The words of Colombia

Colombia — quotes, proverbs & wisdom

Real words from the people of Colombia, each with a verified source. New quotes are added as each is fact-checked.

“He who embraces too much, holds little.”

El que mucho abarca, poco aprieta.

Source: Traditional Colombian/Spanish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“A shrimp that falls asleep is carried away by the current.”

Camarón que se duerme, se lo lleva la corriente.

Source: Traditional Colombian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Better to be alone than in bad company.”

Más vale solo que mal acompañado.

Source: Traditional Colombian/Spanish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“To a good listener, few words will do.”

A buen entendedor, pocas palabras.

Source: Traditional Colombian/Spanish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“The early riser gets God's help.”

Al que madruga, Dios le ayuda.

Source: Traditional Colombian/Spanish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Tell me who you walk with and I'll tell you who you are.”

Dime con quién andas y te diré quién eres.

Source: Traditional Colombian/Spanish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“A closed mouth catches no flies.”

En boca cerrada no entran moscas.

Source: Traditional Colombian/Spanish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Every little bit helps.”

De grano en grano, llena la gallina el buche.

Source: Traditional Colombian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“God squeezes but does not choke.”

Dios aprieta pero no ahoga.

Source: Traditional Colombian/Spanish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“There is no evil that lasts a hundred years.”

No hay mal que dure cien años.

Source: Traditional Colombian/Spanish proverb, public-domain oral tradition