SOUTH AMERICA

Voices of the Andes: Exploring Chilean Proverbs

Nestled between the towering Andes mountains and the vast Pacific Ocean, Chile is a land of breathtaking contrasts. From the arid Atacama Desert in the north to the lush forests and fjords of Patagonia in the south, Chile offers a diverse tapestry of landscapes. Its capital, Santiago, pulsates with urban energy, while the serenity of places like Torres del Paine National Park invites reflection.

Spanish, the official language, is infused with a rich cultural history that dates back to the 16th century when Spanish explorers arrived. The first Spanish expedition arrived in 1541, led by Pedro de Valdivia, who founded Santiago, the capital. From there, Spanish spread as settlers established cities and missions. Chile’s geographic isolation (with the Andes, Pacific Ocean, Atacama Desert, and Antarctic region surrounding it) contributed to the development of a distinctive Chilean Spanish dialect but also helped consolidate Spanish as the dominant language.

Chile’s linguistic heritage also includes Mapudungun, spoken by the indigenous Mapuche people, and other indigenous languages like Quechua and Aymara. All three have official recognition in some regions but face pressure from dominant Spanish usage. They reflect distinct cultures: the Quechua of the Andes, the Aymara of the Altiplano, and the Mapuche of the southern forests.

Get familiar with the history of Chile.

Chilean proverbs with English translations

The devil knows more because he’s old, not because he’s the devil

Nestled among the profound pearls of wisdom in Chilean proverbs lies a delightful quirkiness. Take, for instance, the proverb “Más sabe el diablo por viejo que por diablo.” Translated as “The devil knows more because he’s old, not because he’s the devil,” this proverb humorously acknowledges the value of experience over innate cunning.

Better a known madman than a wise man to be known

One of the most amusing Chilean proverbs is “Más vale loco conocido que sabio por conocer,” which translates to “Better a known madman than a wise man to be known.” This saying highlights the practical and humorous side of Chilean culture, emphasizing the value of familiar, albeit flawed, people over unknown entities. It reflects the cautious approach of preferring the devil you know to the angel you don’t.

Classic Chilean Proverbs That Reflect Everyday Wisdom | Spanish

• . “Más chileno que los porotos” (Spanish)
  • Translation: “More Chilean than beans.”
  • Meaning: Something or someone is archetypical Chilean.

• “A caballo regalado no se le mira el dentado.” (Spanish)
  • Translation: “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.”
  • Meaning: This proverb advises against being overly critical or ungrateful towards gifts or favors. It emphasizes gratitude and appreciation for what one receives without scrutinizing its value.

• “El que mucho abarca, poco aprieta.” (Spanish)
  • Translation: “He who grasps at much, holds little.”
  • Meaning: Encouraging focus and moderation, this proverb warns against overextending oneself. It highlights the importance of prioritization and efficiency in achieving goals.

• “Aunque la mona se vista de seda, mona se queda.” (Spanish)
  • Translation: “Even if the monkey dresses in silk, it’s still a monkey.”
  • Meaning: This proverb cautions against superficial appearances and emphasizes the importance of authenticity. It reminds us that true essence cannot be concealed by external adornments.

• “Camarón que se duerme, se lo lleva la corriente.” (Spanish)
  • Translation: “The shrimp that falls asleep is carried away by the current.”
  • Meaning: This proverb warns against complacency and inaction. It underscores the need to remain vigilant and proactive to avoid being swept away by life’s challenges.

• “Más vale tarde que nunca.” (Spanish)
  • Translation: “Better late than never.”
  • Meaning: Encouraging perseverance and resilience, this proverb reassures that it’s never too late to pursue goals or make amends.

Classic Chilean Proverbs That Reflect Everyday Wisdom | Aymara

Aymara is spoken in northern Chile, especially in the Arica and Parinacota region, due to pre-Columbian settlement and Inca expansion. The Aymara people have lived in the Altiplano region – spanning parts of Bolivia, Peru, and northern Chile – for over a millennium.

Before the arrival of the Incas, Aymara-speaking peoples had established complex societies such as the Tiwanaku civilization, known for its urban planning and stone architecture. When the Inca Empire expanded south, they incorporated Aymara territories but allowed the language to persist.

When Spain conquered the Andes, they took over the Aymara-influenced regions and used Indigenous populations for mining and agriculture. Aymara continued to be spoken, especially in rural and highland communities, where it remained the language of daily life, ritual, and farming.

In modern Chile, Aymara is officially recognized as part of the Indigenous cultural heritage, and though it is spoken by a small minority, it remains significant in villages near the Bolivian and Peruvian borders. Expand your knowledge on the Aymara language.

Aymara proverbs

• “Aka pachana, kunalaykutï jan walt’ä, jutï pachana walikipuni.” (Aymara)
  • Translation: If today is bad, tomorrow will surely be better.
  • Meaning: Life goes in cycles—hope for a better future.

• “Amuyt’añani janiwa parlt’asati.” (Aymara)
  • Translation: Think before you speak.
  • Meaning: Wisdom lies in reflection, not haste.

• “Añasar uñtañani, janiw jach’a arusa uñacht’asäkiti.” (Aymara)
  • Translation: Observe the fox, not the lion’s roar.
  • Meaning: Intelligence beats brute force.

• “Ch’ama uñt’atawa suma saräwi.” (Aymara)
  • Translation: A strong mind leads to a good path.
  • Meaning: Success starts with mental strength.

• “Ch’iyar jawira llump’a, jan suma sartaña.” (Aymara)
  • Translation: Don’t cross a muddy river hastily.
  • Meaning: Rushing leads to danger—be cautious.

• “Janiw usuchasiñatak mä qulla utjkiti.” (Aymara)
  • Translation: There’s no medicine for carelessness.
  • Meaning: Prevention is better than cure.

• “Janiw k’uchuki qullqi uñacht’aykiti.” (Aymara)
  • Translation: Don’t show off your silver shoe.
  • Meaning: Stay humble and modest.

• “Jiwaki uka jach’a, ch’amampi sartäni.” (Aymara)
  • Translation: Though the mountain is high, we climb with strength.
  • Meaning: Determination can overcome obstacles.

• “Kuntï jani uñt’atä, ukax jan waliwa.” (Aymara)
  • Translation: What you don’t know can harm you.
  • Meaning: Ignorance can be dangerous.

• “Kusisiñax suma qamawiwa.” (Aymara)
  • Translation: Joy is a good companion.
  • Meaning: Stay positive, and life will feel lighter.

• “Lurawi sapa kutiwa, jani mä ch’iwitaki.” (Aymara)
  • Translation: Work is every day, not just once.
  • Meaning: Consistency is key.

• “Lupi uñt’ä, jani ch’amampi jiwxamti.” (Aymara)
  • Translation: Know the sun, don’t die by its strength.
  • Meaning: Respect powerful forces.

• “Mayampiw yatxatäña munapxi.” (Aymara)
  • Translation: They want to learn again and again.
  • Meaning: Lifelong learning is honorable.

• “Ñanqha amuyu janiw suma ch’ama churañäkiti.” (Aymara)
  • Translation: Evil thoughts give no real strength.
  • Meaning: Purity of mind leads to power.

• “Pachak janiw k’ach’a q’ipirkiti.” (Aymara)
  • Translation: Time doesn’t carry beauty.
  • Meaning: Outer looks fade, inner strength matters.

• “Pusi qullqi janiw khuskhutäkiti.” (Aymara)
  • Translation: Four coins are not the same.
  • Meaning: All things have their own value.

• “Qamaw qamawina sarnaqä.” (Aymara)
  • Translation: Walk your own path.
  • Meaning: Be true to yourself.

• “Qhispiyäni, ukhamaraki suma sarnaqäni.” (Aymara)
  • Translation: I will be free and walk well.
  • Meaning: Freedom brings dignity.

• “Suma amuyuni, suma jakäwi.” (Aymara)
  • Translation: Good thinking, good living.
  • Meaning: A wise mind brings a good life.

• “Uñjaña ukax yatichaña.” (Aymara)
  • Translation: To observe is to learn.
  • Meaning: Observation teaches more than words.

Classic Chilean Proverbs That Reflect Everyday Wisdom | Quechua

Quechua is spoken in northern Chile primarily due to pre-Inca and Inca expansion into the region during the 15th century. The Inca imposed Quechua as a lingua franca across their empire to unify diverse peoples and facilitate control. Although the empire didn’t last long in Chile (due to the Spanish conquest), Quechua remained in use among Indigenous communities like the Atacameños and Diaguita.

In Chile today, Quechua survives in small communities near the Altiplano region and is closely linked to traditions such as agriculture, weaving, and music. It’s often used in ceremonies or among elders and has seen revitalization efforts in recent years, though it is far more widely spoken in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. Enhance your understanding of Quechua: The surviving language of the Inca Empire.

Quechua proverbs

• “Ama sua, ama llulla, ama quella” (Quechua)
  • Translation: Don’t steal, don’t lie, don’t be lazy.
  • Meaning: The foundational moral code of the Inca Empire, still respected today in Andean communities.

• “Mana allin ruraqlla kaspa, chaylla lamar qochapi wañun” (Quechua)
  • Translation: A careless worker will drown even in a shallow lake.
  • Meaning: Carelessness or poor effort leads to failure even in easy situations.

• “Ama qhilla, ama llulla, ama sua” (Quechua)
  • Translation: Don’t be lazy, don’t lie, don’t steal.
  • Meaning: Repeated for emphasis in oral tradition — a vital Inca principle of life.

• “Sumaq kawsayta munay” (Quechua)
  • Translation: Desire a good life.
  • Meaning: Encourages the pursuit of a life in balance with nature and community — a core Andean concept.

• “Chayqa qhipa punchawpaqmi” (Quechua)
  • Translation: That is for tomorrow.
  • Meaning: A saying used when postponing tasks — can be ironic about procrastination.

• “Pacha mamaqa rantikuyta munanchu” (Quechua)
  • Translation: Mother Earth does not like to be sold.
  • Meaning: A protest against the commodification of nature and a call for environmental respect.

• “Yachayta munay, mana qillqayta” (Quechua)
  • Translation: Desire knowledge, not just writing.
  • Meaning: True wisdom comes from understanding, not just reading or writing.

• “Maypinmi kanki?” (Quechua)
  • Translation: Where are you from?
  • Meaning: Often used with deeper cultural implications — identity and origin matter in Andean culture.

• “Llapa runakuna masikuna kanku” (Quechua)
  • Translation: All people are friends.
  • Meaning: Promotes solidarity and equality in the community.

• “Wiraqocha qamta rikhurin” (Quechua)
  • Translation: The creator sees you.
  • Meaning: An expression of accountability under divine or ancestral eyes.

• “Rimaykullayki” (Quechua)
  • Translation: My respected word to you.
  • Meaning: A respectful greeting, often used to express value in conversation.

• “Sumaqta mikuy, chaymi kawsayki” (Quechua)
  • Translation: Eat well, that’s your life.
  • Meaning: Nutrition and agriculture are central to health and happiness.

• “Mana runaqa sapallaylla kanki” (Quechua)
  • Translation: A person alone is not complete.
  • Meaning: Emphasizes the importance of family and community.

• “Wasi ukhunam yachachiq” (Quechua)
  • Translation: The home is the first teacher.
  • Meaning: Values learned at home shape a person’s character.

• “Yachaq warmiqa yachaq wawqata tarin” (Quechua)
  • Translation: A wise woman raises a wise child.
  • Meaning: Empowers the role of women in cultural transmission.

• “Intiqa willakuyta apamun” (Quechua)
  • Translation: The sun brings the message.
  • Meaning: Nature is seen as a communicator of signs and wisdom.

• “Qhari warmi kawsanapaq, wakchaq mana kawsanichu” (Quechua)
  • Translation: Man and woman live together; alone, one does not live.
  • Meaning: Advocates for harmony and balance between genders.

• “Kawsaylla manam, llapa runa kawsaymi” (Quechua)
  • Translation: Life is not only mine; it is everyone’s.
  • Meaning: A call for collective living and shared responsibility.

• “T’ikay killaqa sumaq punchawmi” (Quechua)
  • Translation: The flower moon is a beautiful day.
  • Meaning: References seasonal knowledge and beauty in nature.

• “Ch’aska wawanakuna sumaq rimayniyuq kanku” (Quechua)
  • Translation: Star children speak beautifully.
  • Meaning: Celebrates poetic or respectful speech, often used in ceremonies or with children.

An Overview of Timeless Proverbs

As we explore the vibrant culture and rich traditions of Chile, it’s clear that proverbs play a significant role in reflecting the nation’s soul. From the snowy peaks of the Andes to the mysterious statues of Easter Island, Chilean sayings capture the essence of life, community, and resilience. Remembering these proverbs allows us to appreciate the wisdom and humor that characterize Chilean society.

Typical of Chile is the blend of indigenous and Spanish influences, evident in its language, cuisine, and customs. Embrace these sayings as tokens of a culture that values connection, perseverance, and joy. ¡Viva Chile!