The words of Mexico

Mexico — quotes, proverbs & wisdom

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

“He who is born to be a tamal has the corn leaves fall to him from heaven.”

El que nace pa' tamal, del cielo le caen las hojas.

Source: Traditional Mexican refrán, public-domain oral tradition

“The shrimp that falls asleep is carried off by the current.”

Camarón que se duerme se lo lleva la corriente.

Source: Traditional Mexican refrán, public-domain oral tradition

“People only go to see the prickly pear cactus when it bears fruit.”

Al nopal lo van a ver sólo cuando tiene tunas.

Source: Traditional Mexican refrán, public-domain oral tradition

“He who is a parrot is green wherever he goes.”

El que es perico, donde quiera es verde.

Source: Traditional Mexican refrán, public-domain oral tradition

“A full belly, a happy heart.”

Panza llena, corazón contento.

Source: Traditional Mexican refrán, public-domain oral tradition

“There is no evil from which some good does not come.”

No hay mal que por bien no venga.

Source: Traditional Spanish-language refrán widely used in Mexico, public-domain oral tradition

“He who walks with wolves learns to howl.”

El que con lobos anda, a aullar se enseña.

Source: Traditional Spanish-language refrán widely used in Mexico, public-domain oral tradition

“Whoever wants the sky-blue, let it cost them.”

El que quiera azul celeste, que le cueste.

Source: Traditional Mexican refrán, public-domain oral tradition

“To a gift horse you do not look at its teeth.”

A caballo regalado no se le ven los dientes.

Source: Traditional Spanish-language refrán widely used in Mexico, 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 Spanish-language refrán widely used in Mexico, public-domain oral tradition