No dejes para mañana lo que puedas hacer hoy
Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today
Signification
Encourages immediate action and discourages procrastination.
Contexte culturel
In Spain, this proverb is often used to counter the 'cultura de la siesta' or the idea that things can always wait. It is a mark of a 'persona trabajadora' (hardworking person) to follow this rule. In Mexico, the word 'ahorita' can mean anything from 'right now' to 'never.' This proverb is used by parents to clarify that they mean 'right now' and not 'ahorita' in the sense of 'later.' Argentines often use proverbs in a witty or ironic way. While they value the sentiment, they might use it to tease a friend who is being particularly lazy. Colombia has a very strong work ethic in many regions (like Antioquia). This proverb is a fundamental part of the education children receive at home.
Use it as a self-mantra
Say this to yourself when you're scrolling on your phone instead of working. It's very effective!
Don't overdo it
If you say this to your boss too often, it might sound like you're criticizing their management style.
Signification
Encourages immediate action and discourages procrastination.
Use it as a self-mantra
Say this to yourself when you're scrolling on your phone instead of working. It's very effective!
Don't overdo it
If you say this to your boss too often, it might sound like you're criticizing their management style.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
No ______ para mañana lo que ______ hacer hoy.
The proverb uses the negative 'tú' command (dejes) and the present subjunctive (puedas).
In which situation is this proverb MOST appropriate?
Your friend says: 'I'm too tired to do the dishes, I'll do them in the morning.'
This proverb is specifically about not delaying tasks.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Cuándo vas a llamar al médico? B: Mañana sin falta. A: ¡Oye! ___________________________.
The context of delaying a phone call fits the proverb perfectly.
Match the advice to the problem.
Problem: I have a big project due in two weeks, but I want to watch Netflix all day.
The proverb addresses procrastination on a project.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use this proverb
Work
- • Emails
- • Reports
- • Meetings
Home
- • Cleaning
- • Cooking
- • Bills
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesNo ______ para mañana lo que ______ hacer hoy.
The proverb uses the negative 'tú' command (dejes) and the present subjunctive (puedas).
Your friend says: 'I'm too tired to do the dishes, I'll do them in the morning.'
This proverb is specifically about not delaying tasks.
A: ¿Cuándo vas a llamar al médico? B: Mañana sin falta. A: ¡Oye! ___________________________.
The context of delaying a phone call fits the proverb perfectly.
Problem: I have a big project due in two weeks, but I want to watch Netflix all day.
The proverb addresses procrastination on a project.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot at all! It's very common among friends, often used in a playful or encouraging way.
It uses the subjunctive because it refers to a hypothetical set of actions that you might be able to do.
People will understand you, but it sounds incomplete. It's better to say the whole phrase.
Not a direct one, but '¡A darle!' is a slangy way to say 'Let's get to it now!'
In this phrase, yes. But remember that 'la mañana' means 'the morning.'
It's an anonymous folk proverb, though similar ideas are found in the Bible and ancient Greek texts.
Yes, it is one of the most universal proverbs in the Spanish language.
Yes, if you're asked about your work ethic, mentioning this as a personal rule sounds very good.
Then the proverb doesn't apply! It only refers to things you *can* (puedas) do today.
The phrase itself isn't a perfect rhyme, but it has a very rhythmic 4-4-4-4 beat structure.
Expressions liées
A quien madruga, Dios le ayuda
similarThe early bird catches the worm.
Más vale tarde que nunca
contrastBetter late than never.
Vísteme despacio, que tengo prisa
builds onDress me slowly, for I am in a hurry.
El tiempo es oro
similarTime is money/gold.
