20 Fun Spanish Proverbs

In this lively episode of Ah... Spain!, Tania and Gaetano take you on a tour through 20 colorful Spanish proverbs — expressions packed with wit, wisdom, and a touch of mischief. You’ll learn why dressing a monkey in silk doesn’t change much (la mona, aunque se vista de seda, mona se queda), what shoemakers should stick to (zapatero, a tus zapatos), and how centuries-old sayings still shape conversations in modern Spain.

We share each proverb’s literal translation so you can enjoy the quirky imagery, as well as the real meaning so you’ll know when (and when not!) to use it. You’ll also find out which ones are our personal favorites, and why some make us laugh while others feel surprisingly profound.