Significado
It's better to keep what you have than to risk it for more.
Contexto cultural
In Spain, this proverb is often associated with the 'meseta' (plateau) mentality—hardworking, realistic, and wary of flashy promises. It's a staple of 'refranero popular' (the popular collection of proverbs). Mexicans use this frequently in business and street commerce. It reflects a survivalist pragmatism where 'lo que ya tienes' (what you already have) is sacred. In Argentina, while people are often very ambitious, this proverb is used as a 'reality check' during economic crises to encourage saving and caution. Used in the context of 'malicia indígena' (native wit/shrewdness), meaning one should be smart enough not to be tricked by big promises.
Shorten it!
In casual conversation, you can just say 'Más vale pájaro en mano...' and stop. Everyone knows the rest.
Don't be too negative
Using this too much can make you sound like someone who is afraid of progress. Use it for big risks, not small improvements.
Significado
It's better to keep what you have than to risk it for more.
Shorten it!
In casual conversation, you can just say 'Más vale pájaro en mano...' and stop. Everyone knows the rest.
Don't be too negative
Using this too much can make you sound like someone who is afraid of progress. Use it for big risks, not small improvements.
The 'Ciento' Rule
Remember to use 'ciento' in the proverb even if you usually say 'cien'. It makes you sound more authentic.
Teste-se
Complete the proverb with the missing words.
Más vale pájaro en _______ que ciento _______.
The correct traditional form is 'mano' (hand) and 'volando' (flying).
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando'?
Juan has a guaranteed $100 today, or a 10% chance to win $1000 tomorrow. He takes the $100. Why?
The proverb explains choosing a certain small gain over an uncertain large one.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
Ana: 'No sé si aceptar este trabajo a tiempo parcial o esperar a ver si me llaman de la gran multinacional.' Pedro: 'Yo que tú aceptaría el de ahora. ________.'
Pedro is advising Ana to take the certain job rather than waiting for the uncertain one.
Match the proverb to the correct advice.
Your friend wants to break up with a loving partner to try to date a famous model they saw on Instagram.
The proverb warns against leaving something real and good for a fantasy.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Certainty vs. Risk
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosMás vale pájaro en _______ que ciento _______.
The correct traditional form is 'mano' (hand) and 'volando' (flying).
Juan has a guaranteed $100 today, or a 10% chance to win $1000 tomorrow. He takes the $100. Why?
The proverb explains choosing a certain small gain over an uncertain large one.
Ana: 'No sé si aceptar este trabajo a tiempo parcial o esperar a ver si me llaman de la gran multinacional.' Pedro: 'Yo que tú aceptaría el de ahora. ________.'
Pedro is advising Ana to take the certain job rather than waiting for the uncertain one.
Your friend wants to break up with a loving partner to try to date a famous model they saw on Instagram.
The proverb warns against leaving something real and good for a fantasy.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasBoth are used, but 'ciento' is the more traditional, classic version of the proverb.
Yes, but it's better for internal discussions or informal advice rather than a formal contract proposal.
No, it's just a reminder to value what you have. It's often used as a counter-argument to greed.
Extremely common. It's one of the most universal proverbs in the Spanish-speaking world.
'El que no arriesga, no gana' (Nothing ventured, nothing gained).
It comes from ancient hunting where birds were a common prey that could easily fly away.
Both are correct, but 'más vale' is the standard word order for this specific proverb.
Yes, often used in dating to say 'stick with the good partner you have'.
The vocabulary is A1, but the figurative meaning is something you'll master as you reach B1.
Not a direct slang version, but people might say 'Asegura lo tuyo' (Secure what's yours).
Frases relacionadas
Quien mucho abarca, poco aprieta
similarHe who tries to do too much, achieves little.
A falta de pan, buenas son tortas
similarIf there's no bread, cake is good.
El que no arriesga, no gana
contrastNothing ventured, nothing gained.
Mejor malo conocido que bueno por conocer
similarBetter the devil you know than the angel you don't.
