Spanish Sayings or 'Refranes'



Here's a good way to learn some Spanish sayings and get a good laugh! We've provided you with equivalent sayings in English, but we also include a literal translation of each saying, which can be very humorous. Please use the form below if you'd like to contribute to this section.

Original Spanish Saying: A buen hambre no hay pan duro
Literal Translation: To good hunger there's no hard bread.
English Equivalent: Beggars can´t be choosers.

Original Spanish Saying: Ser un gallito.
Literal Translation: To be a little rooster.
English Equivalent: To be cocky.

Original Spanish Saying: A falta de pan,las tortas son buenas.
Literal Translation: For lack of bread, the cakes are good.
English Equivalent: We'll just have to make do.

Original Spanish Saying: El tiempo lo cura todo.
Literal Translation: Time cures everything.
English Equivalent: Time heals all wounds.

Original Spanish Saying: En las malas se conocen a los amigos.
Literal Translation: In the bad ones, friends are met.
English Equivalent: A friend in need is a friend indeed.

Original Spanish Saying: Hacer de tripas corazón.
Literal Translation: To make heart from guts
English Equivalent: To pluck up your courage

Original Spanish Saying: Hierba mala nunca muere.
Literal Translation: Bad grass never dies.
English Equivalent: The devil looks after himself / his own.

Original Spanish Saying: No hay dos sin tres.
Literal Translation: There is no two without three.
English Equivalent: Misfortunes always come in threes.

Original Spanish Saying: Más sabe el diablo por viejo que por diablo.
Literal Translation: The devil knows more for being old than for being the devil.
English Equivalent: There's no substitute for experience.

Original Spanish Saying: Dime con quien andas, y te dire quién eres.
Literal Translation: Tell me who you walk with and I'll tell you who you are.
English Equivalent: You can judge a man by the company he keeps.

Original Spanish Saying: El que la hace, la paga.
Literal Translation: The one that does, pays.
English Equivalent: You've made your bed and now you have to lie in it.

Do you know more Spanish sayings? Please share it with us bellow using the following format: 1) Original Spanish Saying; 2) Literal Translation; 3) English Equivalent. Thanks for your contribution!