23 Spanish Proverbs and Sayings You Want to Know

If you just started learning the beautiful language of Spanish, you might be a little confused about some common Spanish sayings when you speak with native speakers. Here, we will break down 23 Spanish proverbs and sayings you may want to know.

1. “A donde te quieran mucho, no vayas a menudo” - Where people love you very much, don’t go often

This saying has approximately the same meaning as the common English saying that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Essentially, keep your distance and don’t overstay your welcome.

Some are Spanish sayings about life, some are Spanish blessings, and some are simply cute short Spanish quotes. Either way, learning more about these short Spanish quotes will help you become more immersed in the language and culture.

2. “La practica hace al maestro” - Practice makes the master

The English equivalent here is practice makes perfect. This deep, short Spanish quote is telling you to be patient while learning something new because mastery comes with more practice.

3. “Tener un piano no te hace pianista” - Having a piano does not make you a pianist

This piece of Spanish wisdom means that you should be careful about coming off as an expert about a topic or subject, even if you know a little about it. Just because you know something, that does not make you an expert.

4. “El que mucho abarca poco aprieta” - The one that embraces a lot cannot keep it together

This Spanish saying is the equivalent of saying do not bite off more than you can chew.

5. “El tiempo lo cura todo” - Time heals everything

Though this is a common Spanish saying, a variation of this saying is common in many cultures. Time heals all wounds. Many things take time. Be patient.

6. “Perro ladrador, poco mordedor” - A dog that barks often seldom bites

This is a short Spanish quote. It refers to people who like to threaten others. Those who often threaten people are not likely to do anything about it.

7. “La curiosidad mató al gato” - Curiosity killed the cat

One more quote in Spanish about life. No matter what language this is in, it seems to hold some truth. It is often best not to know everything about a situation or a person as it can be harmful.

8. “Pienso en ti siempre” - I’m always thinking of you

This kind and cute short Spanish quote is a saying someone may say to someone they care about.

9. “Agua que no has de beber, déjala correr” - Water that isn’t drinkable, let it run.

This means to let something go that isn’t working for you. This Spanish proverb often refers to relationships, but it can also refer to other things that should be let go.

10. “Frente al amor y la muerte no sirve de nada ser fuerte” - Face love head-on because death has no strength.

This is often said to someone who needs advice on saving a relationship. It could be romantic or otherwise, but this Spanish proverb means to fight for love with all your might.

11. “Al mejor escribano se le va un borrón” - To the best scribe comes a smudgeing

This is one of many Spanish quotes about life. It can be equated to the English saying that it happens to the best of us. It is a quote about comfort after a failure.

12. “No todas las verdades son para ser dichas” - Not every truth should be said.

Similar to the English saying about saying only nice things and keeping rude things to yourself, this Spanish proverb means that some thoughts are not worth saying. This could be because it is in poor taste, or there is no use in saying it.

13. “Allí donde fueres, haz lo que vieres” - When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

This means to follow the customs in the environment you are in.

14. “Del dicho al hecho hay un buen trecho” - From speech to deed there is a stretch

A deep short Spanish quote about learning that talk is cheap. People should follow through on their words with actions before they trust them.

15. “Costar un ojo de la cara” - To cost an eye from the face

To talk about things costing a lot of money. Similar to the English version, which is to cost an arm and a leg.

16. “A quien madruga, Dios le ayuda” - God helps those who rise early

This is a Spanish quote about being early and taking an opportunity when it arises.

17. “Más se consigue lamiendo que mordiendo” - More is achieved by licking than biting

This cute short Spanish quote. It means that it is best to easily persuade someone to come to your side of things than to bully them.

18. “Cada loco con su tema” - Every crazy person with their issue

Essentially, it means that everyone has their way of doing things. It is often used to describe someone who does things a bit odd or out of the ordinary.

19. “Más vale maña que fuerza” - Better skill than strength

It is a comforting saying in Spanish meant to reassure those who are more intelligent than physically strong.

20. “A falta de pan, buenas son tortas” - If there is no bread, cake will do.

Essentially, it means that everyone has their way of doing things. It is often used to describe someone who does things a bit odd or out of the ordinary.

21. “A mal tiempo, buena cara” - To bad weather, a good face.

This is a positive quote about life in Spanish. It means that you should be positive even in bad instances.

22. “En boca cerrada no entran moscas” - Flies do not enter in the closed mouth

This Spanish wisdom is said to people to share the value of listening and waiting until the right moment to speak. It is also shared with someone when they are not discreet with their words.

23. “Año nuevo, vida nueva” - New year, new life

This is a beautiful Spanish blessing often shared at the end of the year. It is also used when someone starts something new or starts on a clean slate.

Here you have 23 quotes about life in Spanish. Hopefully, you can use some of these sayings in your journey through learning to speak Spanish with others!