Significado
It is wise to remain silent to avoid making mistakes or revealing too much.
Contexto cultural
In Spanish culture, 'prudencia' is a highly regarded trait, especially in professional and political spheres. This proverb is often cited in editorials and serious debates. While Mexicans are known for their 'albur' (wordplay) and talkativeness, there is a strong respect for 'el silencio del sabio' (the silence of the wise man). In the context of 'viveza criolla', knowing when to keep a secret or not reveal one's hand is crucial. This proverb aligns with the strategic side of Argentine social interaction. In many Andean cultures, silence is a form of respect and observation. Speaking out of turn is seen as a lack of maturity.
Use it to buy time
If you are put on the spot, saying 'Prefiero no opinar ahora, ya sabe que es mejor callar que errar' gives you a graceful way to exit the conversation and do your research.
Don't sound too arrogant
If you use this to silence others, it can sound condescending. Use it primarily to describe your own actions or as general advice.
Significado
It is wise to remain silent to avoid making mistakes or revealing too much.
Use it to buy time
If you are put on the spot, saying 'Prefiero no opinar ahora, ya sabe que es mejor callar que errar' gives you a graceful way to exit the conversation and do your research.
Don't sound too arrogant
If you use this to silence others, it can sound condescending. Use it primarily to describe your own actions or as general advice.
Pair it with 'Prudencia'
In formal writing, you can introduce it by saying: 'Como dicta la prudencia, es mejor callar que errar...'
Teste-se
Choose the correct verb to complete the proverb.
Es mejor _______ que errar.
The proverb advises silence ('callar') to avoid making mistakes ('errar').
Fill in the missing word.
Es mejor callar que _______.
The second part of the proverb is 'errar', meaning to make a mistake.
In which situation would you use this proverb?
You are in a meeting and someone asks for your opinion on a topic you don't know well.
The proverb is used to explain that silence is a strategic choice to avoid saying something incorrect.
Complete the dialogue with the proverb.
Juan: 'No sé si decirle a María lo que escuché, pero no estoy seguro de si es verdad.' Tú: 'Piénsalo bien, Juan. Recuerda que...'
Since Juan is unsure if the information is true, the best advice is to stay silent to avoid spreading a potential error.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Formal vs Informal Silence
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosEs mejor _______ que errar.
The proverb advises silence ('callar') to avoid making mistakes ('errar').
Es mejor callar que _______.
The second part of the proverb is 'errar', meaning to make a mistake.
You are in a meeting and someone asks for your opinion on a topic you don't know well.
The proverb is used to explain that silence is a strategic choice to avoid saying something incorrect.
Juan: 'No sé si decirle a María lo que escuché, pero no estoy seguro de si es verdad.' Tú: 'Piénsalo bien, Juan. Recuerda que...'
Since Juan is unsure if the information is true, the best advice is to stay silent to avoid spreading a potential error.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, they are synonyms, but 'errar' is more formal and literary. You'll see 'errar' in proverbs and 'equivocarse' in daily conversation.
Yes, adding the reflexive 'se' to 'callar' (callarse) is very common and makes it sound slightly more natural in some contexts, though the traditional proverb omits it.
Yes, it is universally understood from Spain to Argentina, though its frequency might vary compared to more local sayings.
It sounds traditional and wise. It's not 'old-fashioned' in a bad way, but rather 'classic'.
There isn't a direct proverbial opposite, but 'El que no arriesga, no gana' (Nothing ventured, nothing gained) encourages the opposite behavior: taking a risk even if you might fail.
Yes, in a professional email where you are explaining why you aren't providing an answer yet, it can add a touch of sophisticated culture.
It's a strong, trilled 'r'. If you struggle with it, try to make a 'drrr' sound with your tongue against the roof of your mouth.
It's 'errar' (without H). 'Herrar' means to put horseshoes on a horse. They sound the same but have very different meanings!
In comparisons of inequality (better than), Spanish uses 'que'. 'Mejor... que...'.
Not a direct one, but 'Cerrar el pico' is a slang way to say 'to shut up'. You might say 'Mejor cierro el pico para no cagarla'.
Frases relacionadas
En boca cerrada no entran moscas
similarFlies don't enter a closed mouth.
Quien mucho habla, mucho yerra
synonymHe who talks much, errs much.
Hablar por hablar
contrastTo talk for the sake of talking.
El silencio es oro
similarSilence is gold.
