Signification
People tend to associate with others who are similar to them.
Contexte culturel
In Spain, this proverb is often used by older generations to comment on the social circles of young people, reflecting a traditional view of social order. In Mexico, the phrase is common but often competes with 'Dios los cría y ellos se juntan,' which is used with a more mischievous or ironic tone. Argentines might use this phrase with a shrug, indicating a sense of 'that's just how the world works.' It's common in urban social commentary. In Colombia, it's used warmly to describe a well-matched couple, emphasizing the 'rightness' of the relationship.
Use it for validation
Use this phrase when you want to agree that a certain pairing makes perfect sense. It makes you sound very native.
Don't change the gender
Even if you are talking about two men, always say 'oveja' and 'pareja'. Changing it to 'ovejo' sounds like a joke or a mistake.
Signification
People tend to associate with others who are similar to them.
Use it for validation
Use this phrase when you want to agree that a certain pairing makes perfect sense. It makes you sound very native.
Don't change the gender
Even if you are talking about two men, always say 'oveja' and 'pareja'. Changing it to 'ovejo' sounds like a joke or a mistake.
The 'Shrug' Factor
Accompany the phrase with a small shrug and a smile to convey that the social grouping is just a natural law of the universe.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
Cada oveja con su _______.
The proverb is 'Cada oveja con su pareja.'
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Cada oveja con su pareja'?
Situation A: A cat and a dog becoming best friends. Situation B: Two professional chefs getting married. Situation C: A person who hates sports going to a football match.
The proverb describes two people with similar interests or backgrounds coming together.
What is the English equivalent of this proverb?
Cada oveja con su pareja.
Both idioms mean that similar people tend to associate with each other.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Has visto que los dos nuevos empleados siempre almuerzan juntos? B: Sí, es normal. _______.
The context of two similar people (new employees) being together fits this proverb.
Match the Spanish proverb with its meaning.
1. Cada oveja con su pareja. 2. Dios los cría y ellos se juntan.
While similar, 'Dios los cría' often has a more negative or humorous connotation.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesCada oveja con su _______.
The proverb is 'Cada oveja con su pareja.'
Situation A: A cat and a dog becoming best friends. Situation B: Two professional chefs getting married. Situation C: A person who hates sports going to a football match.
The proverb describes two people with similar interests or backgrounds coming together.
Cada oveja con su pareja.
Both idioms mean that similar people tend to associate with each other.
A: ¿Has visto que los dos nuevos empleados siempre almuerzan juntos? B: Sí, es normal. _______.
The context of two similar people (new employees) being together fits this proverb.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
While similar, 'Dios los cría' often has a more negative or humorous connotation.
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsGenerally, no. It's a neutral observation. However, if used sarcastically about a couple you don't like, it can be slightly biting.
Yes! If you are organizing a bookshelf and putting all the history books together, you could say it jokingly.
Because sheep were the most common livestock in Spain when these proverbs were formed, and they are known for following the flock.
The standard form is 'Cada oveja con su pareja.' You don't need the 'a' at the beginning.
Yes, it is universally understood across all Spanish-speaking countries.
'Polos opuestos se atraen' (Opposites attract) is the most common opposite.
No, that doesn't make sense. You need 'pareja' to indicate the match.
In this proverb, it means 'match' or 'pair,' which can be romantic, social, or even professional.
Yes, because 'oveja' and 'pareja' end in '-eja' everywhere Spanish is spoken.
Yes, it's a lovely, traditional thing to say in a toast to show the couple is well-matched.
Expressions liées
Dios los cría y ellos se juntan
similarGod creates them and they find each other.
Tal para cual
synonymMade for each other.
Dime con quién andas y te diré quién eres
builds onTell me who you hang out with and I'll tell you who you are.
Polos opuestos se atraen
contrastOpposites attract.
