Spanish Proverbs

by
Tania Carlin

Spanish 435 01
Dr. Domnguez
May 9, 2016

A definition of a proverb is short, traditional, and pithy saying; a concise sentence,

typically metaphorical or alliterative in form, stating a general truth or piece of advice; an
adage or maxim (Oxford English Dictionary). Proverbs are often found in the
communication style of Spanish speakers. A large number of Spanish speakers can be
found in homes across Los Angeles. This paper will present 20 of the many proverbs that
are found in the Spanish speaking community. The proverbs were result of interview of 3
informants. The following people were informants who gave me the proverbs. The first
one was my father Jose Carlin (JC) was born in Unin de San Antonio, Jalisco, bordering
western Guanajuato. He came to the United States when he was 22. Today he
predominantly speaks Spanish and highly believes in conserving the language. The
second informant was my mother Maria Carlin (MC). She was born in Len,
Guanajuato; a city that borders Jalisco. She migrated to the United States when she was
22 and prefers to speak Spanish to her children. The third informant was my
grandmother Rosa Prado (RP). She was born in Santa Rosa de Lima, Guanajuato. At a
young age she relocated to Len where she still lives. When possible, I enjoy having
long conversations with her on the phone.
The following lists are the proverbs given by the informants. After doing this
assignment I have come to the conclusion that proverbs are a way of communicating.
1. Cada quien escoge el tamao de la cebolla con la que va a llorar. (RP)
2. Cuando de vista te pierdo, si te vi ya no me acuerdo. (JC)
3. Cuando no hay amor, ni las cobijas calientan. (RP)
4. De casi no se muere nadie. (JC)
5. De los parientes y el sol, entre ms lejos mejor. (RP)
6. Es el mismo perro con diferente collar. (MC)
7. Excusa no pedida, la culpa manifiesta. (JC)
8. La que no quiere mojarse que no cruce el rio. (RP)
9. Las cosas suelen empeorar antes de mejorar. (MC)
10. Las malas conversaciones corrompen las buenas costumbres. (MC)

11. Las mentiras tienen las patas cortas. (RP)

12. Las palabras se las lleva el viento. (JC)
13. Los dichos de los viejitos son evangelios chiquitos. (RP)
14. Mientras ms conozco a la gente, ms quiero a mi perro. (JC)
15. No la hagas de redentor, o saldrs crucificado. (JC)
16. No te quejes por que el viento va en contra tuya, mejor aprende a volar. (RP)
17. Piensa mal y acertaras, aunque alguna vez te equivocaras. (MC)
18. Por un perro que mate, mata-perros me llamaron. (RP)
19. Quien poco tiene pronto lo gasta. (MC)
20. Vida sin amigos, muerte sin testigos. (RP)
Work Cited
"proverb, n." OED Online. Oxford University Press, March 2016. Web. 8 May 2016.

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