Meaning
Those who rush tend to tire out or fail quickly.
Cultural Background
In Spain, this proverb is often linked to the idea of 'calma' and 'buen hacer'. It is frequently used in traditional trades like carpentry or cooking. In Mexico, it's common to hear this as a warning against 'atascamiento' (doing too much at once). It aligns with the value of patience in craftsmanship. Argentines might use this in a more cynical way to describe someone who burns out in their career or a relationship. In Colombia, it is often used by elders to teach children the value of 'perseverancia' over 'rapidez'.
Use it as a 'Soft' Warning
It's a very polite way to tell someone they are being sloppy without using the word 'sloppy'.
Don't over-trill
While 'corre' has a double R, don't make it so long that it sounds unnatural. A quick 2-3 tap trill is enough.
Meaning
Those who rush tend to tire out or fail quickly.
Use it as a 'Soft' Warning
It's a very polite way to tell someone they are being sloppy without using the word 'sloppy'.
Don't over-trill
While 'corre' has a double R, don't make it so long that it sounds unnatural. A quick 2-3 tap trill is enough.
The 'Quien' Variation
Using 'Quien mucho corre...' makes you sound slightly more literary and sophisticated.
Grandmother Wisdom
This is the ultimate 'Abuela' phrase. Using it correctly will immediately make native speakers feel you understand their culture.
Test Yourself
Completa el refrán con las palabras correctas.
El que mucho ______, pronto ______.
The standard form of the proverb uses 'corre' (runs) and 'para' (stops).
Match the situation to the advice.
Tu amigo quiere aprender 100 palabras de español en una hora.
Rushing to learn too many words will lead to forgetting them quickly (stopping).
Choose the best response for the dialogue.
—¡Rápido! Tenemos que terminar este dibujo en cinco minutos. —No, hazlo con cuidado. Recuerda que...
The context of rushing a creative task makes this proverb the most appropriate.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Speed vs. Sustainability
Practice Bank
3 exercisesEl que mucho ______, pronto ______.
The standard form of the proverb uses 'corre' (runs) and 'para' (stops).
Tu amigo quiere aprender 100 palabras de español en una hora.
Rushing to learn too many words will lead to forgetting them quickly (stopping).
—¡Rápido! Tenemos que terminar este dibujo en cinco minutos. —No, hazlo con cuidado. Recuerda que...
The context of rushing a creative task makes this proverb the most appropriate.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is almost always used figuratively for any task or life situation involving speed and effort.
Yes, but keep it for internal or less formal emails. In a very formal contract, it's better to use 'precipitación'.
Proverbs use the present tense to indicate a timeless truth, similar to how English says 'Haste makes waste' (present) instead of 'will make'.
Generally no, but if someone is already stressed, it might sound a bit like 'I told you so'. Use it with a kind tone.
'Pronto' means 'soon' (time), while 'mucho corre' implies 'fast' (speed). So: 'He who runs fast, stops soon'.
The phrase is universal across the Spanish-speaking world, though some regions might prefer 'El que corre mucho, se cansa rápido'.
Absolutely. It's a very common way to tell a driver to slow down for safety.
It is 'El que' or just 'Quien'. 'El quien' is grammatically incorrect.
It has an assonant rhyme (o-e / a-a) and a very specific 4-beat / 4-beat rhythm that makes it catchy.
Yes, it is one of the top 100 most recognized proverbs in Spain.
Related Phrases
Vísteme despacio que tengo prisa
similarDress me slowly because I am in a hurry.
No por mucho madrugar amanece más temprano
similarWaking up earlier doesn't make the sun rise sooner.
Despacio que tengo prisa
synonymSlowly, because I'm in a hurry.
A paso que dura, no a trote que cansa
similarAt a pace that lasts, not a trot that tires.
