Significado
It is better to take precautions to avoid problems than to regret later.
Contexto cultural
In Spain, this proverb is often linked to the concept of 'sentido común' (common sense). It is frequently used by parents to instill a sense of responsibility in children. In Mexico, proverbs (refranes) are a vital part of daily speech. You might hear this phrase followed by a nod of agreement from everyone in the room. While used similarly, Argentines might also use 'Por las dudas' (just in case) as a shorter, more colloquial lead-in to the same sentiment. In Colombia, the variation 'Más vale prevenir que remediar' is equally popular, especially in professional or medical contexts.
Shorten it!
You can just say 'Más vale prevenir...' and people will know exactly what you mean. It sounds very native.
Don't say 'Mejor vale'
Even though 'mejor' means better, the proverb is fixed with 'más'. Using 'mejor' marks you as a beginner.
Significado
It is better to take precautions to avoid problems than to regret later.
Shorten it!
You can just say 'Más vale prevenir...' and people will know exactly what you mean. It sounds very native.
Don't say 'Mejor vale'
Even though 'mejor' means better, the proverb is fixed with 'más'. Using 'mejor' marks you as a beginner.
Use it for health
If you are talking to a doctor or about a diet, use 'Más vale prevenir que curar' to sound even more specific.
The 'Refranero'
Spanish speakers love proverbs. Learning this one opens the door to hundreds of others that start with 'Más vale...'
Teste-se
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
Más ____ prevenir que ________.
The standard form of the proverb is 'Más vale prevenir que lamentar'.
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Más vale prevenir que lamentar'?
Situation: You are going to the mountains and it might rain.
Taking an umbrella is a preventative action to avoid getting wet (regret).
Choose the correct translation for: 'Better safe than sorry'.
How do you say 'Better safe than sorry' in Spanish?
'Más vale' is the fixed expression for 'it is better/it is worth more'.
Complete the dialogue.
Juan: '¿Crees que debo cerrar la ventana? No hay nadie en casa.' Maria: 'Sí, ciérrala. ________.'
Maria is giving advice to be cautious, so the proverb fits perfectly.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Spanish vs English
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosMás ____ prevenir que ________.
The standard form of the proverb is 'Más vale prevenir que lamentar'.
Situation: You are going to the mountains and it might rain.
Taking an umbrella is a preventative action to avoid getting wet (regret).
How do you say 'Better safe than sorry' in Spanish?
'Más vale' is the fixed expression for 'it is better/it is worth more'.
Juan: '¿Crees que debo cerrar la ventana? No hay nadie en casa.' Maria: 'Sí, ciérrala. ________.'
Maria is giving advice to be cautious, so the proverb fits perfectly.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your grandmother, or your friends.
No, that would change the proverb. Stick to 'lamentar' or 'remediar'.
'Prevenir' is taking steps before something happens. 'Evitar' is the act of avoiding it. In the proverb, only 'prevenir' works.
Yes, constantly. It is one of the top 10 most used proverbs in the Spanish language.
Yes, from Spain to Argentina to Mexico, it is universally understood.
Absolutely. It's a great way to argue for a conservative or safe strategy.
'Más vale' is an old-fashioned but very common way to say 'is worth more' or 'is better'. It's idiomatic.
Not exactly a slang version of the proverb, but 'Por si las moscas' is the slang way to express the same idea.
You can, but it might sound like you are 'rubbing it in'. It's better to use it as advice *before* a mistake.
It comes from the verb 'valer' (to be worth). So it literally means 'it is worth more to prevent'.
Frases relacionadas
Hombre prevenido vale por dos
similarA person who is prepared is twice as effective.
Más vale tarde que nunca
contrastBetter late than never.
Por si las moscas
synonymJust in case.
Curarse en salud
similarTo take precautions before they are needed.
