quem vê cara, não vê coração
Don't judge a book by its cover
Literalmente: Who sees face, doesn't see heart
En 15 segundos
- Appearances are often misleading and don't show the truth.
- Don't judge someone's character based solely on their looks.
- The heart holds the truth that the face hides.
Significado
This phrase warns you that a person's physical appearance or outward behavior doesn't reveal their true character or feelings. It's the perfect way to say that what you see on the outside isn't always what's happening on the inside.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Discussing a surprisingly kind neighbor
Ele parece bravo, mas quem vê cara, não vê coração.
He looks angry, but you can't judge a book by its cover.
Warning a friend about a charming but shady person
Cuidado com ele; quem vê cara, não vê coração.
Be careful with him; looks can be deceiving.
In a professional meeting about a competitor
A empresa parece sólida, mas quem vê cara, não vê coração.
The company looks solid, but appearances can be deceiving.
Contexto cultural
Very common in daily life to defend friends or explain misunderstandings. Used in similar contexts, often as a piece of traditional wisdom. Used to emphasize the importance of community and knowing people deeply. Used in social settings to warn against judging strangers.
Use it naturally
Don't overthink the grammar; it's a fixed phrase.
En 15 segundos
- Appearances are often misleading and don't show the truth.
- Don't judge someone's character based solely on their looks.
- The heart holds the truth that the face hides.
What It Means
This classic expression is a reminder to look deeper. In Portuguese, cara is a common word for face. The coração represents a person's true essence, intentions, and kindness. You use it when someone looks scary but is actually a sweetheart. You also use it when someone looks professional but is actually untrustworthy. It is the ultimate 'don't judge a book by its cover' mantra.
How To Use It
You can use this phrase as a standalone reaction. If a friend tells you a surprising secret about someone, just nod and say it. It works as a complete sentence. You don't need to conjugate anything or change the words. It is like a wise proverb that fits almost any surprising revelation about a person.
When To Use It
Use it when you are gossiping with friends about a surprising breakup. Use it at work when the 'mean' boss does something incredibly kind. It is great for those 'aha!' moments. It fits perfectly when you realize your first impression was totally wrong. It’s a very common way to express social wisdom in Brazil and Portugal.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for inanimate objects. If you bought a bad car that looked shiny, this phrase feels a bit weird. It is specifically about people and their souls. Avoid using it in very high-level legal documents. It’s a bit too 'folk-wisdom' for a court of law. Also, don't say it directly to someone's face if they are ugly—that's just rude!
Cultural Background
Brazilians are generally very warm and visual people. However, there is a deep cultural understanding of 'malandragem' (street smarts). This phrase reflects the need to be cautious of appearances. It has been around for centuries and appears in classic literature. It’s a staple of the 'avó' (grandmother) vocabulary. Every Portuguese speaker grew up hearing this from their elders.
Common Variations
You might hear people say as aparências enganam (appearances deceive). This is the more formal cousin of our phrase. Sometimes people just say quem vê cara... and let the listener finish it. It’s so famous that the second half is often implied. In some regions, you might hear slangy versions, but the original remains king.
Notas de uso
This is a fixed idiomatic expression. It is highly recognizable and carries a 'folk wisdom' vibe. It is safe for almost any social situation except for very formal legal or academic writing.
Use it naturally
Don't overthink the grammar; it's a fixed phrase.
Ejemplos
6Ele parece bravo, mas quem vê cara, não vê coração.
He looks angry, but you can't judge a book by its cover.
Contrasting a 'scary' face with a kind heart.
Cuidado com ele; quem vê cara, não vê coração.
Be careful with him; looks can be deceiving.
A warning that charm doesn't equal goodness.
A empresa parece sólida, mas quem vê cara, não vê coração.
The company looks solid, but appearances can be deceiving.
Using the idiom metaphorically for a business entity.
Pois é, quem vê cara, não vê coração. Que decepção!
Yeah, you never really know someone. What a disappointment!
Expressing shock that a 'nice' celebrity did something bad.
O perfil é lindo, mas quem vê cara não vê coração, né?
The profile is beautiful, but looks aren't everything, right?
A humorous take on modern digital dating.
Ela é tão simples! Realmente, quem vê cara, não vê coração.
She's so simple! Truly, you can't judge by appearances.
Highlighting hidden depth or talent.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the idiom.
Quem vê ____, não vê ____.
The idiom specifically uses 'cara' (face) and 'coração' (heart).
🎉 Puntuación: /1
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
1 ejerciciosQuem vê ____, não vê ____.
The idiom specifically uses 'cara' (face) and 'coração' (heart).
🎉 Puntuación: /1
Preguntas frecuentes
1 preguntasIt's better to avoid it; it's too informal for a professional setting.
Frases relacionadas
As aparências enganam
synonymAppearances deceive
