quem não arrisca, não petisca
Nothing ventured, nothing gained
Littéralement: Who does not risk, does not snack
En 15 secondes
- No risk means no reward.
- Use it to encourage friends to be brave.
- Rhyming makes it catchy and easy to remember.
Signification
This phrase is the ultimate 'go for it' motivator. It tells you that if you don't take a risk, you won't get the reward.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Encouraging a friend to apply for a job
Candidata-te a esse emprego! Quem não arrisca, não petisca.
Apply for that job! Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Deciding whether to invest in a startup
Vou investir nesta ideia. Afinal, quem não arrisca, não petisca.
I'm going to invest in this idea. After all, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Texting a friend about a crush
Manda-lhe uma mensagem! Quem não arrisca não petisca! 😉
Send them a message! Nothing ventured, nothing gained!
Contexte culturel
The phrase highlights the Mediterranean love for 'petiscos' (tapas-style snacks). It suggests that the best things in life—good food and success—require a bit of daring. It reflects a cultural mindset that values boldness over stagnation.
The Half-Phrase Trick
If you want to sound like a local, just say 'Quem não arrisca...' and shrug. People will finish the sentence in their heads.
The 'Petisco' Connection
In Portugal, 'petiscos' are more than snacks; they are a social ritual. Using this phrase shows you understand the value of the reward.
En 15 secondes
- No risk means no reward.
- Use it to encourage friends to be brave.
- Rhyming makes it catchy and easy to remember.
What It Means
Think of this as your Portuguese pep talk. It literally says that if you don't risk anything, you don't get a petisco (a delicious snack). In Portuguese culture, food is the ultimate reward. If you stay safe on the sidelines, you'll go hungry. It is all about the trade-off between courage and success. You have to put something on the line to win.
How To Use It
You use this phrase like a punctuation mark for a big decision. It usually comes at the end of a conversation. Someone might be debating whether to ask for a raise. Or maybe they are nervous about a first date. You drop this line to give them that final push. It is short, rhythmic, and very catchy. It sounds like a little song when you say it right.
When To Use It
Use it when the stakes are medium to high. It works perfectly when a friend is overthinking a new business idea. It is great for encouraging someone to try a new hobby. You can even use it at a restaurant. If someone is afraid to try grilled octopus, say it! It fits any moment where hesitation is the only thing in the way. It turns a scary moment into a fun challenge.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase during truly dangerous or tragic situations. If someone is considering a reckless health risk, don't use it. It is meant to be lighthearted and motivational. Don't use it in very stiff, formal legal settings. It might sound too casual for a courtroom or a funeral. Also, don't use it if the 'risk' is clearly a terrible idea. You don't want to be the reason your friend loses their life savings.
Cultural Background
Portugal and Brazil have deep maritime histories. Risking it all on the ocean was once a way of life. The word petiscar is also deeply cultural. In Portugal, petiscos are small plates shared with friends. They represent joy, social bonding, and the good life. By using this word, the proverb links success to the pleasure of eating. It makes the 'reward' feel tangible and tasty.
Common Variations
Sometimes people just say the first half: Quem não arrisca... and let the other person finish it. It is so famous that everyone knows the ending. In some regions, you might hear people swap petisca for other rhyming verbs, but that is rare. The classic version is the gold standard. It has been used for generations and hasn't changed a bit.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is informal and rhythmic. It is best used in spoken conversation among friends or family to encourage action.
The Half-Phrase Trick
If you want to sound like a local, just say 'Quem não arrisca...' and shrug. People will finish the sentence in their heads.
The 'Petisco' Connection
In Portugal, 'petiscos' are more than snacks; they are a social ritual. Using this phrase shows you understand the value of the reward.
Don't overdo it
It is a cliché, so don't use it in every conversation. Save it for moments that actually require a bit of bravery.
Exemples
6Candidata-te a esse emprego! Quem não arrisca, não petisca.
Apply for that job! Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
A classic motivational push for a career move.
Vou investir nesta ideia. Afinal, quem não arrisca, não petisca.
I'm going to invest in this idea. After all, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Used here to justify a financial risk.
Manda-lhe uma mensagem! Quem não arrisca não petisca! 😉
Send them a message! Nothing ventured, nothing gained!
Perfect for low-stakes romantic encouragement.
Não sei o que é isto, mas vou provar. Quem não arrisca, não petisca!
I don't know what this is, but I'll taste it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!
A literal play on the 'snack' meaning of the phrase.
Tenta o remate de longe! Quem não arrisca, não petisca.
Try the shot from distance! Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Used to encourage bold play in sports.
Mudar de país é difícil, mas quem não arrisca, não petisca.
Moving countries is hard, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Used for a major life transition.
Teste-toi
Complete the popular idiom.
Quem não arrisca, não ___.
The idiom relies on the rhyme between 'arrisca' and 'petisca'.
Choose the best context for this phrase.
O meu amigo tem medo de convidar a Maria para sair. Eu digo: '___'
This phrase is used to encourage someone to take a social or romantic risk.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Scale
Slang with close friends.
Bora lá, arrisca!
The sweet spot for this phrase.
Quem não arrisca, não petisca.
Business meetings or speeches.
É necessário assumir riscos para obter resultados.
Where to use the phrase
Career Change
Quitting a boring job.
Dating
Asking someone out.
Travel
Booking a solo trip.
Food
Trying spicy food.
Banque d exercices
2 exercicesQuem não arrisca, não ___.
The idiom relies on the rhyme between 'arrisca' and 'petisca'.
O meu amigo tem medo de convidar a Maria para sair. Eu digo: '___'
This phrase is used to encourage someone to take a social or romantic risk.
🎉 Score : /2
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt comes from the verb petiscar, which means to eat small amounts of delicious food, usually as a snack or appetizer with drinks.
Yes! It is extremely common in both Portugal and Brazil with the exact same meaning.
Only if you have a very close, friendly relationship with the recipient. Otherwise, it is a bit too informal for a professional email.
You could say É preciso correr riscos para alcançar o sucesso, which is much more direct and serious.
Many Portuguese proverbs use rhyme to make them easier to remember and more satisfying to say aloud.
Yes, you can use it ironically for small decisions to add a bit of humor to the moment.
Not at all. It is a positive, encouraging phrase that people usually enjoy hearing.
The most direct equivalent is 'Nothing ventured, nothing gained' or 'No pain, no gain'.
Yes, though it feels a bit 'old school,' young people still use it frequently when joking or motivating friends.
Don't confuse petisca with pesca (fishing). While fishing is a risk, the phrase specifically refers to snacking!
Expressions liées
A sorte protege os audazes
Fortune favors the bold
Quem tem boca vai a Roma
If you ask, you'll find your way
Mais vale um pássaro na mão do que dois a voar
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
O não está sempre garantido
The 'no' is already guaranteed (so might as well try)
