Traditional proverbs of Chile in Khmer and English — each with its meaning and source.
Camarón que se duerme, se lo lleva la corriente.
“The shrimp that falls asleep is carried away by the current.”
If you become complacent or inattentive, you will lose your opportunity or be left behind.
Source: Traditional Chilean proverb, public-domain oral tradition (widely used across Latin America)
Al que madruga, Dios lo ayuda.
“He who rises early, God helps.”
Those who start early and work diligently are rewarded for their effort.
Source: Traditional Chilean proverb, public-domain oral tradition (pan-Hispanic refrán)
A caballo regalado no se le miran los dientes.
“Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.”
Accept a gift graciously without criticizing its value or quality.
Source: Traditional Chilean proverb, public-domain oral tradition (pan-Hispanic refrán)
En boca cerrada no entran moscas.
“In a closed mouth, no flies enter.”
Staying silent keeps you out of trouble; sometimes it is wiser to say nothing.
Source: Traditional Chilean proverb, public-domain oral tradition (pan-Hispanic refrán)
Más vale pájaro en mano que cien volando.
“A bird in the hand is worth more than a hundred flying.”
A certain small gain is better than the mere possibility of a larger uncertain one.
Source: Traditional Chilean proverb, public-domain oral tradition (pan-Hispanic refrán)
Perro que ladra no muerde.
“A barking dog does not bite.”
People who make the loudest threats are often the least likely to act on them.
Source: Traditional Chilean proverb, public-domain oral tradition (pan-Hispanic refrán)
No por mucho madrugar amanece más temprano.
“Rising very early does not make the dawn come sooner.”
Rushing or forcing things does not make them happen faster than their natural time.
Source: Traditional Chilean proverb, public-domain oral tradition (pan-Hispanic refrán)
El que ríe último, ríe mejor.
“He who laughs last, laughs best.”
The final outcome matters more than early appearances of success.
Source: Traditional Chilean proverb, public-domain oral tradition (pan-Hispanic refrán)
Dime con quién andas y te diré quién eres.
“Tell me who you walk with, and I'll tell you who you are.”
A person's character can be judged by the company they keep.
Source: Traditional Chilean proverb, public-domain oral tradition (pan-Hispanic refrán)
Agua que no has de beber, déjala correr.
“Water that you should not drink, let it flow.”
Do not meddle in or hold on to things that are not meant for you.
Source: Traditional Chilean proverb, public-domain oral tradition (pan-Hispanic refrán)