Galicia there is only one and, therefore, unique and singular. Galician’s continue to use them every day to show some feelings or their own disagreements in an ironic way, very Galician. Knowing Galician proverbs helps us to understand the character and idiosyncrasy of this land and, of course, to learn a little more about the life of its inhabitants, because, as is often the case with popular sayings, they have a lot to teach us. Look!
The best Galician proverbs
1There is not a little that does not catch, not a moment that does not end
Translation: There is neither a little that does not arrive nor much that does not end.
Meaning: With this unique phrase Galician’s encourage each other in times of economic or other crises. In the end, the Galician’s know that everything will be solved.
2I never chose that it did not escape
Translation: It never rains without clearing up afterwards.
Meaning: A positive Galician proverb where there are. Very similar to the well-known to say that you have to be calm in the face of adversity, because sooner or later everything will be fixed.
3 Friends, yes, but a polo cow that’s worth it
Translation: Little friends, yes, but the cow for what it’s worth.
Meaning: They say that Galician’s are a bit distrustful, and perhaps this proverb is a reflection of it. However, things always have to be made clear. Friendship is one thing and another to take advantage of it and not repay debts, don’t you think?
4 A to-do porch lie cheap o sue San Martino
Translation: Every pig gets its Saint Martin.
Meaning: It is the same expression as in Spanish and what it means is that in the end life, God (depending on what you believe) puts people who have done wrong in their place. It is usually said as a synonym for: ‘ don’t worry, in the end, you will end up paying for it ‘.
5Xente nova, green firewood, everything is smoke
Translation: Young people, green firewood, all smoke.
Meaning: This is a typical expression of the elderly to bring out the lack of commitment and experience of the young. When the firewood is green, it is not possible to heat with it and rather it makes a smoke. Experience is what brings wisdom.
6 who have cu be afraid
Translation: Whoever has an ass is afraid.
Meaning: Did you know that this expression is often said a lot to children in Galicia? The idea is that they understand that it is natural to be afraid and that nothing happens at all. It’s cool, right?
7Mexan for us and din what chive
Translation: They piss us and we have to say it’s raining.
Meaning: It is a very popular Galician saying that is used to demonstrate the submission of citizens, of the masses, to power, that is, when one wants to criticize the fact that there is not enough social movement.
8 Horse that has to go to war, don’t die, don’t venter da ego
Translation: Horse that has to go to war does not die in the womb of the mare.
Meaning: In we have a purpose and when we have to fulfill it, everything will align so that it is so. It’s a beautiful Galician proverb, don’t you think?
9 Fai or that or credo say ere and non-favas or that he fixer
Translation: Do what the priest says and don’t do what he does.
Meaning: A proverb loaded with picaresque that alludes to the double standards that often exist in social environments.
10 The best firewood is where the car does not enter
Translation: The best firewood is where the cart does not fit.
Meaning: Sometimes to get what you want you have to get dirty and sweat a little. In other words, get your hands a little dirty, your boots dirty and get fully involved in what you want to achieve.
Eleven you can’t deprive the water of running and the tire of barking.
Translation: You cannot deprive the water to run or the dogs to bark.
Meaning: This is a saying that is usually said in Galicia when you want to point out to someone that they cannot do anything, much less change a person as you want them to be
