Significado
Malicious actions or words will ultimately lead to negative consequences for oneself.
Contexto cultural
In rural Spain, 'cizaña' was a real threat to wheat crops. The proverb is often used by older generations to maintain social order in small villages where gossip can be devastating. In Mexican 'telenovelas', the villain is often described as a 'cizañero'. The proverb is frequently used as a moral climax when the villain's plans fail. Argentines might use the verb 'malmeter' as a synonym for 'sembrar cizaña'. The proverb is used to criticize those who try to break the 'asado' (social gathering) harmony. In Colombia, the phrase has a strong religious undertone, often linked to the idea that God sees everything and will provide the 'harvest' accordingly.
Use 'Meter Cizaña' for the Action
While the proverb is great for conclusions, use the verb phrase 'meter cizaña' to describe someone actively being a troublemaker in the moment.
Don't be too preachy
Using proverbs too often can make you sound like a strict grandparent. Save this one for moments of real poetic justice.
Significado
Malicious actions or words will ultimately lead to negative consequences for oneself.
Use 'Meter Cizaña' for the Action
While the proverb is great for conclusions, use the verb phrase 'meter cizaña' to describe someone actively being a troublemaker in the moment.
Don't be too preachy
Using proverbs too often can make you sound like a strict grandparent. Save this one for moments of real poetic justice.
The 'Vientos' Alternative
If you want to sound more dramatic or poetic, use 'Quien siembra vientos, recoge tempestades'. It's slightly more common in literature.
Teste-se
Completa el refrán con las palabras correctas.
El que ________ cizaña, ________ desgracias.
The verbs 'sembrar' (to sow) and 'cosechar' (to harvest) are essential to the agricultural metaphor of the proverb.
En qué situación es más apropiado usar este refrán?
Un hombre intenta que dos hermanos se peleen para quedarse con su herencia, pero al final los hermanos se unen y lo denuncian a él.
This situation involves intentional malice (cizaña) leading to the perpetrator's own ruin (desgracias).
Completa el diálogo de forma natural.
—¿Viste que a Clara la echaron del grupo de amigas por inventar mentiras? —Sí, es triste, pero ya sabes...
The context of 'inventing lies' (cizaña) and being 'kicked out' (desgracia) perfectly fits the proverb.
🎉 Pontuação: /3
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
3 exerciciosEl que ________ cizaña, ________ desgracias.
The verbs 'sembrar' (to sow) and 'cosechar' (to harvest) are essential to the agricultural metaphor of the proverb.
Un hombre intenta que dos hermanos se peleen para quedarse con su herencia, pero al final los hermanos se unen y lo denuncian a él.
This situation involves intentional malice (cizaña) leading to the perpetrator's own ruin (desgracias).
—¿Viste que a Clara la echaron del grupo de amigas por inventar mentiras? —Sí, es triste, pero ya sabes...
The context of 'inventing lies' (cizaña) and being 'kicked out' (desgracia) perfectly fits the proverb.
🎉 Pontuação: /3
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, Lolium temulentum is a real weed that looks like wheat and is toxic. This is why it's such a perfect metaphor for deceptive trouble.
No. 'Cizaña' and 'desgracias' are inherently negative. For positive results, use 'El que siembra, cosecha' (He who sows, reaps) or 'Todo esfuerzo tiene su recompensa'.
'Siembra' is the act of planting seeds. 'Cosecha' is the act of gathering the grown plants. The proverb follows the natural order of farming.
Both are correct. 'El que siembra...' is slightly more common in speech, while 'Quien siembra...' sounds a bit more formal or literary.
The plural 'desgracias' implies a multitude of problems, making the warning sound more severe and universal.
You can, and people will understand you, but it's no longer the 'official' proverb. It loses its traditional punch.
Yes, it is universally understood across Spain and Latin America due to its Biblical and agricultural roots.
It's not offensive, but it is judgmental. You are essentially saying that someone deserves their bad luck because they were being malicious.
They are called a 'cizañero' (masculine) or 'cizañera' (feminine).
People often just say 'No metas cizaña' as a command to stop someone from stirring up trouble.
Frases relacionadas
Meter cizaña
specialized formTo actively stir up trouble or discord.
Quien siembra vientos, recoge tempestades
synonymBad actions lead to even worse consequences.
Cría cuervos y te sacarán los ojos
similarIf you raise bad people, they will betray you.
El que la hace, la paga
similarHe who does wrong will pay for it.
