many families. In short, mole de olla is widely eaten and well-loved!

It’s considered to be a fine addition to one’s life, so when something’s compared to the soup, it must be something worth doing.

This soup doesn’t just pull itself together; it’s not a recipe for beginners. So to many, this proverb indicates that a task might be lengthy or difficult but it’s still something worth doing.

Más sabe el diablo por viejo que por diablo.

Meaning: The devil knows more because he is old rather than because he is a devil.

In other words, wisdom comes with age.

This one’s really popular, which can tell you heaps about the way the culture sees its elderly. If you spend any time in Mexico, you’re sure to hear it!

Más vale un pájaro en mano, que cien volando.

Meaning: A bird in hand is worth more than one hundred in flight.

This is similar to the well-known “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” proverb you’ve probably heard in English. In other words, it’s better to do one thing right than many things poorly.

The Mexican twist goes a bit further by replacing bushes with 100 flying birds. That paints a vivid mind picture, doesn’t it?

Lo barato questa caro.

Meaning: Cheap is expensive.

Invest wisely so you don’t need to replace a cheap item. In other words, buy quality and you won’t need to buy the same product again when it inevitably falls apart.

Zapatero, a tus zapatos.

Meaning: Shoemaker, to your shoes.

This is a nice way of telling someone to mind their own business.

El que busca encuentra.

Meaning: If you search you will find.

Look for what you want out of life and you’re sure to find it! The key is to actively go out there and do something, rather than sit around waiting for something nice to happen to you.

A falta de pan, tortillas.

Meaning: Lack of bread, tortillas.

If you don’t have bread, use tortillas. Although honestly, this has little to do with either bread or tortillas!

It’s all about making due with what’s on hand. Use what you have and it’ll work out!

Poco a poco se anda lejos.

Meaning: Little by little one goes far.

This adage shows that progress comes with commitment. Keep at it and you’ll go far. (Like your Spanish studies!)

If you’re planning to dive a cenote on the Yucatan Peninsula, attend Mexican cooking school or just wander the incredible ruins in this history-rich country, you’ll want to get some of these proverbs under your belt.

Whatever your reason for heading to Mexico, these will help you sound “local” and open doors to potential new friendships. Become more than just a traveler by building conversational bridges!

Proverbs help understand the culture and make it easier to fit into new situations. They’re a language-learners dream because they teach more than words—they teach customs and beliefs!

Have fun picking up these proverbs. Chances are, you’ll go in search of even more. My dicho journal is getting pretty full. I bet yours will fatten up soon, too!

Good luck!