Traditional Papiamento Wisdom

Mihó lat ku nunka.

“Better late than never.”

Acting late is still worth more than never acting at all.

Bo ta bomba awa di renbak.

“You sing so badly you have spoiled the water.”

Said to someone singing badly out of tune — a light-hearted way of mocking a poor performance.

Den dos man funchi no por sali papa.

“With only two hands, the funchi cannot come out right.”

A single pair of hands is rarely enough — real work goes better with the help of others.

Galiña ta laba ku e awa ku e tin.

“The chicken washes with the water it has.”

Make do with what is available to you rather than waiting for ideal conditions.

Un konsenshi limpi ta e mihó kusinchi.

“A clean conscience is the best pillow.”

Living honestly brings peace of mind and untroubled sleep.

Sali fo'i panchi kai den kandela.

“To jump out of the pot and fall into the fire.”

Escaping one bad situation only to land in a worse one.

Pushi ku hanskun no por kohe raton.

“A cat wearing gloves cannot catch mice.”

Being overly careful or restrained can stop you from getting anything done.

Muchu amèn ta daña misa.

“Too many amens spoil the mass.”

Even a good thing becomes harmful when there is too much of it.

Bai gaña baka.

“Go and tell that to a cow.”

Said to dismiss a claim that is too far-fetched to be believed by anyone sensible.

Un kabuya ta corta dos biaha.

“A rope cuts twice.”

A shortcut taken carelessly tends to cause trouble a second time.

Kabes ta traha otro.

“One head puts another to work.”

Two minds working together accomplish more than one working alone.

Es ku yega promé ta bebe awa limpi.

“Whoever arrives first drinks the clean water.”

Being early or acting first brings the best opportunities.

Sòpi purá ta sali salu.

“Soup made in a hurry turns out salty.”

Rushing a task usually spoils the result; care takes time.

Kada kosa i su turno.

“Everything has its own turn.”

All things happen in their proper time; patience is rewarded.

Esun ku kana lo kontra.

“The one who walks will find.”

Persistence and effort eventually lead to discovery and success.