Não peças a quem já pediu, nem sirvas a quem já serviu.
Don't ask someone who has already asked, nor serve someone who has already served.
Significado
Avoid asking for favors from those who are also in need, or serving those who are ungrateful.
Contexto cultural
In Portugal, this proverb is often linked to the 'orgulho' (pride) of the working class and a deep-seated skepticism toward those who change their social status too quickly. In Brazil, while the 'Tu' form is less common in speech, it is preserved in proverbs like this, giving them a 'biblical' or 'ancient' authority. In Angolan Portuguese, proverbs are a vital part of 'oralidade'. This phrase might be used to discuss the behavior of post-colonial elites. Modern HR professionals in Lusophone countries sometimes use this proverb (informally) to describe the 'toxic' behavior of managers who lack emotional intelligence despite their humble beginnings.
Use for Emphasis
Use this phrase at the end of a story to provide a 'moral' to your anecdote. It sounds very native.
Grammar Alert
Don't use 'pede' or 'serve'. The 's' at the end of 'peças' and 'sirvas' is crucial for the imperative mood.
Significado
Avoid asking for favors from those who are also in need, or serving those who are ungrateful.
Use for Emphasis
Use this phrase at the end of a story to provide a 'moral' to your anecdote. It sounds very native.
Grammar Alert
Don't use 'pede' or 'serve'. The 's' at the end of 'peças' and 'sirvas' is crucial for the imperative mood.
Regional Variation
In Brazil, you might hear 'Não peça a quem já pediu', dropping the 's' in informal speech, but the 's' version is more 'proverbial'.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the proverb with the correct verb forms.
Não _______ a quem já pediu, nem _______ a quem já serviu.
The proverb uses the negative imperative 'Tu' form.
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Não sirvas a quem já serviu'?
A situation where...
The proverb warns that those who have served often become harsh masters.
Match the part of the proverb to its meaning.
Match the following:
The first half refers to asking (pedir) and the second to serving (servir).
Complete the dialogue with the proverb.
João: 'O meu novo chefe era empregado de mesa e agora trata-nos como lixo.' Maria: 'Pois é, João... _______.'
This is the perfect context for this specific proverb.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosNão _______ a quem já pediu, nem _______ a quem já serviu.
The proverb uses the negative imperative 'Tu' form.
A situation where...
The proverb warns that those who have served often become harsh masters.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
The first half refers to asking (pedir) and the second to serving (servir).
João: 'O meu novo chefe era empregado de mesa e agora trata-nos como lixo.' Maria: 'Pois é, João... _______.'
This is the perfect context for this specific proverb.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, but mostly by older generations or in formal writing. Younger people understand it but might not say it.
Because it's a negative command (Negative Imperative). In Portuguese, negative commands use the subjunctive forms.
Not exactly. It's a warning that those who have struggled might be more focused on their own survival or status.
Only if the atmosphere is informal or if you are quoting it as a piece of traditional wisdom. Be careful not to offend.
There isn't a perfect one, but 'Set a beggar on horseback...' is the closest in sentiment.
Yes, 'nem' means 'nor' and connects the two negative clauses of the proverb.
Yes, that's the 'Você' form. It's grammatically correct but sounds less like a traditional proverb.
It can be, as it generalizes about people who have faced hardship. Use it with caution.
It means to work for someone, usually in a subordinate or domestic role.
Look into the works of Eça de Queirós or Camilo Castelo Branco; they often use such folk wisdom.
Frases relacionadas
Quem não deve não teme
similarHe who owes nothing, fears nothing.
Dê o poder ao homem e conhecerá quem ele é
builds onGive power to a man and you will know who he is.
Quem já foi criado, não sabe ser amo
synonymHe who was a servant doesn't know how to be a master.
Mãos frias, coração quente
contrastCold hands, warm heart.
