{"id":24770,"date":"2026-04-07T17:56:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T21:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.customink.com\/?p=24770"},"modified":"2026-10-09T17:31:35","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T21:31:35","slug":"50-mexican-sayings-and-proverbs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.customink.com\/blog\/50-mexican-sayings-and-proverbs\/","title":{"rendered":"50 Mexican Sayings and Proverbs You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\"An<\/a>\n\nIf you’re looking to infuse your designs with the spirit and culture of Mexico, you’re in the right place. These Mexican proverbs and sayings are nuggets of wisdom ready to burst into your designs and bring a smile to everyone\u2019s face. From the hilarious to the heartwarming, these Mexican sayings offer a perfect blend of wisdom and fun that will enliven your custom designs and ignite curiosity about Mexican culture. Consider adding these proverbs and sayings to drinkware, notebooks, hats, activewear, bags, and more for your next events and outings.\n\nFunny Mexican Sayings<\/a>\n\nFamous Mexican Sayings<\/a>\n\nMexican Sayings About Love<\/a>\n\nShort Mexican Sayings<\/a>\n\nMexican Proverbs About Life<\/a>\n<\/a>\n

Funny Mexican Sayings<\/h2>\n

1. M\u00e1s vale llegar tarde que feo.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: It’s better to arrive late than to look ugly.\n\nThis lighthearted proverb reminds us that taking the time to look good is important, even if it means being fashionably late.\n

2. El dinero no da la felicidad, pero s\u00ed te da la comodidad de llorar en un Ferrari.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: Money doesn’t buy happiness, but it does give you the comfort of crying in a Ferrari.\n\nThis saying takes a humorous approach to the English saying, \u201cMoney can\u2019t buy happiness.\u201d\n

3. El que nace para tamal, del cielo le caen las hojas.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: One who is born to be a tamale, the corn husks fall from the sky for them.\n\nThis proverb references people who have been born with certain privileges and advantages. If you\u2019re born a tamale, you\u2019ll already have more corn husks than you\u2019ll ever need.\n

4. Ves que el ni\u00f1o es pedorro y le das frijoles.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral Translation: You see that the child has gas and give him beans.\n\nThis proverb is a funny metaphor that is equivalent to \u201cWhat did you expect?\u201d\n

5. Al nopal solo se le arriman cuando tiene tunas.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral Translation: The prickly pear cactus is only approached when it has fruit.\n\nThe nopal (prickly pear cactus) is usually ignored because of its spikes, but opportunistic people will always find a way to pick its fruit when the time is right.\n

6. El que r\u00ede al \u00faltimo, es porque piensa m\u00e1s lento.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral Translation: The one who laughs last is because they think slower.\n\nThis saying pokes fun at those who \u201chave the last laugh.\u201d\n

7. Las penas con pan son buenas.\u00a0<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral Translation: All griefs with bread are less.\n\nThis brief proverb reminds us that we can always be comforted by life\u2019s simple pleasures, and which of those is more iconic than bread?\n

8. No sabe ni papa.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: He doesn\u2019t even know potato.\n\nThis saying is used to describe someone who is completely clueless or ignorant.\n

9. Creerse la \u00faltima Coca-Cola del desierto.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral meaning: to believe yourself to be the last Coca-Cola in the desert.\n\nThis saying is used to describe someone who has an exaggerated sense of self-importance or thinks highly of themselves.\n

10. No hay que buscarle ruido al chicharr\u00f3n.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral Translation: No need to look for noise in the pork rinds.\n\nThis saying is similar to \u201cdon\u2019t poke the bear\u201d and reminds people not to look for trouble.\n\n\"A<\/a>\n<\/a>\n

Famous Mexican Sayings<\/h2>\n

11. Camar\u00f3n que se duerme se lo lleva la corriente.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: Shrimp that falls asleep is carried away by the current.\n\nThe English equivalent of this proverb is \u201cYou snooze, you lose.\u201d\n

12. Ojos que no ven, coraz\u00f3n que no siente.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: Out of sight, out of mind.\n\nThis one should be pretty familiar. What\u2019s not directly in front of us usually won\u2019t be on our minds.\n

13. El que con lobos anda, a aullar se ense\u00f1a.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: He who runs with wolves will learn to howl.\n\nThis proverb reminds us that the \u201ccompany you keep\u201d has more influence than you\u2019d think.\n

14. Un paso firme es mejor que una carrera que cansa.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: A steady step is better than a run that tires.\n\nSimilar to \u201cslow and steady wins the race,\u201d this proverb tells us it\u2019s often smart to take our time.\n

15. En boca cerrada no entran moscas.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: No flies enter a closed mouth.\n\nThis proverb could be equated to \u201cloose lips sink ships.\u201d\n

16. \u00c1rbol que nace torcido, jam\u00e1s su tronco endereza.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: A tree that is born crooked, its trunk never straightens.\n\nThis proverb uses a tree metaphor to show that \u201cold habits die hard.\u201d\n

17. Agua que no has de beber, d\u00e9jala correr.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: Water that you must not drink, let it run.\n\nThis Mexican proverb warns us not to involve ourselves in situations that are none of our business.\n

18. Los envidiosos nunca alaban, solo lo asimilan.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: The envious never give praise; they only take it in.\n\nThis saying highlights the idea that people who never give out compliments are secretly jealous.\n

19. No hay mal que por bien no venga.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: Every cloud has a silver lining.\n\nThis one is a classic. The sun still shines on a cloudy day.\n

20. Quien no se aventura, no pasa el mar.\u00a0<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: Who does not venture does not cross the sea.\n\nThis is a take on the English proverb, \u201cNothing ventured, nothing gained.\u201d\n\n<\/a>\n

Mexican Sayings About Love<\/h2>\n

21. \u201cEscoge una persona que te mire como si quiz\u00e1s fueras magia.<\/em>\u201d \u2013 Frida Kahlo<\/h3>\nLiteral translation: Choose a person who looks at you as if you were magic.\n\nIconic artist Frida Kahlo knew the value of choosing a person who treats you with love and respect and looks at you with amazement.\n

22. \u201cAmamos a un ser mortal como si fuese inmortal.<\/em>\u201d \u2013 Octavio Paz<\/h3>\nLiteral translation: We love a mortal being as if it were immortal.\n\nThis beautiful quote highlights that, while we may be mortals, our love for each other lasts forever.\n

23. El tiempo lo cura todo.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: Time cures everything.\n\nThis proverb can also be said as \u201ctime heals all wounds.\u201d\n

24. Mejor solo que mal acompa\u00f1ado.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: Better alone than in bad company.\n\nSometimes it\u2019s better to be alone than with someone who causes pain or strife.\n

25. El amor no tiene cura, pero es la cura para todos los males.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: Love has no cure, but it’s the cure for all evils.\n\nLove may often cause pain and heartbreak, but it has equal power to heal.\n

26. En el amor, el que se duerme, pierde.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: In love, the one who sleeps loses.\n\nThose who are passive and indecisive in love will never get to experience it or what it can offer.\n

27. \u201cTodo acto de creaci\u00f3n, es un acto de amor.<\/em>\u201d \u2013 Jos\u00e9 Revueltas<\/h3>\nLiteral translation: Every act of creation is an act of love.\n\nThis quote reminds us that any act of creation, either artistic or otherwise, is driven by a deep sense of love and passion.\n

28. El amor es un fuego que arde sin ser visto.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: Love is a fire that burns unseen.\n\nThis proverb reflects the concept of love as a personal, intimate experience that may not always be openly displayed or expressed.\n

29. El amor no se busca, se encuentra.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: Love is not sought; it is found.\n\nThis proverb emphasizes the notion that love is not something that can be actively pursued or sought out; instead, it happens naturally and unexpectedly.\n

30. El amor es el idioma universal del coraz\u00f3n.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: Love is the universal language of the heart.\n\nThis proverb suggests that love is a powerful force that can bridge differences and connect people on a deeper level.\n\n\"A<\/a>\n<\/a>\n

Short Mexican Sayings<\/h2>\n

31. El amor es ciego.\u00a0<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: Love is blind.\n\nA classic, this proverb tells us that love will blind us to other people\u2019s flaws.\n

32. M\u00e1s vale tarde que nunca.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: Better late than never.\n\nAs any chronically late person will tell you, \u201cbetter to be late than never to show up.\u201d\n

33. El que busca, encuentra.\u00a0<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: Seek, and you shall find.\n\nOften said as a motivational quote, this proverb encourages us to go after what we want.\n

34. El muerto al hoyo y el vivo al bollo.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: Life goes on.\n\nWe all need a little reminder sometimes that \u201cthis, too, shall pass.\u201d\n

35. El que no arriesga, no gana.\u00a0<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: Nothing ventured, nothing gained.\n\nAnother motivational proverb, this one tells us that we must act in order to achieve our goals.\n

36. Ojos que no ven, coraz\u00f3n que no siente.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: Out of sight, out of mind.\n\nThis proverb is short and sweet. What we don\u2019t see won\u2019t be on our minds.\n

37. Zapatero, a tus zapatos.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: Shoemaker, to your shoes.\n\nThis metaphor is equivalent to the English phrase \u201cmind your own business.\u201d\n

38. No hay rosa sin espinas.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: There is no rose without thorns.\n\nThis proverb is a familiar one, which reminds us that nothing is as perfect as it seems.\n

39. Cada loco con su tema.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: To each their own.\n\nThis idiom tells us to respect other people\u2019s tastes, preferences, and opinions.\n

40. Ser pan comido.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: To be a piece of cake.\n\nIf it\u2019s easy, it\u2019s a piece of cake.\n<\/a>\n

Mexican Proverbs About Life<\/h2>\n

41. En la vida no se trata de esperar a que pase la tormenta, sino de aprender a bailar bajo la lluvia.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: In life, it’s not about waiting for the storm to pass but about learning to dance in the rain.\n\nThis proverb speaks to remaining resilient, adaptable, and embracing life\u2019s challenges.\n

42. La vida es un lienzo en blanco, t\u00fa decides qu\u00e9 pintar en \u00e9l.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: Life is a blank canvas; you decide what to paint on it.\n\nThis would be equivalent to the English saying, \u201cLife is what you make it.\u201d\n

43. La vida es como una bicicleta: para mantener el equilibrio, debes seguir adelante.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: Life is like a bicycle: to keep your balance, you must keep moving forward.\n\nThis saying tells us to always look ahead, embrace change, and not dwell on the past.\n

44. La vida es corta, pero los recuerdos son eternos.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: Life is short, but memories are eternal.\n\nThis proverb reminds us that we\u2019ll always have our memories.\n

45. En la vida, no se trata de cu\u00e1ntas veces caes, sino de cu\u00e1ntas veces te levantas<\/em>.<\/h3>\nLiteral translation: In life, it’s not about how many times you fall but how many times you get up.\n\nThis proverb would be equivalent to the English saying about \u201cgetting back on the horse.\u201d\n

46. La vida es como un espejo, te devuelve lo que reflejas en ella.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: Life is like a mirror; it gives back what you reflect upon it.\n\nThis proverb would be equivalent to \u201cYou get out what you put in.\u201d\n

47. A falta de pan, tortillas.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: Lack of bread, tortillas.\n\nThis would be like saying, \u201cWhen life gives you lemons, make lemonade.\u201d\n

48. Al mal tiempo, buena cara.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: To bad times, a good face.\n\nThis proverb highlights the importance of always having a good attitude. It could also be interpreted as \u201cchin up.\u201d\n

49. El que busca encuentra.<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: If you search, you will find.\n\nThis proverb speaks to the importance of persistence and determination. It can also be equated to \u201cfollowing your dreams.\u201d\n

50. El sordo no oye, pero bien que compone.\u00a0<\/em><\/h3>\nLiteral translation: The deaf man cannot hear, but he composes well.\n\nThis expression is about those who never listen but manage to do all the talking. It can also be interpreted as referring to people who love to gossip.\n\n\n

How to Put Mexican Sayings on Custom Gear<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A short saying fits on the front of a tee or the bib of an apron, and a longer proverb works well wrapped around a mug. The 3 picks below are a good place to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Comfort<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Comfort Colors Colorblast T-shirt<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n