Written by Gabriela Estrada

"What is well learned is never forgotten", this is one of the best known sayings among Hispanics. It is not known who created it or which Hispanic American countries it belongs to, but it is confirmed that this and other sayings serve to develop reading comprehension and oral and written production in English.

Today we will see which well-known Spanish sayings adopt a peculiar translation into English and lead us to look for the right words to understand them. We must take into account that these expressions have a literal translation, but the interesting and didactic thing is to take them to their English equivalent so that they convey the same idea. let's start!

Spanish proverbs translated into English

1. What goes around comes around comes around goes around

Literal translation: What comes with water goes with water.

English equivalent: Easy come, easy go.

This saying reminds us that what comes easily is also easily lost. 

1. Something is something, worse is nothing

Literal translation: Something is something, worse is nothing.

English equivalent: Half a loaf is better than none.

Both sayings teach us to value what we have, even if it is not much, because it is always better than nothing.

1. A blacksmith's fork, a wooden spoon

Literal translation: In blacksmith's house, wooden ladle.

English equivalent: The shoemaker's son always goes barefoot

This saying contains the irony of those who are experts in something, but at the same time often neglect that same aspect in their own lives.

1. Old parrot does not learn to speak

Literal translation: The old parrot does not learn to talk.

English equivalent: You can't teach an old dog new tricks.

This saying, at first glance, seems discouraging, because it refers to the difficulty of changing habits or learning new things when you have grown old. Of course this is not so, in the general context of life, and even more so today, with a demanding and competitive job market, this saying is a reminder that in order to learn, you have to break old patterns and false beliefs.

Moreover, when it comes to learning a new language, comprehension skills have no expiration date, as the human brain possesses incredible neural plasticity, which means it can adapt and form new connections throughout life. 

1. A word to the wise is a word to the wise

Literal translation: For a good understander, few words.

English equivalent: A word to the wise is sufficient.

The idea is clear: not much explanation is needed for those who have the ability to understand quickly.

At Planeta Immiland, we use clear and easy-to-follow lessons, practice in real scenarios and personalized feedback in order to progressively take you to the next level. 

With our courses, you will be able to develop the necessary comprehension skills to translate proverbs and many other expressions of the Hispanic and Canadian culture to achieve the advanced or native level. If you want to improve your language skills contact us at and we will be happy to help you with whatever you need.

You can join our online learning community on Instagram on Instagram and stay up to date with the latest news in the language.

With hard work and dedication, and with well-structured academic guidance, your dream of speaking English will always be within reach.

Thank you very much for reading! See you in the next blog!

With love, 

Planeta Immiland Education