Significado
Don't be critical of a gift you receive.
Contexto cultural
In Spain, this proverb is often used to shut down 'tiquismiquis' (nitpicky) behavior. It's considered a sign of good upbringing ('educación') to never comment on the price or quality of a gift. In Mexico, the phrase is sometimes followed by '...y a lo dado, no se le busca lado.' It emphasizes the 'don' (gift) as a sacred social bond. Given the strong 'gaucho' (cowboy) heritage in Argentina, horse-related proverbs carry significant weight. It's used frequently in rural and urban settings alike. Colombians might use this phrase with a very polite tone to soften the blow of a mediocre gift they are giving, almost as a self-deprecating joke.
Shorten it!
In casual conversation, you can just say 'A caballo regalado...' and everyone will know what you mean.
Don't use for paid services
If you paid for it, you have every right to 'look at the teeth.' Using this phrase then would be incorrect.
Significado
Don't be critical of a gift you receive.
Shorten it!
In casual conversation, you can just say 'A caballo regalado...' and everyone will know what you mean.
Don't use for paid services
If you paid for it, you have every right to 'look at the teeth.' Using this phrase then would be incorrect.
Use it for favors
It's not just for physical gifts. Use it when someone does you a favor that isn't perfect.
The 'Dative of Interest'
Notice the 'le'. It's a classic Spanish way to show who is affected by the action.
Teste-se
Complete the proverb with the missing words.
A caballo ________ no se le mira el ________.
The standard form uses 'regalado' (gifted) and 'diente' (tooth).
Which situation best fits the proverb?
Tu amigo te regala un libro usado y tú notas que tiene una mancha.
The proverb is about being grateful for gifts despite their flaws.
Complete the dialogue.
Ana: 'Este café gratis de la oficina sabe a rayos.' Pedro: 'Bueno, Ana, ya sabes que...'
Pedro is reminding Ana not to complain about something free.
Match the proverb to its meaning.
A caballo regalado no se le mira el diente.
This is the figurative meaning of the proverb.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Gift vs. Purchase
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosA caballo ________ no se le mira el ________.
The standard form uses 'regalado' (gifted) and 'diente' (tooth).
Tu amigo te regala un libro usado y tú notas que tiene una mancha.
The proverb is about being grateful for gifts despite their flaws.
Ana: 'Este café gratis de la oficina sabe a rayos.' Pedro: 'Bueno, Ana, ya sabes que...'
Pedro is reminding Ana not to complain about something free.
A caballo regalado no se le mira el diente.
This is the figurative meaning of the proverb.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNo, generalmente se usa para educar o como un comentario humorístico sobre la gratitud.
Se entiende, pero el refrán original es en singular: 'el diente'.
Sí, es uno de los refranes más universales del idioma español.
'Lo barato sale caro' es un consejo de compra; 'A caballo regalado' es un consejo de etiqueta.
Es una forma impersonal para decir que 'nadie' debería mirar el diente.
Solo si tienen una relación muy cercana y él te dio un regalo informal.
Significa que algo fue dado como un 'regalo' (gift), es decir, gratis.
Sí, simplemente 'A caballo regalado...'.
Sí, tiene más de 1500 años de antigüedad.
¡Por supuesto! Es muy común usarlo cuando te invitan a comer.
Frases relacionadas
A lo dado, no se le busca lado
synonymDon't look for flaws in what is given.
Dar gato por liebre
contrastTo deceive someone by giving them something of lower quality.
Lo barato sale caro
contrastCheap things end up being expensive.
Menos es nada
similarLess is better than nothing.
