30 Mexican Quotes and Proverbs, Full of Timeless Wisdom

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Old proverbs often stay alive for many years because they carry lessons people still need today. They speak about life in a clear and honest way, even as time changes. Mexican quotes share a similar power, offering short lines that feel meaningful and easy to remember for many different generations.

Mexican quotes and sayings reflect a long tradition of thought shaped by daily experience and reflection. Mexican quotes often sound simple, yet they hold deep meaning beneath the words. These expressions pass from one person to another and continue to feel relevant in modern life across different times and places.

In this article, we have gathered some powerful Mexican quotes and proverbs from various sources, Thursday (29/1/2026). You will also find the English translation of each of the sayings too. Now, let's dive in.

1. "Poco a poco se anda lejos."

Literal Translation: Little by little one goes far.

This proverb teaches us that patience brings results. Small steps taken every day will lead to big achievements over time.

2. "Al nopal solo se le arriman cuando tiene tunas."

Literal Translation: The prickly pear cactus is only approached when it has fruit.

This saying describes people who only contact you when they need something. True friends stay close even when you have nothing to offer them.

3. "Contigo la milpa es rancho y el atole champurrado."

Literal Translation: With you, the cornfield is a ranch and the corn drink is chocolate.

This beautiful proverb expresses how love makes everything better. When you are with the right person, simple things become special.

4. "El que nace pa' tamal, del cielo le caen las hojas."

Literal Translation: When you're born as a tamale, leaves fall from the sky.

This means that destiny helps those who have natural talent. If you are meant to do something, the right opportunities will come to you.

5. "En boca cerrada no entran moscas."

Literal Translation: No flies enter a closed mouth.

Sometimes staying quiet is the smartest choice. Speaking too much can create problems for you.

6. "Más vale un pájaro en mano, que cien volando."

Literal Translation: A bird in the hand is worth more than one hundred in flight.

This proverb reminds us to value what we already have. Chasing many dreams at once might make us lose everything.

7. "No hay que buscarle ruido al chicharrón."

Literal Translation: No need to look for noise in the pork rinds.

This saying warns against creating problems where none exist. Some people worry too much and imagine negative things that are not real.

8. "El que con lobos anda, a aullar se enseña."

Literal Translation: He who runs with wolves will learn to howl.

Your friends shape who you become. Choose companions who bring out your best qualities.

9. "Desgracia compartida, menos sentida."

Literal Translation: Shared misfortune, less felt.

Talking about your problems with others makes them easier to handle. You do not have to carry heavy burdens alone.

10. "Para todo mal, mezcal; para todo bien, también."

Literal Translation: For everything bad, mezcal; for everything good, also mezcal.

This saying suggests finding comfort and strength in all situations. It reflects how people cope with both good and bad moments, using small pleasures to stay resilient through life’s ups and downs.

11. "Al mal tiempo, buena cara."

Literal Translation: To bad times, a good face.

Keeping a positive attitude helps during difficult periods. Your smile can make hard situations feel lighter.

12. "Con dinero baila el perro."

Literal Translation: With money the dog dances.

In the free translation, this saying means "Money talks." This shows the power and influence of money.

13. "Guajolote que se sale del corral, termina en mole."

Literal Translation: The turkey that gets out the pen ends up as mole sauce.

Breaking rules can lead to serious trouble. Sometimes staying safe means following the boundaries set for you.

14. "Más sabe el diablo por viejo que por diablo."

Literal Translation: The devil knows more because he is old rather than because he is a devil.

Age brings experience and knowledge that young people do not have yet. Older people deserve respect for the wisdom they gained through life.

15. "Cuando el río suena es que agua lleva."

Literal Translation: When the river sounds, water is running.

Rumors usually have some truth behind them. If many people talk about something, it deserves your attention.

16. "Chocolate que no tiñe, claro está."

Literal Translation: Chocolate that does not stain, it is clear.

This proverb means that true things show their nature. If something is real, it proves itself through actions and results, not just words.

17. "A falta de pan, tortillas."

Literal Translation: Lack of bread, tortillas.

Make the best use of what you have available. Creative thinking helps you solve problems with limited resources.

18. "El burro hablando de orejas."

Literal Translation: The donkey talking about ears.

People who criticize others often have the same faults themselves. Before judging someone, look at your own mistakes first.

19. "No se puede chiflar y comer pinole al mismo tiempo."

Literal Translation: You can't whistle and eat pinole at the same time.

Some choices in life require you to pick one path only. You cannot have everything at the same time.

20. "Zapatero, a tus zapatos."

Literal Translation: Shoemaker, to your shoes.

Focus on what you know and do best. Do not interfere in matters that are not your responsibility.

21. "Al que madruga Dios lo ayuda."

Literal Translation: God helps he who rises early.

Success comes to those who work hard and start early. Lazy people miss the best opportunities.

22. "Jarrito nuevo, ¿dónde te pondré?"

Literal Translation: New vase, where shall I put you?

This proverb describes uncertainty about how to treat or place something new. It can apply to new relationships, new possessions, or new situations, where everything feels unfamiliar at first.

23. "Cuesta más caro el caldo que las albóndigas."

Literal Translation: The broth costs more than the meatballs.

Sometimes the extra parts of something cost more than the main thing. Do not spend too much money on less important details.

24. "Lo barato cuesta caro."

Literal Translation: Cheap is expensive.

Buying low-quality items means you will need to replace them soon. Invest in good quality to save money over time.

25. "Viejo el mar y todavía hace olas."

Literal Translation: The sea is old and still makes waves.

Elderly people still have energy and abilities. Age does not stop someone from being active and useful.

26. "Ves que el niño es pedorro y le das frijoles."

Literal Translation: You see that the child has gas and give him beans.

This warns against making bad situations worse. Do not add fuel to fire when problems already exist.

27. "Nada sabe su violín y todos los sones toca."

Literal Translation: He knows nothing about his violin yet plays all the songs.

Some people have great skills but remain humble about them. True talent shows through actions, not words.

28. "Caminando y meando, pa' no hacer charco."

Literal Translation: Walking and peeing, to avoid making a puddle.

Stop talking about your plans and start doing them. Action matters more than empty promises.

29. "Si quieres conocer a Inés, vive con ella un mes."

Literal Translation: If you want to know Inés, live with her for a month.

You only truly understand someone after spending a lot of time together. First impressions do not show the complete picture.

30. "A darle que es mole de olla."

Literal Translation: Get to it, for this is *mole de olla*!

This proverb means you should start a task immediately and with great energy. It is like saying "strike while the iron is hot" because the opportunity is too good to waste.