Quem espera, sempre alcança.
He who waits, always gets it.
직역: {"quem":"whoever","espera":"waits","sempre":"always","alcan\u00e7a":"reaches\/achieves"}
15초 만에
- Patience and perseverance lead to success.
- Effort combined with waiting yields results.
- Encourages staying positive during delays.
- A timeless lesson in achieving goals.
뜻
이 속담은 인내와 끈기의 미덕에 관한 것입니다. 참고 견디고, 단호하게 유지하고, 포기하지 않으면, 당신의 노력은 결국 결실을 맺을 것이라고 말합니다. 그것은 그것들을 위해 일하고 자신의 차례를 기다리는 사람들에게 좋은 일이 온다는 부드러운 알림과 같은 편안한 분위기를 가지고 있습니다.
주요 예문
3 / 12Texting a friend who's waiting for job interview results
Calma aí, amiga! `Quem espera, sempre alcança`.
Hang in there, friend! He who waits, always gets it.
Instagram caption for a fitness journey progress photo
Um ano de treino e dieta. Lembrem-se: `Quem espera, sempre alcança`!
One year of training and diet. Remember: He who waits, always gets it!
Colleague discussing a long-term project
Sei que o projeto é longo, mas confio que `quem espera, sempre alcança`.
I know the project is long, but I trust that he who waits, always gets it.
문화적 배경
In Brazil, this proverb is often linked to the national trait of 'resiliência'. Brazilians often say 'O brasileiro não desiste nunca' (The Brazilian never gives up), and this proverb serves as the philosophical backing for that persistence. In Portugal, the phrase can have a slightly more fatalistic tone, connected to the idea of 'Fado'. It suggests that if something is meant for you, it will come if you are patient enough to let destiny take its course. In African Lusophone countries, proverbs are a vital part of oral tradition. This specific proverb is often used to teach children the importance of respecting elders and the 'time of things'. In modern Lusophone startups, this proverb is sometimes criticized in favor of 'fail fast'. However, it is still used when discussing long-term R&D or market penetration.
Use for Comfort
This is your 'go-to' phrase when a friend is complaining about a long process. It shows empathy and optimism.
Don't Overuse
Because it's a proverb, using it too often can make you sound like you're speaking in clichés. Save it for meaningful moments.
15초 만에
- Patience and perseverance lead to success.
- Effort combined with waiting yields results.
- Encourages staying positive during delays.
- A timeless lesson in achieving goals.
What It Means
This Portuguese gem, Quem espera, sempre alcança, is a beautiful reminder that patience is a superpower. It means that if you wait with determination and keep working towards your goal, you will eventually succeed. Think of it as the universe's way of saying, 'Hang in there, your time will come!' It's not just about passively waiting, but waiting with purpose and action.
Cultural Background
This proverb deeply reflects the value of resilience and faith in Portuguese culture. It suggests a belief that destiny or a higher power rewards those who endure hardship and remain steadfast. It’s a nod to a time when life was perhaps slower, and outcomes were less immediate. Many cultures have similar sayings, but this one carries a distinctly Portuguese flavor of quiet strength.
Origin Story
Like many proverbs, its exact origin is lost to the mists of time. It likely arose from generations of observing the natural world and human experience. Farmers waiting for crops to grow, sailors waiting for favorable winds, or artisans perfecting their craft – all these scenarios whisper the same lesson. It’s a distillation of lived wisdom, passed down orally before it was ever written.
Real-Life Examples
Imagine you're applying for your dream job. The waiting period after the interview can be agonizing! You might tell yourself, Quem espera, sempre alcança, to stay positive. Or perhaps you're saving up for a big trip. Each small deposit is a step closer, and this proverb encourages you to keep going. Even waiting for a popular new game to download or for your favorite show to drop on Netflix can feel like a test of this principle!
When To Use It
Use this phrase when someone is feeling discouraged by a delay or a long process. It's perfect for offering encouragement when a friend is working hard towards a goal but hasn't seen results yet. Think of a student studying diligently for a tough exam, or an entrepreneur launching a new business. It's a warm hug in phrase form, saying 'I believe in you and your eventual success.'
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this proverb if it sounds dismissive of someone's current struggle. Telling someone who is facing a serious, immediate crisis to 'just wait' can sound insensitive. It's also not appropriate for situations where *action*, not just waiting, is the primary solution. If someone needs to actively *do* something *now*, this proverb might miss the mark. And please, don't use it to justify procrastination – that's not waiting, that's delaying!
Modern Usage
Younger generations might use it ironically or with a playful twist. They might text a friend stuck in traffic, Quem espera, sempre alcança... a multa! (He who waits, always gets... a ticket!). Or they might use it sarcastically on social media when something takes forever to load. However, the core meaning still resonates. It’s often seen in captions about achieving fitness goals, career milestones, or even just mastering a difficult TikTok dance. It’s a classic that adapts.
Similar Expressions
In English, 'Good things come to those who wait' is a close cousin. 'Patience is a virtue' carries a similar weight. In Portuguese, Água mole em pedra dura, tanto bate até que fura (Soft water on hard stone, hits so much it pierces) emphasizes persistence, while Com paciência e tempo, se acha o pelo no ovo (With patience and time, you find the hair in the egg) is a more humorous take on achieving the seemingly impossible.
Memory Trick
Picture someone patiently waiting by a finish line. They aren't just standing there; they're *reaching* out, anticipating the moment they *achieve* victory. Quem espera (who waits) sempre alcança (always reaches/achieves). See the reaching hand? That's your cue!
Quick FAQ
Q: Is it always about a long wait? A: Not necessarily! It can apply to shorter waits too, emphasizing that persistence leads to the desired outcome, no matter the timeframe.
Q: Does it imply laziness? A: Absolutely not! It's about patient *effort*, not passive idleness. You still need to put in the work.
Q: Can it be used sarcastically? A: Yes! Modern usage often plays with its earnestness, especially online.
사용 참고사항
This proverb is generally neutral in formality and widely understood across different age groups and social settings. While it can be used earnestly, be mindful of context; using it to dismiss someone's immediate frustration can sound insensitive. It's best applied when encouraging perseverance through delays or long processes.
Use for Comfort
This is your 'go-to' phrase when a friend is complaining about a long process. It shows empathy and optimism.
Don't Overuse
Because it's a proverb, using it too often can make you sound like you're speaking in clichés. Save it for meaningful moments.
The Brazilian Twist
If you want to sound like a local in Brazil, use the 'cansa' variation when you're actually annoyed by a wait.
예시
12Calma aí, amiga! `Quem espera, sempre alcança`.
Hang in there, friend! He who waits, always gets it.
Offering encouragement and reassurance during a stressful waiting period.
Um ano de treino e dieta. Lembrem-se: `Quem espera, sempre alcança`!
One year of training and diet. Remember: He who waits, always gets it!
Highlighting the long-term effort and eventual achievement of a fitness goal.
Sei que o projeto é longo, mas confio que `quem espera, sempre alcança`.
I know the project is long, but I trust that he who waits, always gets it.
Expressing confidence in the eventual success of a difficult, time-consuming task.
A comida está demorando, mas vamos ter paciência. `Quem espera, sempre alcança`... o prato principal!
The food is taking a while, but let's be patient. He who waits, always gets it... the main course!
A slightly humorous take, acknowledging the wait while still using the proverb.
Que voo atrasado! Mas tudo bem, `quem espera, sempre alcança` o destino final.
What a delayed flight! But it's okay, he who waits, always reaches the final destination.
Expressing acceptance and optimism despite a frustrating delay.
O processo de visto é complicado, mas sei que `quem espera, sempre alcança`.
The visa process is complicated, but I know that he who waits, always gets it.
Showing determination and faith in the process, despite bureaucratic hurdles.
Estou praticando o violão todos os dias. `Quem espera, sempre alcança`.
I'm practicing the guitar every day. He who waits, always gets it.
Reinforcing the idea that consistent practice will lead to mastery.
Finalmente lançou! Demorou, mas `quem espera, sempre alcança`.
It finally launched! It took a while, but he who waits, always gets it.
Expressing satisfaction after a long anticipation for a desired product.
✗ Preciso de ajuda agora! `Quem espera, sempre alcança` → ✓ Preciso de ajuda agora, mas sei que logo receberei.
✗ I need help now! He who waits, always gets it → ✓ I need help now, but I know I'll receive it soon.
The proverb implies patience over time, not immediate gratification. This mistake shows impatience.
✗ Não estudei para a prova. `Quem espera, sempre alcança` → ✓ Não estudei para a prova e agora preciso lidar com as consequências.
✗ I didn't study for the test. He who waits, always gets it → ✓ I didn't study for the test and now I have to deal with the consequences.
This proverb is about positive outcomes from patient effort, not inevitable negative results from inaction.
Não se preocupe com os erros. `Quem espera, sempre alcança` a carteira de motorista!
Don't worry about the mistakes. He who waits, always gets the driver's license!
Connecting the proverb to the specific goal of obtaining a driver's license after practice.
Ainda não chegou minha encomenda... mas `quem espera, sempre alcança`!
My order hasn't arrived yet... but he who waits, always gets it!
A common, everyday use to express optimism about receiving something ordered online.
셀프 테스트
Complete the proverb with the correct verb.
Quem espera, sempre _______.
The standard form of the proverb uses the verb 'alcançar'.
In which situation is this proverb most appropriate?
Your friend is frustrated because they haven't learned to play the piano perfectly after only two weeks.
This proverb encourages patience during a long learning process.
Choose the best response for the dialogue.
Maria: 'Estou tão cansada de procurar um emprego...' João: 'Não desista, Maria! _________.'
João is trying to motivate Maria to keep trying and be patient.
Which of these is a common variation of the proverb used in Brazil?
A variation that implies waiting can be tiring is:
This is a common play on words in Brazil, replacing 'alcança' with 'cansa' (gets tired).
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제Quem espera, sempre _______.
The standard form of the proverb uses the verb 'alcançar'.
Your friend is frustrated because they haven't learned to play the piano perfectly after only two weeks.
This proverb encourages patience during a long learning process.
Maria: 'Estou tão cansada de procurar um emprego...' João: 'Não desista, Maria! _________.'
João is trying to motivate Maria to keep trying and be patient.
A variation that implies waiting can be tiring is:
This is a common play on words in Brazil, replacing 'alcança' with 'cansa' (gets tired).
🎉 점수: /4
비디오 튜토리얼
이 표현에 대한 YouTube 동영상 강좌를 찾아보세요.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Not at all. While it's a proverb, it's used very naturally in casual conversation to offer encouragement.
You can, but it sounds less natural. The standard word order is 'sempre alcança'.
In this context, it means both. The beauty of the Portuguese word 'esperar' is that it encompasses both the physical act of waiting and the emotional act of hoping.
There isn't a direct slang equivalent, but people might say 'No tempo de Deus' (In God's time) in similar contexts.
Yes, the meaning and usage are identical across all Portuguese-speaking countries.
A common opposite sentiment is 'O tempo não para' (Time doesn't stop) or 'Quem não corre, voa' (He who doesn't run, flies), emphasizing speed.
It might be a bit too informal/cliché for a standard business email unless you have a very close relationship with the recipient.
It adds emphasis and a sense of absolute certainty to the promise of the proverb.
Yes, it means to reach a physical destination or to achieve a metaphorical goal.
It is pronounced exactly like a regular 's' in English (as in 'sun').
관련 표현
A pressa é a inimiga da perfeição
similarHaste is the enemy of perfection.
Devagar se vai ao longe
similarSlowly one goes far.
Água mole em pedra dura, tanto bate até que fura
builds onPersistence pays off.
Quem não arrisca, não petisca
contrastNothing ventured, nothing gained.
