Meaning:<\/strong> The early bird catches the worm<\/p>\n Literal translation:<\/strong> He who wakes early, God helps<\/p>\n This common Spanish saying can be used just as one would use the English equivalent, but in Spanish it is Dios <\/em>(God) who helps.\u00a0<\/p>\n Colloquially, this Spanish saying is often used in a cute way to encourage someone to go to sleep early.\u00a0<\/p>\n Meaning:<\/strong> Better late than never<\/p>\n Literal meaning:<\/strong> Late is worth more than never<\/p>\n This phrase is used in the same way as “better late than never” in English, such as when you forget to submit an essay on time, or you wish someone a happy birthday a few days late.<\/p>\n Meaning:<\/strong> Better late than never<\/p>\n Literal translation:<\/strong> It’s never too late if happiness is good<\/p>\n This saying is specifically used for situations where you or someone else is running late.<\/p>\n You could say this to a friendly bus or taxi driver who arrives much later than the scheduled time. It’s a good-humored way to say, “hey, no worries.”<\/p>\n Meaning:<\/strong> Give a man an inch and he’ll take a mile<\/p>\n Literal translation: <\/strong>Hold out your hand and they’ll take your arm<\/p>\n This saying is often used as a way to describe someone who takes advantage of situations, such as a person, a company or politicians.\u00a0<\/p>\n Use it in personal situations, venting about someone who took advantage of your generosity or when warning or commiserating with a friend.<\/p>\n Meaning:<\/strong> Ignorance is bliss<\/p>\n Literal translation:<\/strong> What the eyes don’t see, the heart doesn’t feel<\/p>\n This expression has two variations and both are acceptable.\u00a0<\/p>\n This is a good one to use to console a friend\u2014especially if you’re telling her to unfollow her ex-boyfriend on Instagram so she can’t stare at his pictures and cry over what’s in the past.<\/p>\n Meaning:<\/strong> You can’t have your cake and eat it too<\/p>\n Literal translation: <\/strong>There can’t be chickens both in the barnyard and in the pot<\/p>\n This saying remarks on when an individual’s expectations go beyond the scope of reality.\u00a0<\/p>\n They want to have\u00a0something\u00a0two ways, but can only have it one. For example, you can’t work your 9-5 office job and also take extended, multi-month vacations.<\/p>\n Meaning:<\/strong> Time heals all wounds<\/p>\n Literal translation:<\/strong> There is no evil that lasts 100 years<\/p>\n Use this saying to relate to and console an individual undergoing emotional difficulty.\u00a0<\/p>\n I first learned this saying in a coffee shop in Costa Rica<\/a> while\u00a0describing a painful situation in my broken Spanish to a\u00a0tica\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>(young Costa Rican girl).<\/p>\n Meaning:<\/strong> Variety is the spice of life<\/p>\n Literal translation:<\/strong> In variety lies the taste<\/p>\n This is a fun Spanish saying to throw out at a party or when you feel like trying something new, whether it be a plato<\/strong><\/em> (dish), restaurante<\/em><\/strong> (restaurant), vino<\/em><\/strong> (wine)\u2014anything, really!<\/p>\n Meaning:<\/strong> If you fall, get up and try again<\/p>\n Literal translation: <\/strong>If you fall seven times, get up eight<\/p>\n This saying emphasizes that even though you might be beat down again and again, you can still get up and make it.\u00a0<\/p>\n No matter how rough a situation might be, it’s always best to be resilient and come back even stronger than before.<\/p>\n Meaning:<\/strong> When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Look on the bright side<\/p>\n Literal meaning:<\/strong> At a bad time, a happy face<\/p>\n In Spanish, this phrase is used in similar situations to the phrase \u201clook on the bright side\u201d in English.<\/p>\n When you are facing a difficult moment, keep your chin up, remain positive and try to make the best of the situation.<\/p>\n As this video from our YouTube channel<\/a> indicates, Mexican culture values happiness even when things aren’t going well.<\/p>\n Meaning:<\/strong> When in Rome, do as the Romans do<\/p>\n Literal translation: <\/strong>Wherever you go, do what you see<\/p>\n Everywhere has different customs and social norms and the best thing you can do when traveling is observe and follow what you see.<\/p>\n If you follow the locals and value their ways of life and language, you will open yourself up to a whole new experience!<\/p>\n This saying also applies to language learning\u2014one of the best ways to learn a language fluently is to pick up local slang and varieties by listening to native speakers.<\/p>\n However, immersion isn’t limited to being in a Spanish-speaking country. You can also have the same experience with native speakers through language exchanges<\/a> or even Spanish media. For example, you could watch Spanish TV shows<\/a> and try to pick up Castilian Spanish phrases used in everyday life.\u00a0<\/p>\n Meaning:<\/strong> It\u2019s a small world<\/p>\n Literal meaning:<\/strong> The world is a handkerchief<\/p>\n In Spanish, this phrase is often used if you bump into someone you know in an unexpected place.<\/p>\n For example, imagine you are climbing up to visit Machu Picchu and you suddenly spot an old classmate from high school, or perhaps you’ve just seen your boss at the airport.<\/p>\n Meaning: <\/strong>A\u00a0constant guest is never welcome<\/p>\n Literal meaning: <\/strong>Where people love you very much, don’t go often\u00a0<\/p>\n This saying advises against overstaying your welcome in a place where you’re greatly appreciated.<\/p>\n Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Time heals all wounds<\/p>\n Literal meaning: <\/strong>Time heals everything<\/p>\n It’s a comforting reminder during difficult times that things will eventually get better with time.<\/p>\n Meaning: <\/strong>Don\u2019t bite off more than you can chew<\/p>\n Literal meaning: <\/strong>He who covers a lot can\u2019t keep a tight grip<\/p>\n This saying warns against spreading oneself too thin by taking on too many tasks or responsibilities.<\/p>\n Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Mind your own business<\/p>\n Literal meaning: <\/strong>Shoemaker, to your shoes!<\/p>\n This saying reminds people to stick to their own needs. It’s often used to gently remind someone not to meddle in affairs that do not concern them.<\/p>\n Meaning: <\/strong>Beggars can’t be choosers<\/p>\n Literal meaning: <\/strong>To great hunger, there’s no stale bread<\/p>\n That’s how Spanish people would emphasize the importance of being grateful for what you have, especially in times of need.\u00a0<\/p>\n Meaning:<\/strong> A\u00a0man is known by the company he keeps<\/p>\n Literal meaning: <\/strong>Tell me who you\u2019re with, and I\u2019ll tell you who you are<\/p>\n This Spanish saying means that one’s companions or friends can influence their character and behavior.<\/p>\n It suggests that the people you surround yourself with reflect your own values and personality.<\/p>\n Meaning:<\/strong> It\u2019s no crime to steal from a thief.<\/p>\n Literal meaning: <\/strong>A thief that steals from a thief, has 100 years of forgiveness<\/p>\n This saying is used to justify committing a wrongdoing in response to another wrongdoing.<\/p>\n Meaning:<\/strong> Everyone knows their own struggles<\/p>\n Literal meaning: <\/strong>Everyone knows where the shoe pinches<\/p>\n In Spain, if you want to acknowledge that everyone experiences difficulties or challenges, then you can say “Cada uno sabe donde aprieta el zapato”.<\/p>\n It’s often used to remind individuals to be considerate and supportive of others, as everyone has their own burdens to bear.<\/p>\n Meaning:<\/strong> Money attracts more money<\/p>\n Literal meaning: <\/strong>Money calls money<\/p>\n Spanish people use this phrase when talking about the idea that wealth tends to accumulate more wealth through investments, opportunities, and favorable circumstances.<\/p>\n It means that those who already have a lot of money are more likely to gain additional wealth compared to those who have less.<\/p>\n Meaning:<\/strong> Mind your own business<\/p>\n Literal meaning: <\/strong>May every mast hold its own sail<\/p>\n Similar to “Zapatero, a sus zapatos,” this saying advises individuals to focus on their own business.<\/p>\n It’s often used to remind someone not to interfere in matters that do not concern them or to discourage gossiping or nosiness.<\/p>\n Meaning:<\/strong> Don’t pay attention to foolish words<\/p>\n Literal meaning: <\/strong>To foolish words, deaf ears<\/p>\n This saying advises ignoring or disregarding foolish or nonsensical remarks or opinions.<\/p>\n It’s often used to remind individuals not to let negativity or criticism affect them and to focus on what truly matters.<\/p>\n Meaning:<\/strong> A full stomach makes a happy heart<\/p>\n Literal meaning:<\/strong> A full belly, a happy heart<\/p>\n In Spain, people use this phrase to remind the importance of food in our life and health. This saying expresses gratitude for a satisfying meal.\u00a0<\/p>\n Meaning:<\/strong> New year, new life<\/p>\n Literal meaning:<\/strong> New year, new life<\/p>\n This saying signifies the opportunity for a fresh start or a chance to make positive changes in one’s life.<\/p>\n You can use it around the beginning of a new year to inspire optimism and motivation for personal growth and improvement.<\/p>\n Spanish sayings aren’t just fun, but they’ll help improve your language skills. Here’s how:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Try using these sayings with your profesora<\/strong>\u00a0<\/em>(teacher) or Spanish-speaking friends.<\/p>\n \u00a1Hasta la\u00a0pr\u00f3xima, amigos!\u00a0<\/em>(Until next time, friends!)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \r\nIf you've made it this far that means you probably enjoy learning Spanish with engaging material and will then love FluentU<\/a>.<\/strong>\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n \r\nOther sites use scripted content. FluentU uses a natural approach that helps you ease into the Spanish language and culture over time. You\u2019ll learn Spanish as it\u2019s actually spoken by real people.\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\nFluentU has a wide variety of videos, as you can see here:\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\nFluentU brings native videos within reach with interactive transcripts.<\/strong> You can tap on any word to look it up instantly. Every definition has examples that have been written to help you understand how the word is used. If you see an interesting word you don\u2019t know, you can add it to a vocab list.\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\nReview a complete interactive transcript under the Dialogue<\/strong> tab, and find words and phrases listed under Vocab<\/strong>.\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\nLearn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentU\u2019s robust learning engine. Swipe left or right to see more examples of the word you\u2019re on.\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\nThe best part is that FluentU keeps track of the vocabulary that you\u2019re learning, and gives you extra practice with difficult words. It'll even remind you when it\u2019s time to review what you\u2019ve learned. Every learner has a truly personalized experience, even if they\u2019re learning with the same video.<\/strong>\r\n<\/p>\r\n![\"clear-hourglass-with-red-sand\"](\"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/site\/\/2\/clear-hourglass-with-red-sand.jpg\")
<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n2. M\u00e1s vale tarde que nunca<\/em> <\/strong><\/h2>\n
3. Nunca es tarde si la dicha es buena<\/em> <\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n4. Da la mano y te tomar\u00e1n el brazo<\/em>\u00a0<\/h2>\n
5. Ojos que no ven, coraz\u00f3n que no siente<\/em> <\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n6. No puede haber pollo en corral y cazuela<\/em> \u00a0<\/em><\/h2>\n
7. No hay mal que dure cien a\u00f1os<\/em> \u00a0<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n8. En la variedad est\u00e1 el gusto<\/em> <\/h2>\n
9. Si te caes siete veces, lev\u00e1ntate ocho<\/em> \u00a0<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n10. Al mal tiempo buena cara<\/em> <\/strong><\/h2>\n
11. Adonde fueres haz lo que vieres<\/em> <\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n12. El mundo es un pa\u00f1uelo<\/em> <\/strong><\/h2>\n
13. A donde te quieran mucho no vayas a menudo<\/em><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n14. El tiempo lo cura todo<\/em><\/h2>\n
15. El que mucho abarca poco aprieta\u00a0<\/em><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n16. \u00a1Zapatero, a sus zapatos!<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n
17. A buen hambre no hay pan duro<\/em><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n18. Dime con qui\u00e9n andas y te dir\u00e9 qui\u00e9n eres<\/em><\/h2>\n
19. Ladr\u00f3n que roba a ladr\u00f3n tiene cien a\u00f1os de perd\u00f3n<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n20. Cada uno sabe d\u00f3nde aprieta el zapato<\/em><\/h2>\n
21. El dinero llama al dinero<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n22. Que cada palo aguante su vela<\/em><\/h2>\n
23. A palabras necias o\u00eddos sordos<\/em><\/h2>\n
<\/strong><\/p>\n24. Barriga llena, coraz\u00f3n contento<\/em><\/h2>\n
25. A\u00f1o nuevo, vida nueva<\/em><\/h2>\n
How Spanish Sayings Help You Learn<\/h2>\n
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And One More Thing\u2026<\/h2>\r\n
<\/a>\r\n<\/a>\r\n<\/a>\r\n<\/a>\r\n