de tal palo, tal astilla
/de ˈtal ˈpalo ˈtal asˈtiʝa/word by word
The phrase "like mother, like daughter" is expressed in Spanish as de tal palo, tal astilla.
This idiom is gender-neutral and can be used to describe any child resembling their parent, regardless of gender.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "from such a stick, such a splinter".
How do you pronounce it?
/de ˈtal ˈpalo ˈtal asˈtiʝa/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking contexts, palo is used as a vulgar slang term for the penis, similar to the Portuguese pau.
- The phrase can be used ironically to criticize a child who has inherited a parent's worst traits, not just their positive ones.
- The structure of de tal palo, tal astilla relies on a repetitive rhythm that makes it a common proverb or 'refrán' used to teach moral lessons to children.
Examples in context
- Ella es igual de testaruda que su madre. De tal palo, tal astilla.She is just as stubborn as her mother, like mother, like daughter.
- Viendo su talento, uno dice: de tal palo, tal astilla.Seeing her talent, one says: like mother, like daughter.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are watching a girl mimic her mother's graceful movements.
- SofíaMira cómo baila igual que su madre.Look how she dances just like her mother.
- JavierEs verdad, de tal palo, tal astilla.It's true, like mother, like daughter.
- SofíaTiene un talento natural increíble.She has incredible natural talent.
- JavierSí, lo heredó de ella.Yes, she inherited it from her.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (de, tal, palo, astilla) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries astilla, de, de tal palo, tal astilla, palo, tal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
