Famous Spanish Sayings. A buen entendedor, pocas palabras bastanTo someone with good understanding, only a few words are necessaryAn insinuation is enough for an intelligent person or a good listener to understand what is meant and act accordingly. This is used when one wants to direct someone’s attention to something without mentioning it explicitly, usually in the presence of others whom one does not wish to “let on”. A lo hecho, pechoIn the face of deeds done, present a full chest Even though the literal meaning of pecho is “chest” or “breast”, here it connotes courage, strength, constancy and effort. The saying is telling us that what is done is done, and lamentations are of no avail.
One should face the consequences of one's actions with fortitude and courage. A mal tiempo, buena caraIn bad times, a face held highWe are advised to face adversity with valor and good spirits, and not to let disappointment show and prevail over us. It´s related in meaning to the saying: However…-and talking about “madrugar”: Top. What do Spanish Sayings say… about Character Traits. Based on Character Flaws and virtues "Pandora's box ajar! " What´s the Spaniard like? Exuberant, emotional, artistic, individualistic... and very much given to criticizing. Let´s see, then, how are character flaws and virtues, and the persons who embody them, addressed in Spanish sayings.
We begin by Spanish sayings that deal with the arrogant, the greedy and the envious... Lo mío, mío, y lo tuyo, de entrambosMine for me and yours for us both This is about the person who believes in sharing…other people´s things. Quien al cielo escupe, en la cara le caeWhoever spits into the sky, will have spittle fall onto his face.This saying reprehends the arrogant and predicts that life will pay him in kind. Juan Palomo, yo me lo guiso y yo me lo comoJuan Palomo, I cook it and it's mine to eatThis saying rebukes the egoist for not letting others partake of the fruits of his labor. Some people will, wittingly or unwittingly, take advantage of our good will if they only have a chance.
…or… and... Virtue!! Top. Spanish Sayings for you to Say your Say! Learning Spanish sayings is not only an excellent way of expanding our knowledge of the Spanish language. It also gives us intuitive insight into the mood and mindset of the Spanish people. After getting acquainted with these basic Spanish sayings, follow the links you´ll see along this page to find more sayings. Let´s get started! De músico, poeta y loco, todos tenemos un pocoOf musician, poet and madman we all have our measureNobody is totally rational. Some more, some less, everyone has his share of the soul of an artist. Cuando el gato sale, los ratones bailanWhen the cat's not in, the mice dance and playWhen authority is weakened, liberties are taken.
Aunque la mona se vista de seda, mona se quedaThe she-monkey, even if dressed up in silk, remains a monkeyImproving the essence of a person or his natural qualities is not accomplished by merely donning fancy apparel. For more Spanish sayings that give practical rules for living, follow the link, either here or at the bottom of this page.
Practica Español - EFE, Fundación de la Lengua Española e Instituto Cervantes. McClennen's: Useful Information for Students Writing in Spanish. Learn Spanish - Madrid - Spain - Spanish courses. Learn French in France, French language school, French language courses - ILA.