Meaning
It is wiser to take precautions to avoid problems than to solve them later.
Cultural Background
In Spain, this proverb is often linked to the 'dieta mediterránea' and the public health system. It's a common slogan in government health campaigns. Mexicans often use the variation 'Más vale prevenir que lamentar'. It's used frequently in the context of natural disasters like earthquakes to encourage preparation. In Argentina, while the proverb is used, people also use 'Por las dudas' (just in case) as a shorthand for the same sentiment in daily conversation. In Colombia, the phrase is often used by parents to instill a sense of 'malicia indígena'—a type of cautious wisdom to avoid being tricked or getting into trouble.
Use it as a justification
If someone calls you 'paranoid' or 'too careful', use this phrase to sound wise and responsible instead of defensive.
Don't over-conjugate
Keep the verbs in the infinitive. Saying 'Más valgo previniendo que curando' is grammatically creative but socially incorrect.
Meaning
It is wiser to take precautions to avoid problems than to solve them later.
Use it as a justification
If someone calls you 'paranoid' or 'too careful', use this phrase to sound wise and responsible instead of defensive.
Don't over-conjugate
Keep the verbs in the infinitive. Saying 'Más valgo previniendo que curando' is grammatically creative but socially incorrect.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct verbs.
Más vale ________ que ________.
The standard form of the proverb is 'Más vale prevenir que curar'.
In which situation would you use this phrase?
Your friend is going to the beach and you suggest they wear sunscreen.
Sunscreen is a preventative measure to avoid sunburn (the 'illness').
Match the Spanish phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are common 'Más vale' proverbs in Spanish.
Complete the dialogue.
Ana: '¿Por qué llevas un mapa de papel si tienes GPS?' Luis: 'Porque el GPS puede fallar y ________.'
Luis is justifying his caution with the proverb.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMás vale ________ que ________.
The standard form of the proverb is 'Más vale prevenir que curar'.
Your friend is going to the beach and you suggest they wear sunscreen.
Sunscreen is a preventative measure to avoid sunburn (the 'illness').
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are common 'Más vale' proverbs in Spanish.
Ana: '¿Por qué llevas un mapa de papel si tienes GPS?' Luis: 'Porque el GPS puede fallar y ________.'
Luis is justifying his caution with the proverb.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIt is always 'Más vale'. 'Mejor vale' is incorrect in Spanish.
Yes, it is very common in professional settings when discussing risk management.
Yes, it's a very common variation, especially in Latin America. 'Lamentar' means 'to regret'.
The verb 'valer' (to be worth) is used here to indicate value or merit. 'It is worth more to prevent...'
Not at all. It is used daily by people of all ages.
Related Phrases
Hombre prevenido vale por dos
similarA forewarned person is worth two.
Más vale tarde que nunca
builds onBetter late than never.
A buenas horas, mangas verdes
contrastToo little, too late.
Curarse en salud
synonymTo take precautions before they are needed.
