Bedeutung
Small, consistent efforts lead to great achievements over time.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Spain, this phrase is often linked to the 'Camino de Santiago'. Pilgrims use it to remind themselves that they don't need to run; they just need to keep walking to reach the cathedral. Mexican culture often uses more diminutive forms like 'poquito a poquito' to make the advice sound even more gentle and encouraging. In the context of learning Tango, instructors often use this phrase to emphasize that mastering the basic steps is more important than learning complex figures quickly. In the coffee-growing regions, this phrase resonates with the meticulous, bean-by-bean process of harvesting high-quality coffee.
Use it for yourself
When you feel frustrated with Spanish, say this phrase out loud. It's a great way to practice the 'impersonal se' while calming your nerves.
Don't over-conjugate
Remember that as a proverb, it's almost always used in the present tense. Changing it to 'Poco a poco fui lejos' sounds strange to native ears.
Bedeutung
Small, consistent efforts lead to great achievements over time.
Use it for yourself
When you feel frustrated with Spanish, say this phrase out loud. It's a great way to practice the 'impersonal se' while calming your nerves.
Don't over-conjugate
Remember that as a proverb, it's almost always used in the present tense. Changing it to 'Poco a poco fui lejos' sounds strange to native ears.
The 'Se' is key
Mastering the 'se va' in this phrase will help you understand other impersonal constructions like 'se dice' (it is said) or 'se habla español' (Spanish is spoken).
Teste dich selbst
Complete the proverb with the correct verb form.
Poco a poco ___ va lejos.
The proverb uses the impersonal 'se' to indicate a general truth.
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Poco a poco se va lejos'?
Situation: You want to learn to play the guitar.
The proverb values consistency and small, daily efforts.
Match the Spanish words to their English equivalents in the phrase.
Match the following:
Understanding the literal components helps in remembering the whole phrase.
Complete the dialogue with the proverb.
Ana: '¡No puedo terminar este libro de 500 páginas!' Juan: 'No te preocupes, lee 10 páginas cada noche. ________.'
This is the most appropriate proverb for encouraging someone with a long task.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenPoco a poco ___ va lejos.
The proverb uses the impersonal 'se' to indicate a general truth.
Situation: You want to learn to play the guitar.
The proverb values consistency and small, daily efforts.
Ordne jedem Element links seinen Partner rechts zu:
Understanding the literal components helps in remembering the whole phrase.
Ana: '¡No puedo terminar este libro de 500 páginas!' Juan: 'No te preocupes, lee 10 páginas cada noche. ________.'
This is the most appropriate proverb for encouraging someone with a long task.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, you can, but it changes the meaning from a general proverb to a specific piece of advice for 'you'. The version with 'se' is the standard proverb.
Absolutely. It is universally understood and used across all 21 Spanish-speaking countries.
It is neutral. You can use it with a child, a friend, or even in a professional speech to inspire others.
'Poco a poco' refers to quantity/degree (little by little), while 'paso a paso' refers to the process (step by step). They are often interchangeable.
Because the 'se' is impersonal, which always takes the third-person singular verb form.
Yes, it's very common when discussing long-term strategy or growth that isn't immediate.
In this proverb, 'lejos' is figurative, meaning 'to achieve great success' or 'to reach a high level'.
People often just say 'Poco a poco...' and leave the rest implied, as everyone knows the ending.
It is always 'poco a poco'. Adding 'un' is incorrect in this specific idiom.
Usually, it's positive. You wouldn't say 'Poco a poco se va lejos' about a disease getting worse; you'd use 'empeorar poco a poco'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Paso a paso
similarStep by step.
No por mucho madrugar amanece más temprano
contrastWaking up earlier won't make the sun rise any sooner.
Gota a gota, el agua horada la roca
builds onDrop by drop, water wears away the rock.
Vísteme despacio, que tengo prisa
similarDress me slowly, for I am in a hurry.
