Traditional proverbs of Mexico in Khmer and English — each with its meaning and source.
El que nace pa' tamal, del cielo le caen las hojas.
“He who is born to be a tamal has the corn leaves fall to him from heaven.”
When something is truly meant for you, the circumstances and means to achieve it will naturally come your way.
Source: Traditional Mexican refrán, public-domain oral tradition
Camarón que se duerme se lo lleva la corriente.
“The shrimp that falls asleep is carried off by the current.”
If you are not alert and lose focus, you will miss your opportunity or be left behind.
Source: Traditional Mexican refrán, public-domain oral tradition
Al nopal lo van a ver sólo cuando tiene tunas.
“People only go to see the prickly pear cactus when it bears fruit.”
People only seek you out or pay attention to you when they can get something from you.
Source: Traditional Mexican refrán, public-domain oral tradition
El que es perico, donde quiera es verde.
“He who is a parrot is green wherever he goes.”
A person of real talent or good character will show their worth in any situation or place.
Source: Traditional Mexican refrán, public-domain oral tradition
Panza llena, corazón contento.
“A full belly, a happy heart.”
Once basic needs like food are satisfied, a person is content and at peace.
Source: Traditional Mexican refrán, public-domain oral tradition
No hay mal que por bien no venga.
“There is no evil from which some good does not come.”
Even bad situations often bring an unexpected benefit or lesson.
Source: Traditional Spanish-language refrán widely used in Mexico, public-domain oral tradition
El que con lobos anda, a aullar se enseña.
“He who walks with wolves learns to howl.”
You take on the habits and behavior of the people you surround yourself with.
Source: Traditional Spanish-language refrán widely used in Mexico, public-domain oral tradition
El que quiera azul celeste, que le cueste.
“Whoever wants the sky-blue, let it cost them.”
If you want something valuable or beautiful, you must be willing to work and pay the price for it.
Source: Traditional Mexican refrán, public-domain oral tradition
A caballo regalado no se le ven los dientes.
“To a gift horse you do not look at its teeth.”
Do not criticize or find fault with something that was given to you as a gift.
Source: Traditional Spanish-language refrán widely used in Mexico, 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.”
A person's character can be judged by the company they keep.
Source: Traditional Spanish-language refrán widely used in Mexico, public-domain oral tradition