The words of Portugal

Portugal — quotes, proverbs & wisdom

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

“Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

Quem não arrisca, não petisca.

Source: Traditional Portugal proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Past waters do not turn mills.”

Águas passadas não movem moinhos.

Source: Traditional Portugal proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“After the storm comes the calm.”

Depois da tempestade vem a bonança.

Source: Traditional Portugal proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“A bird in the hand is worth two in flight.”

Mais vale um pássaro na mão do que dois a voar.

Source: Traditional Portugal proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“A barking dog does not bite.”

Cão que ladra não morde.

Source: Traditional Portugal proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Who wants everything loses everything.”

Quem tudo quer, tudo perde.

Source: Traditional Portugal proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Grain by grain, the hen fills her crop.”

Grão a grão enche a galinha o papo.

Source: Traditional Portugal proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Slowly one goes far.”

Devagar se vai ao longe.

Source: Traditional Portugal proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“A robbed house, bars on the door.”

Casa roubada, trancas à porta.

Source: Traditional Portugal proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“There is no beauty without a flaw.”

Não há bela sem senão.

Source: Traditional Portugal proverb, public-domain oral tradition