Meaning
You must take chances and be daring to achieve success or rewards.
Cultural Background
In Spain, this phrase is often associated with the 'cultura del pelotazo' (the culture of making a quick fortune), but also with the historical bravery of explorers. It's a staple in bars during football matches. In Mexico, it's frequently used by street vendors and small business owners. It reflects the 'ganas' (desire/drive) needed to survive in a competitive informal economy. Argentines might use the variation 'El que no se tira a la pileta...' but the standard version is very common in the context of 'emprendedurismo' (entrepreneurship) in Buenos Aires. In Colombia, it's used with a very encouraging, warm tone. It's common in family settings to push younger members to study or work abroad.
Use it as a nudge
This is the perfect phrase to use when a friend is hesitating. It makes you sound supportive and wise.
Don't overdo it
Using too many proverbs can make you sound like a textbook. Save this for moments of genuine decision-making.
Meaning
You must take chances and be daring to achieve success or rewards.
Use it as a nudge
This is the perfect phrase to use when a friend is hesitating. It makes you sound supportive and wise.
Don't overdo it
Using too many proverbs can make you sound like a textbook. Save this for moments of genuine decision-making.
The 'No' is key
Remember that Spanish uses double negatives often. Here, the 'no' before both verbs is essential for the meaning.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct verbs.
El que no ________, no ________.
Proverbs use the present indicative to express universal truths.
In which situation would you use this phrase?
Tu amigo tiene miedo de pedir un aumento de sueldo.
The phrase is used as encouragement for taking risks that lead to rewards.
Choose the best response for the dialogue.
Marta: 'No sé si invertir en Bitcoin, es muy volátil.' Pablo: '________'
Pablo is encouraging Marta to take a financial risk.
Which of these is a common variation of the phrase?
Selecciona la variación correcta:
'Quien' is a very common and correct alternative to 'El que'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEl que no ________, no ________.
Proverbs use the present indicative to express universal truths.
Tu amigo tiene miedo de pedir un aumento de sueldo.
The phrase is used as encouragement for taking risks that lead to rewards.
Marta: 'No sé si invertir en Bitcoin, es muy volátil.' Pablo: '________'
Pablo is encouraging Marta to take a financial risk.
Selecciona la variación correcta:
'Quien' is a very common and correct alternative to 'El que'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsBoth are correct! 'El que' is slightly more common in daily speech, while 'Quien' can sound a bit more formal or traditional.
Yes, it is very appropriate in business when discussing strategy, investments, or new ventures.
Technically you could say 'La que no arriesga...', but the proverb is a fixed masculine form used as a general neutral.
Not at all. It is usually said with an encouraging, friendly tone.
'Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando' (Better a bird in hand than a hundred flying) is the cautious opposite.
Yes! It's often used jokingly for small risks like trying a spicy salsa or a new flavor of ice cream.
Yes, it is universally understood from Spain to Argentina and everywhere in between.
Proverbs use the present indicative to describe 'universal truths' that are always true, regardless of time.
No, it is a standard proverb. It's informal but not slang.
You can, but it sounds less like a proverb and more like a regular sentence. Stick to the shorter version for impact.
Related Phrases
Quien no arriesga, no gana
synonymThe exact same meaning, just using 'Quien' instead of 'El que'.
Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando
contrastA bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
A la suerte hay que ayudarla
builds onYou have to help luck along.
El que no se arriesga, no cruza el río
specialized formHe who doesn't risk doesn't cross the river.
