Mais vale um pássaro na mão do que dois a voar.
A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.
Signification
It is better to hold onto something certain than risk it for a potentially greater, but uncertain, gain.
Contexte culturel
In Portugal, this proverb is often used with a tone of 'fado'—a certain resignation to reality and a respect for what is tangible and present. Brazilians use 'voando' instead of 'a voar'. The proverb is extremely common in Brazilian business culture, which can be surprisingly conservative despite the country's festive image. In Angola, proverbs are a vital part of oral tradition. This one is used to teach children the value of gratitude for what they have. Reflects the islanders' historical need for resource management and caution due to limited supplies.
Use the Short Version
In casual conversation, you can just say 'Mais vale um pássaro na mão...' and stop. Everyone knows the rest.
Don't be a Buzzkill
If someone is excited about a new dream, using this phrase might make you seem unsupportive. Use it for practical advice, not for crushing spirits.
Signification
It is better to hold onto something certain than risk it for a potentially greater, but uncertain, gain.
Use the Short Version
In casual conversation, you can just say 'Mais vale um pássaro na mão...' and stop. Everyone knows the rest.
Don't be a Buzzkill
If someone is excited about a new dream, using this phrase might make you seem unsupportive. Use it for practical advice, not for crushing spirits.
Regional Choice
If you are in Brazil, say 'voando'. If you are in Portugal, say 'a voar'. It makes you sound much more native.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
Mais vale um pássaro na ______ do que dois a ______.
The standard form uses 'mão' (hand) and 'voar' (to fly).
Which situation best fits this proverb?
O Pedro tem um emprego estável, mas quer sair para tentar ser um cantor famoso, sem ter nenhum contrato.
The proverb advises keeping the certain thing (stable job) over the uncertain one (fame).
Match the Portuguese phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the closest idiomatic matches.
Complete the dialogue with the proverb.
Maria: 'Não sei se aceito os 500 euros agora ou se espero pelo sorteio de 2000.' José: '_________________________________.'
José is advising Maria to take the certain money.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Security vs. Risk
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMais vale um pássaro na ______ do que dois a ______.
The standard form uses 'mão' (hand) and 'voar' (to fly).
O Pedro tem um emprego estável, mas quer sair para tentar ser um cantor famoso, sem ter nenhum contrato.
The proverb advises keeping the certain thing (stable job) over the uncertain one (fame).
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the closest idiomatic matches.
Maria: 'Não sei se aceito os 500 euros agora ou se espero pelo sorteio de 2000.' José: '_________________________________.'
José is advising Maria to take the certain money.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot at all. While it's an old proverb, it's used daily in news, business, and family life.
Yes, it's often used when someone is thinking of leaving a stable relationship for someone new and uncertain.
Both are correct. 'Do que' is slightly more formal and common in writing, while 'que' is faster for speaking.
It's a symbolic number representing 'more than what you have'. In Spanish, they say 'one hundred'!
It is always 'na mão' (in the hand) because it refers to a specific, metaphorical hand.
No, that would be 'in the pocket'. The proverb is fixed with 'hand'.
Yes, especially when discussing risk management or budget allocations.
It can imply that someone is being too 'safe' or lacks ambition, but usually, it's seen as wise advice.
Usually 'vo-AH', with a very soft 'r' at the end.
'Quem não arrisca, não petisca' (Who doesn't risk, doesn't snack/gain).
Expressions liées
O seguro morreu de velho
similarCaution is the best policy.
Quem não arrisca, não petisca
contrastNothing ventured, nothing gained.
Não troque o certo pelo duvidoso
synonymDon't trade the certain for the uncertain.
Grão a grão, enche a galinha o papo
builds onBit by bit, the chicken fills its crop.
