Today we will learn about “refranes” in Spanish. “Refranes” are sayings or proverbs and they are part of a country´s histoy and folklore. Below are some Spanish refranes, their correspondent in English and their literal translation.

1. El que no oye consejo no llega a viejo. (He who hears no advice will not reach an old age) – Advice when most needed is least heeded.

2. Quien tiene lengua, a Roma llega. (He who has a tongue, gets to Rome.) – Ask and you shall receive.

3. Más vale precaver que tener que lamentar. (It´s better to prevent than to have to lament.) – Better safe than sorry.


4. Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando. (Better to have bird in hand than a hundred flying.) – A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

5. Borrón y cuenta nueva. (Smudge and new account). – Clean slate.

6. No hay que ahogarse en un vaso de agua. (You don´t need to drown in a glass of water.) – Don´t make a mountain out of a molehill.

7. Camarón que se duerme, se lo lleva la corriente. ( The shrimp that falls asleep is carried off by the current.) – Don´t rest on your laurels.

8. Al que madruga Dios lo ayuda. (God helps the one who gets up early.) – The early bird catches the worm.

9. Del dicho al hecho hay largo trecho. (From said to done there is a long way.) – Easier said than done.

10. No hay mal que por bien no venga. (There´s no evil that does not bring some good.) – Every cloud has a silver lining.

by Adir Ferreira link