Bienvenido a la biblioteca de libros de Panamá

Welcome to Panama's book library

Panama — quotes, proverbs & wisdom

Name: ZakGT Host App
Author: ZakGT

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

Capital: Panama CityPopulation: ~4 millionFounded: 1903 (independence from Colombia, 3 November)Region: AmericasLanguages: esCurrency: Balboa (PAB), fixed 1:1 to the US dollar; USD circulates as everyday cashQuote code: 507Quote_pa

Local time: --:--:-- (UTC-5) · --:-- UTC

🌍 Other Countries

Proverbs

Camarón que se duerme, se lo lleva la corriente.

“The shrimp that falls asleep gets carried away by the current.”

Staying alert and active is essential — those who grow careless or complacent get left behind.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Spanish-language proverb, shared Hispanic/Caribbean oral tradition, public-domain (in common use across Panama)

No hay mal que dure 100 años.

“There is no bad thing that lasts a hundred years.”

Hardship, however severe, always comes to an end eventually.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: La Prensa (Panama), "La sabiduria de los pueblos," Panamanian oral proverb tradition, public domain

Hijo de tigre tiene que nacer pintado.

“The tiger's cub is born already striped.”

Children naturally inherit the traits and character of their parents.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: La Prensa (Panama), "La sabiduria de los pueblos," Panamanian oral proverb tradition, public domain

Al pasajero se le conoce por su maleta.

“You can tell a traveler by his suitcase.”

People reveal who they are through the things they carry and how they present themselves.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: La Prensa (Panama), "La sabiduria de los pueblos," Panamanian oral proverb tradition, public domain

El que tiene tetas en el seno, que no hable mal del hijo ajeno.

“She who has nursed her own children should not speak ill of another's.”

Parents should show compassion toward other people's children rather than judging them harshly.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: La Prensa (Panama), "La sabiduria de los pueblos," Panamanian oral proverb tradition, public domain

El último mono nunca se ahoga.

“The last monkey never drowns.”

Even the one who seems worst off usually finds a way to survive — a stubborn folk optimism.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: La Prensa (Panama), "La sabiduria de los pueblos," Panamanian oral proverb tradition, public domain

Dios castiga tarde o temprano.

“God punishes, sooner or later.”

Wrongdoing eventually meets its consequences, even if justice is delayed.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: La Prensa (Panama), "La sabiduria de los pueblos," Panamanian oral proverb tradition, public domain

El que madruga come pecho, y el que no, pellejo.

“He who rises early eats the breast meat, and he who doesn't gets the scraps.”

Those who act early and with initiative get the best share; latecomers are left with little.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: La Prensa (Panama), "La sabiduria de los pueblos," Panamanian oral proverb tradition, public domain

El que tiene gasolina no ha de jugar con candela.

“He who is carrying gasoline should not play with fire.”

Do not take reckless risks when you already have something valuable, or dangerous, to lose.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: La Prensa (Panama), "La sabiduria de los pueblos," Panamanian oral proverb tradition, public domain

No hay muerto que se pea ni diablo que lo crea.

“There's no dead man who passes wind, nor devil who would believe it.”

A mocking way of saying an excuse or claim is simply too absurd to be believed.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: La Prensa (Panama), "La sabiduria de los pueblos," Panamanian oral proverb tradition, public domain

A palabras necias, oídos sordos.

“To foolish words, deaf ears.”

Ignore insults or foolish talk rather than dignify them with a response.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, in common use in Panama (refranespopulares.org, "Refranes populares panamenos")

A mal tiempo, buena cara.

“In bad times, put on a good face.”

Facing hardship with a positive attitude makes it easier to bear.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, in common use in Panama (refranespopulares.org, "Refranes populares panamenos")

A caballo regalado no se le miran los dientes.

“Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.”

Be grateful for what is given to you rather than criticizing its quality.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, in common use in Panama (refranespopulares.org, "Refranes populares panamenos")

A lo hecho, pecho.

“What is done, face with courage.”

Once something has happened, accept it and face the consequences bravely.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, in common use in Panama (refranespopulares.org, "Refranes populares panamenos")

A falta de pan, buenas son tortas.

“In the absence of bread, cornmeal cakes will do.”

Make the best of what is available when the ideal option is not there.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, in common use in Panama (refranespopulares.org, "Refranes populares panamenos")

A cada puerco le llega su San Martín.

“Every pig gets its San Martin's Day.”

Everyone eventually faces the reckoning or consequences that are due to them.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, in common use in Panama (refranespopulares.org, "Refranes populares panamenos")

A su tiempo maduran las brevas.

“The figs ripen in their own time.”

Good things cannot be rushed; they arrive when the moment is right.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, in common use in Panama (refranespopulares.org, "Refranes populares panamenos")

Aquí hay gato encerrado.

“There's a cat locked up in here.”

Something suspicious or hidden is going on beneath the surface.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, in common use in Panama (refranespopulares.org, "Refranes populares panamenos")

Dime con quién andas y te diré quién eres.

“Tell me who you walk with, and I will tell you who you are.”

A person's character is judged by the company they keep.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Spanish-language proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, public-domain (in common use across Panama)

El que a buen árbol se arrima, buena sombra le cobija.

“He who leans on a good tree is sheltered by good shade.”

Aligning yourself with good, capable people brings protection and benefit.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Spanish-language proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, public-domain (in common use across Panama)

No por mucho madrugar amanece más temprano.

“No matter how early you rise, dawn will not come any sooner.”

Some things follow their own timeline no matter how much effort or urgency you apply.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Spanish-language proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, public-domain (in common use across Panama)

Agua que no has de beber, déjala correr.

“Water you will not drink, let it flow on.”

Do not interfere in matters that do not concern you or bring you no benefit.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Spanish-language proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, public-domain (in common use across Panama)

Cría cuervos y te sacarán los ojos.

“Raise ravens, and they will peck out your eyes.”

Kindness given to the ungrateful is often repaid with betrayal.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Spanish-language proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, public-domain (in common use across Panama)

El que mucho abarca, poco aprieta.

“He who grasps too much holds on to little.”

Trying to do too many things at once usually means doing none of them well.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Spanish-language proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, public-domain (in common use across Panama)

En boca cerrada no entran moscas.

“Flies do not enter a closed mouth.”

Staying silent at the right moment avoids trouble.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Panama proverb, public-domain oral tradition, widely documented in Panamanian refran collections (e.g. todorefranes.es)

Más vale prevenir que lamentar.

“Better to prevent than to lament.”

Taking precautions ahead of time is wiser than regretting a problem later.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Spanish-language proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, public-domain (in common use across Panama)

No hay peor sordo que el que no quiere oír.

“There is no one as deaf as he who does not want to hear.”

Willful ignorance is more stubborn than any real inability to understand.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Spanish-language proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, public-domain (in common use across Panama)

El que la sigue, la consigue.

“He who keeps at it, achieves it.”

Persistence eventually leads to success.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Spanish-language proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, public-domain (in common use across Panama)

No dejes para mañana lo que puedas hacer hoy.

“Do not leave for tomorrow what you can do today.”

Avoid procrastination; act on tasks while you have the chance.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Spanish-language proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, public-domain (in common use across Panama)

Perro que ladra no muerde.

“A dog that barks does not bite.”

Loud threats are often empty; the truly dangerous rarely announce themselves.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Panama proverb, public-domain oral tradition, widely documented in Panamanian refran collections (e.g. todorefranes.es)

Del dicho al hecho hay mucho trecho.

“Between saying and doing, there is a long stretch.”

It is far easier to promise something than to actually accomplish it.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Spanish-language proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, public-domain (in common use across Panama)

Cada oveja con su pareja.

“Every sheep with its own mate.”

People naturally pair off with, or belong among, those who are similar to them.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Spanish-language proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, public-domain (in common use across Panama)

El que siembra vientos, cosecha tempestades.

“He who sows winds, reaps storms.”

Reckless or harmful actions eventually bring much larger consequences.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Spanish-language proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, public-domain (in common use across Panama)

A quien madruga, Dios le ayuda.

“God helps those who rise early.”

Diligence and early effort are rewarded.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Spanish-language proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, public-domain (in common use across Panama)

En casa de herrero, cuchillo de palo.

“In the blacksmith's house, a knife of wood.”

Ironically, those most skilled at something often lack it in their own home.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Spanish-language proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, public-domain (in common use across Panama)

Ojos que no ven, corazón que no siente.

“Eyes that do not see, heart that does not feel.”

What you are not aware of cannot trouble you — out of sight, out of mind.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Spanish-language proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, public-domain (in common use across Panama)

No todo lo que brilla es oro.

“Not everything that shines is gold.”

Appearances can deceive; something impressive on the surface may not be truly valuable.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Spanish-language proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, public-domain (in common use across Panama)

Más vale pájaro en mano que cien volando.

“A bird in the hand is worth a hundred flying.”

A modest, certain gain is worth more than a large, uncertain one.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Spanish-language proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, public-domain (in common use across Panama)

El zorro pierde el pelo pero no la maña.

“The fox loses its fur, but not its cunning.”

A person's true character or habits remain even as they grow old or change outwardly.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Panama proverb, public-domain oral tradition, as catalogued in Panamanian refran collections (todorefranes.es, "Refranes panamenos y su significado")

Perro viejo ladra sentado.

“An old dog barks sitting down.”

Experience teaches a person to act efficiently, without wasting unnecessary effort.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Panama proverb, public-domain oral tradition, as catalogued in Panamanian refran collections (todorefranes.es, "Refranes panamenos y su significado")

Yo no quiero entrar en la historia, quiero entrar en la Zona del Canal.

“I don't want to enter history, I want to enter the Canal Zone.”

Torrijos prioritized winning real, concrete sovereignty over the Panama Canal for his country over personal historical glory.

Omar Torrijos

Source: Omar Torrijos, widely reported public statement on Panama Canal sovereignty, as cited in La Estrella de Panama, "Quiero entrar en la Zona del Canal" (circa mid-1970s, ahead of the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaties)

Cuando el río suena, piedras trae.

“When the river makes noise, it is carrying stones.”

Persistent rumors or talk usually have some basis in truth.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Spanish-language proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, public-domain (in common use across Panama)

Barriga llena, corazón contento.

“Full belly, happy heart.”

Having one's basic needs met brings simple, genuine contentment.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Spanish-language proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, public-domain (in common use across Panama)

El que no llora, no mama.

“He who does not cry does not get fed.”

Those who never speak up or ask for what they need often go without it.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Spanish-language proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, public-domain (in common use across Panama)

Genio y figura hasta la sepultura.

“Temperament and character, to the grave.”

A person's fundamental nature and character never truly change.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Spanish-language proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, public-domain (in common use across Panama)

No hay atajo sin trabajo.

“There is no shortcut without work.”

Genuine success requires real effort; there are no true shortcuts.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Spanish-language proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, public-domain (in common use across Panama)

El que se pica, ajos come.

“He who feels the sting must have eaten garlic.”

If a remark upsets someone, it is probably because it struck close to the truth.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Spanish-language proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, public-domain (in common use across Panama)

Donde manda capitán, no manda marinero.

“Where the captain commands, the sailor does not.”

Authority follows the chain of command; the one in charge makes the final call.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Spanish-language proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, public-domain (in common use across Panama)

Cada loco con su tema.

“Every madman with his own obsession.”

Everyone has their own particular fixation, quirk, or way of seeing the world.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Spanish-language proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, public-domain (in common use across Panama)

El que a hierro mata, a hierro muere.

“He who kills by the sword dies by the sword.”

Those who cause harm through violence eventually meet the same fate themselves.

Traditional Panama Wisdom

Source: Traditional Spanish-language proverb, shared Hispanic/Latin American oral tradition, public-domain (in common use across Panama)

The story of Panama

Long before Europeans arrived, the isthmus that is now Panama was a corridor for diverse Indigenous peoples , including the ancestors of today's Guna, Emberá, and Ngäbe-Buglé , linking North and South America and their trade networks. Spanish explorer Rodrigo de Bastidas reached its Caribbean coast around 1501, and in 1513 Vasco Núñez de Balboa crossed the isthmus to become the first European to see the Pacific Ocean from the Americas, opening the region to Spanish colonization. Panama City, founded in 1519, is the oldest European city on the Pacific coast of the Americas and became a vital link in Spain's transcontinental trade route. Panama declared independence from Spain in 1821 and joined Gran Colombia, later becoming part of the Republic of Colombia. In 1903, with US backing, Panama seceded from Colombia and became an independent republic, clearing the way for the United States to complete the Panama Canal in 1914 , one of the great engineering feats of the modern world. The canal defined Panama's 20th century: decades of US control gave way to the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaties, and full sovereignty over the canal returned to Panama on 31 December 1999. Today Panama has one of Latin America's fastest-growing, dollarized economies, anchored by global shipping, banking, and logistics, with a cultural identity blending Indigenous, Spanish, Afro-Caribbean, and immigrant influences.

Timeline — key moments

circa 1501
Spanish explorer Rodrigo de Bastidas becomes the first European to reach Panama's Caribbean coast.
1513
Vasco Núñez de Balboa crosses the isthmus and becomes the first European to see the Pacific Ocean from the Americas.
1519
Panama City is founded, becoming the oldest European city on the Pacific coast of the Americas.
1821
Panama declares independence from Spain and joins Gran Colombia.
1903
Panama separates from Colombia with US support, becoming an independent republic (3 November).
1914
The Panama Canal opens to commercial traffic (15 August), joining the Atlantic and Pacific.
1977
The Torrijos-Carter Treaties are signed, setting a path for Panama to regain control of the canal.
1989
A US military invasion removes leader Manuel Noriega from power.
1999
The United States hands full control of the Panama Canal to Panama (31 December).

Top 10 things to know about Panama

The Panama Canal links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, saving ships thousands of nautical miles versus rounding South America.
Panama uses two currencies at fixed 1:1 parity: the Balboa (mostly coins) and the US dollar (the everyday paper currency).
Panama City is one of the few capital cities with a tropical rainforest reserve inside its city limits.
The narrow, S-shaped isthmus means that at certain points the canal actually runs north-to-south, not east-to-west.
Spanish is the official language; Indigenous peoples including the Guna, Emberá, and Ngäbe-Buglé maintain distinct languages and cultures.
The Darién Gap, on the Colombia border, is one of the densest and least-disturbed rainforests in the Americas.
The Guna people's hand-stitched mola textiles are internationally recognized as a distinctive folk-art form.
Panama's land bridge role in the Great American Biotic Interchange gave it exceptional biodiversity for its size.
The country is a major global banking and logistics hub because of the canal and its dollarized economy.
Panama's flag, adopted in 1903, was designed with the help of the family of the country's first president.

Famous people from Panama

Vasco Núñez de Balboa

Explorer (16th c.)

First European to see the Pacific Ocean from the Americas, after crossing the isthmus in 1513.

Ricardo MiróAuthor

Poet

Considered Panama's national poet; his 1909 poem "Patria" became a touchstone of national identity.

Rubén Blades

Musician, actor & politician

Salsa and Latin jazz legend famed for lyrically sophisticated songwriting; later served as Panama's Minister of Tourism.

Roberto Durán

Boxer

Nicknamed "Hands of Stone"; world champion in four weight classes, one of history's great fighters.

Mireya Moscoso

Politician

Panama's first (and to date only) female president, serving 1999-2004.

Say it in Panama's language

Hello

Hola

OH-lah

Good morning

Buenos días

BWAY-nohs DEE-ahs

Thank you

Gracias

GRAH-syahs

Did you know?

★Because of the shape of the isthmus, ships transiting the Panama Canal from the Atlantic to the Pacific actually travel from northwest to southeast.
★The famous "Panama hat" is not originally from Panama , it was woven in Ecuador and became world-famous after canal workers were photographed wearing it.
★The Panama Canal transit saves ships roughly 8,000 nautical miles compared with sailing around South America via Cape Horn.

Panama culture

Carnaval, especially in the town of Las Tablas, is one of the most vibrant celebrations in Latin America, held the four days before Ash Wednesday.
The elaborately embroidered pollera dress is the national costume, worn with pride at festivals and folkloric events.
Sancocho, a hearty chicken and root-vegetable stew, is widely regarded as the national dish.
Guna Yala's molas , colorful, hand-sewn reverse-appliqué textiles made by Guna women , are worn as clothing and prized worldwide as folk art.

Why read Panama's books

Panama's literary tradition runs from the verse of national poet Ricardo Miró to a modern generation of novelists writing about the canal, migration, and Indigenous identity , a small but distinctive body of work shaped by the isthmus's crossroads history.