A2 Proverb ニュートラル

Donde hay patrón, no manda marinero

Where there's a boss, the sailor doesn't command

意味

In a hierarchy, the subordinate does not give orders to the superior.

🌍

文化的背景

In Spain, this phrase is often used with a touch of 'retranca' (irony). It acknowledges the hierarchy but sometimes implies that the boss's decision might be questionable, even if it must be followed. In Mexican business culture, hierarchy is very respected. Using this phrase is a common way to show loyalty to a superior's decision in front of others. Argentines might use this phrase in a more cynical way, reflecting a long history of dealing with rigid bureaucracies or strong-willed leaders. In Colombia, the phrase is frequently heard in family contexts, reinforcing the authority of parents or grandparents over children.

💡

Use it for solidarity

Use this phrase when you want to show a coworker that you agree with them, but you both have to follow the boss's orders anyway.

⚠️

Don't be the 'Patrón'

If you are the boss, avoid saying this to your employees. It can sound like you are shutting down their ideas in a rude way.

意味

In a hierarchy, the subordinate does not give orders to the superior.

💡

Use it for solidarity

Use this phrase when you want to show a coworker that you agree with them, but you both have to follow the boss's orders anyway.

⚠️

Don't be the 'Patrón'

If you are the boss, avoid saying this to your employees. It can sound like you are shutting down their ideas in a rude way.

💬

Regional Variations

In many places, 'capitán' is more common than 'patrón'. Both are 100% correct and interchangeable.

自分をテスト

Complete the proverb with the correct words.

Donde hay ________, no manda ________.

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: patrón / marinero

The canonical form of the proverb uses 'patrón' and 'marinero'.

In which situation is it most appropriate to use this phrase?

Your colleague is arguing with the manager about a new office rule.

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: To tell your colleague that the manager has the final word.

The phrase is used to acknowledge that the person in charge makes the decisions.

Choose the best response for Speaker B.

Speaker A: 'No entiendo por qué el director cambió el horario.' Speaker B: '_________________.'

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: Donde hay patrón, no manda marinero.

This is the only proverb that fits a context of hierarchy and decisions.

Which variation of the phrase is also very common?

Select the most common alternative form.

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: Donde manda capitán, no manda marinero.

The 'capitán' version is the most frequent variation of this proverb.

🎉 スコア: /4

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練習問題バンク

4 問題
Complete the proverb with the correct words. Fill Blank A2

Donde hay ________, no manda ________.

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: patrón / marinero

The canonical form of the proverb uses 'patrón' and 'marinero'.

In which situation is it most appropriate to use this phrase? situation_matching A2

Your colleague is arguing with the manager about a new office rule.

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: To tell your colleague that the manager has the final word.

The phrase is used to acknowledge that the person in charge makes the decisions.

Choose the best response for Speaker B. dialogue_completion B1

Speaker A: 'No entiendo por qué el director cambió el horario.' Speaker B: '_________________.'

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: Donde hay patrón, no manda marinero.

This is the only proverb that fits a context of hierarchy and decisions.

Which variation of the phrase is also very common? Choose A2

Select the most common alternative form.

✓ 正解! ✗ おしい! 正解: Donde manda capitán, no manda marinero.

The 'capitán' version is the most frequent variation of this proverb.

🎉 スコア: /4

よくある質問

10 問

Yes, especially in Mexico and for owners of small businesses or farms. In modern offices, 'jefe' is more common, but 'patrón' is used in the proverb.

Yes, it's very common for parents to say this to children, or for siblings to say it to each other when one is following a parent's rule.

It's neutral. You can use it in a business meeting or at a bar with friends.

You still use 'patrón' and 'marinero'. Proverbs are fixed historical formulas and don't usually change for gender.

Not necessarily. It means the boss has the *power* to decide, regardless of who is right.

Sometimes people just say the first half: 'Donde hay patrón...' and leave the rest implied.

It can be if used sarcastically, but generally, it's seen as a pragmatic piece of wisdom.

People will understand you, but it's not the 'correct' proverb. Stick to 'patrón' or 'capitán'.

Because the proverb comes from life on ships where the owner (patrón) had total control.

Yes, it is one of the most universal proverbs in the Spanish language.

関連フレーズ

🔗

El que manda, manda

similar

The one in charge, is in charge.

🔄

Donde manda capitán, no manda marinero

synonym

Where the captain commands, the sailor doesn't.

🔗

A la orden, jefe

builds on

At your command, boss.

🔗

Mucho jefe y poco indio

contrast

Too many chiefs and not enough Indians.

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