Meaning
Everyone has their own preferences, habits, or appropriate partner.
Cultural Background
In Spain, this phrase is often used with a characteristic shrug of the shoulders, reflecting the 'pasotismo' (a relaxed, indifferent attitude) toward others' private lives. In Mexico, you might hear 'Cada quien su vida' as a more direct alternative, but 'Cada uno con su cada cual' remains the more 'classic' and polite way to express the same sentiment. Argentines might use this phrase when discussing the 'personajes' (characters) of Buenos Aires, acknowledging the city's diverse and eccentric personalities. In the Caribbean, proverbs are a vital part of daily speech. This phrase is used to maintain social peace in tight-knit communities where everyone knows everyone's business.
The Shrug Factor
This phrase is 50% words and 50% body language. A slight shrug or a tilt of the head makes it sound much more natural.
Don't Overuse with Strangers
While neutral, using it about a stranger's appearance might sound slightly dismissive if they overhear you.
Meaning
Everyone has their own preferences, habits, or appropriate partner.
The Shrug Factor
This phrase is 50% words and 50% body language. A slight shrug or a tilt of the head makes it sound much more natural.
Don't Overuse with Strangers
While neutral, using it about a stranger's appearance might sound slightly dismissive if they overhear you.
Use it as a Closer
It's the perfect way to end a circular argument about which movie is better or which restaurant to pick.
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con las palabras correctas.
No me gusta su coche, pero bueno, cada uno con su ____ ____.
The fixed idiom is 'cada uno con su cada cual'.
En qué situación usarías 'Cada uno con su cada cual'?
Tu amigo se ha enamorado de una persona que tiene gustos totalmente opuestos a los suyos.
The phrase is used to accept and validate unconventional pairings.
Selecciona la opción que mejor describe el significado de la frase.
¿Qué significa 'Cada uno con su cada cual'?
It refers to individual preferences and suitable matches.
Completa el diálogo.
A: '¿Viste que Luis ahora solo come comida cruda?' B: 'Sí, es raro, pero...'
'Cada uno con su cada cual' fits perfectly to express tolerance for a strange habit.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNo me gusta su coche, pero bueno, cada uno con su ____ ____.
The fixed idiom is 'cada uno con su cada cual'.
Tu amigo se ha enamorado de una persona que tiene gustos totalmente opuestos a los suyos.
The phrase is used to accept and validate unconventional pairings.
¿Qué significa 'Cada uno con su cada cual'?
It refers to individual preferences and suitable matches.
A: '¿Viste que Luis ahora solo come comida cruda?' B: 'Sí, es raro, pero...'
'Cada uno con su cada cual' fits perfectly to express tolerance for a strange habit.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt's slightly old-fashioned but very common in speech. It's not 'formal' like a legal document, but it's 'classic' wisdom.
Yes! You can use it for things like matching a key to a lock or a specific tool to a job, though it's most common for people and tastes.
'Para gustos...' is only about tastes. 'Cada uno con su cada cual' can be about tastes AND about romantic partners.
Yes, it is universally understood from Spain to Argentina, though some regions might prefer variations like 'cada quien'.
Related Phrases
Cada oveja con su pareja
similarEvery sheep with its mate.
Para gustos, los colores
synonymFor tastes, colors.
Cada loco con su tema
similarEach crazy person with their topic.
A cada quien lo suyo
similarTo each their own.
