5 Spanish Sayings to Use in Your Daily Life

Unlock Spanish Wisdom: 5 Essential Proverbs for Everyday Conversation

The Spanish language is incredibly rich, having absorbed diverse influences throughout its history. A major part of this heritage comes from a blend of cultures, including a significant Arab influence. Spanish proverbs, or refranes, are a perfect example of this linguistic wealth. These phrases, passed down through generations, offer a concise bit of wisdom or a moral lesson about life and its situations.

Ready to sound more like a native speaker? Here are five practical Spanish proverbs you can start using today.

1. “El mundo es un pañuelo” (The world is a handkerchief)

Have you ever traveled far from home, only to bump into a friend or a neighbor in a completely new city? That feeling of “Wow, what a small world!” is exactly what this phrase captures. It suggests that despite the world’s apparent size, we are all more connected than we think. The origin of this saying is not exactly known, but it is believed to have started with the first world maps, which were often drawn on a piece of cloth or a handkerchief.

2. “Más vale tarde que nunca” (Better late than never)

This proverb means it’s better to do something late or with a delay than to never do it at all. It’s a great phrase to use when you finally join friends for a plan you were late for, or when you finally get around to starting a project you’ve been putting off. The phrase is famously attributed to the Greek philosopher Diogenes of Sinope, who used it when he decided to learn solfège in his old age, in response to those who told him he was too old to do so.

3. “Al mal tiempo, buena cara” (To bad weather, a good face)

This short but powerful saying gives great advice: when things go wrong or get complicated, don’t despair. The best approach is to face adversity with a positive attitude and a smile. Life is a rollercoaster, and while some days are better than others, remember that bad times always pass. This proverb is thought to come from the famous 16th-century play “Life Is a Dream” by Calderón de la Barca, where the phrase gained popularity and has been used ever since.

4. “No hay mal que por bien no venga” (There’s no bad that doesn’t come for good)

Similar to the last proverb, this one promotes a positive mindset. It means that even bad situations can bring good things. When you’re facing a difficult time, remember that you might find something positive as a result. For example, imagine you don’t get a job you really wanted, but then you get a call for an even better opportunity that same afternoon. Or, perhaps you don’t get into your top-choice university, but you make incredible friends at the one you end up attending. What seems like a negative can lead to an unexpected positive. This proverb suggests that life always has a balance: a good thing will eventually follow a bad one.

5. “A lo hecho, pecho” (To what is done, chest)

This proverb encourages us to be accountable for our actions and face the consequences with strength and courage. We use this saying, especially when things don’t turn out as we hoped, either because we made a bad decision or simply because that’s life. The only thing left to do is “stick out your chest” (a figurative expression meaning to show courage) and face the situation head-on. The origin of this phrase is uncertain but it was recorded in documents as early as 1627. The word “pecho” (chest) refers to the heart, which signifies strength and valor, giving rise to other expressions like “sacar pecho” (to face with courage). When a decision is made, you must face the outcome, whether it’s good or bad.