proverbios
/pɾobeɾbjos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "proverbs" is translated into Spanish as proverbios.
proverbios refers to short, well-known sayings that offer advice or state a general truth about life. For example, you might use the expression A mal tiempo, buena cara. to suggest that one should stay positive despite adverse circumstances. Another common way to describe someone who is completely clueless is to use the phrase Más perdido que el barco del arroz.
Which one should you use?
While proverbios is a valid term, the word refranes is much more common in everyday Spanish when referring to folk wisdom or common proverbs.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of proverbios is proverbio.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾobeɾbjos/
Did you know?
- Some Spanish proverbs are actually 'anti-proverbs' or 'refranes contradictorios'. Because Spanish culture values pragmatism, there is often a different refrán that teaches the exact opposite lesson to suit a different situation.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, people do not just say a refrán, they 'drop' it into conversation to end an argument or provide a witty retort. It functions as a social tool for shutting down debate rather than just sharing wisdom.
- Spanish speakers frequently use refranes as a social lubricant to avoid giving direct, potentially offensive advice by attributing the lesson to a general truth instead.
Examples in context
- Ella sabe muchos proverbios.She knows many proverbs.This sentence shows how to express that someone knows many proverbios.Tatoeba #1266991 by hayastan, translation #310815 by CK
- Los proverbios todavía son muy populares en América.Proverbs are still very popular in America.This sentence notes that proverbios remain popular in America.Tatoeba #992661 by hayastan, translation #239806 by CK
- Tu chino es tan bueno que llegas a decir hasta proverbios.Your Chinese is so good that you even say proverbs.This sentence illustrates a compliment about someone's ability to use even proverbios in a foreign language.Tatoeba #12024133 by JSKabylie15, translation #12969932 by frpzzd
- En el país de los ciegos, el tuerto es rey.In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.
- No hay mal que por bien no venga.Every cloud has a silver lining.
- Más vale tarde que nunca.Better late than never.
- Más perdido que el barco del arroz.More lost than the rice ship.
- A mal tiempo, buena cara.Good face in bad times.
- A quien madruga, Dios le ayuda.God helps those who rise early.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are studying literature at a cafe.
- SofíaMe gusta estudiar los proverbios antiguos.I like studying ancient proverbs.
- AlejandroEs cierto, los proverbios enseñan mucho.It is true, proverbs teach a lot.
- Sofía¿Conoces algún proverbio sobre la paciencia?Do you know any proverb about patience?
- AlejandroSí, hay muchos proverbios sobre eso.Yes, there are many proverbs about that.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
