Spanish Proverbs About Money With English Translations
Whether you’re looking for Spanish sayings about money to help you weather tough economic times or you’re just interested in the mirror on another culture these proverbs provide, the following sayings offer the perfect combination of colorful expressions and sage advice. May you enjoy all of life’s riches with the help of these traditional Spanish thoughts.
No todo lo que brilla es oro. / Not everything that shines is gold. Spanish proverb
You’re probably familiar with the English saying, “All that glitters is not gold.” Look for true value and don’t be lured in by a shiny façade.
Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando. / A bird in the hand is worth more than a hundred flying. Spanish proverb
Although this Spanish saying doesn’t directly mention money, it offers wise advice. You should appreciate and take advantage of the resources you have, rather than risking them for some potential gain that is often highly unlikely. In everyday life, this may mean passing up a risky investment and placing your funds in a savings account or just not buying a lottery ticket and tucking your dollar away for later.
Acabándose el dinero, se termina la amistad. / With the money ending, the friendship ends. Spanish proverb
If you’ve heard of the idea of “fair-weather friends”, this Spanish saying about money expresses a similar idea. Be sure that your friends like you for who you are, not what you can provide them.
Honra y dinero se ganan despacio y se pierden ligero. / Honor and money are earned slowly and lost quickly. Spanish proverb
Keep a careful eye on the money you’ve worked so hard to earn. Savings can quickly disappear if you don’t control your finances, and it can take a long time to build up your bank account again. The honor side of the equation also encourages you to preserve your good reputation, as damage can’t be so quickly repaired.
De dinero y bondad, siempre la mitad. / Of money and kindness, always the middle. Spanish proverb
Finding balance in life is essential. This Spanish saying about money cautions against giving too much weight to one thing in your life. It’s important to be kind, but you shouldn’t do good deeds at the expense of your own personal security. Conversely, while everyone enjoys the luxuries money can provide, you should not pursue wealth if it means you forget about basic human kindness.
Additional reading
For other Spanish sayings, see these articles
