Colombia Proverbs (10)

Traditional proverbs of Colombia in Khmer and English — each with its meaning and source.

El que mucho abarca, poco aprieta.

“He who embraces too much, holds little.”

Taking on too many things at once means you do none of them well.

co-tradition

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

Camarón que se duerme, se lo lleva la corriente.

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

If you are not alert and diligent, you will lose your opportunity.

co-tradition

Source: Traditional Colombian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Más vale solo que mal acompañado.

“Better to be alone than in bad company.”

It is preferable to be by yourself than to keep company that harms you.

co-tradition

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

A buen entendedor, pocas palabras.

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

An intelligent person needs only a hint to understand the full message.

co-tradition

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

Al que madruga, Dios le ayuda.

“The early riser gets God's help.”

Those who start early and work hard are rewarded.

co-tradition

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

Dime con quién andas y te diré quién eres.

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

You are judged and shaped by the company you keep.

co-tradition

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

En boca cerrada no entran moscas.

“A closed mouth catches no flies.”

Staying quiet keeps you out of trouble.

co-tradition

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

De grano en grano, llena la gallina el buche.

“Every little bit helps.”

Small, steady efforts accumulate into a large result.

co-tradition

Source: Traditional Colombian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Dios aprieta pero no ahoga.

“God squeezes but does not choke.”

Hardships are hard but never beyond what one can ultimately endure.

co-tradition

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

No hay mal que dure cien años.

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

No hardship lasts forever; bad times eventually pass.

co-tradition

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