Famous Spanish Quotes Everyone Knows Translated to English & Their Meaning

Welcome to your ultimate guide to famous Spanish quotes. We'll explore some of the most famous quotes in Spanish and delve into the wisdom, cultural richness, and beauty encapsulated within them.

From renowned artists to influential thinkers, we'll uncover the hidden gems that have shaped the Spanish-speaking world and beyond. Discover how famous quotes not only deepen your understanding of the language but also provide invaluable insights into its culture and history.

You can also compare each quote with its English equivalent to get a feel for the difference in the languages. Get ready to be inspired and ignite your passion for spanish learning through the power of inspirational Spanish quotes.

Quotes in Spanish by Famous People

Spanish learners should learn famous Spanish quotes because they provide valuable insights into the language, culture, and history of the Spanish-speaking world.

These quotes encapsulate the wisdom, humor, and emotions of renowned Spanish writers, poets, and thinkers, allowing learners to deepen their understanding of the language beyond grammar and vocabulary.

They offer glimpses into the rich literary heritage of Spanish, fostering appreciation for its beauty and eloquence. Moreover, famous quotes can be used as conversation starters, demonstrating cultural knowledge and sparking meaningful discussions.

Ultimately, incorporating famous Spanish quotes into language learning enhances linguistic proficiency while immersing learners in the vibrant tapestry of Hispanic culture and heritage.

1. "La vida es como montar en bicicleta . Para mantener el equilibrio tienes que avanza." - Albert Einstein

"Life is like riding a bike. To maintain balance you have to move forward." Albert Einstein said these wise words - not in Spanish, but the quotation has since been translated and is well known in the Spanish-speaking world, as well as among English speakers.

This quotation expresses the sentiment that in order to find stability in life, it is important to keep progressing. You can interpret this as progressing in your personal life, in your career, education, or self-assurance and mental well-being. However you choose to progress, you can use this famous quote by Einstein to keep you driven, motivated, and on target.

2. "Qué maravilloso es que nadie tenga que esperar ni un segundo para empezar a mejorar el mundo." - Anne Frank

"How wonderful it is that nobody has to wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." The eternal words of Anne Frank live on in multiple languages thanks to the publication of her diaries first in Dutch, then English, and 70 other languages.

This quote means that we can choose to make better decisions and be kinder to others at any moment. Of course, Anne Frank was writing this while she was hiding from occupying Nazi forces during WWII, but Spanish speakers can take inspiration and guidance from this quote today.

3. “Errar es humano, pero más lo es culpar de ello a otros.” – Baltazar Gracián

"To err is human, but even more so is to blame others." This quote by a famous Spanish writer and philosopher means that it is normal and natural to make mistakes, but it is also human nature to try to shift the blame onto others. When we read this quote we are reminded that it is ok to make mistakes, but it is best to acknowledge them as your own doing.

4. "Cuando dejo ir lo que soy, me convierto en lo que debería ser." - Lao Tzu

"When I let go of who I am, I become what I should be." This quote, originally coined by an ancient Chinese philosopher, has since become a classic Spanish proverb. It means that in order to become our best selves, we much change and grow.

5. "No cuentes los días, haz que los días cuenten”. – Muhammad Ali

"Don't count the days, make the days count." This famous quote by legendary boxer Muhammad Ali means that we should live each day to the fullest - we don't know how long we have and we should make each day of our lives count.

6. "Apunta a la luna. Si fallas, podrías dar a una estrella”. – William Clement Stone

Clement Stone was an American businessman and self-help writer and this famous quote, which has since been replicated in multiple languages literally translates as: "Aim for the moon. If you fail, you could hit a star." Figuratively, this means that you should have grand ambitions, and even if you don't meet your exact goal, you will still end up in high places.

7. "Huele las rosas. Huele el café. Lo que sea que te haga feliz .” – Rita Moreno

"Smell the flowers. Smell coffee. Whatever it is that makes you happy." This simple quote's literal translation is also its figurative translation, unlike most of the others on this list. It simply means do what makes you happy - whether that is smelling roses, smelling coffee, or anything else. Rita Moreno is a Puerto Rican actress, dancer, and singer, and she knows what to do to make herself happy.

8. "La felicidad es interior, no exterior; por lo tanto, no depende de lo que tenemos, sino de lo que somos." – Pablo Neruda

This is one of the most inspirational quotes in Spanish and it was coined by Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. It means: "Happiness is interior, not exterior; so, it doesn't depend on what we have, but what we are." This expression means that we should look inside ourselves to find happiness, rather than looking at material things and external factors.

9. "El secreto de la vida no es hacer siempre lo que se quiere, sino querer siempre lo que se hace.” – León Tolstoi

The famous Russian writer Tolstoi once said "The secret to life is not in always doing what you want, but in loving what you do." This sentiment means that if you want to be fulfilled, rather than doing anything and everything you want, you need to focus on always loving what you do. Do everything with purpose, drive, and love, and you will be fulfilled.

10. "Permite que el refinamiento y la mejora de tu propia vida te mantengan tan ocupado que tengas poco tiempo para criticar a otros.” – H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

The last of our inspirational quotes in Spanish attributed to famous people is by an American author. "Let the refining and improving of your own life keep you so busy that you have little time to criticize others."

This means that rather than focusing on other people's mistakes and issues, you should look inward and focus on your own self-improvement.

Unattributed Spanish Quotes

Now that we have unpicked several inspirational quotes in Spanish, let's take a quick look at some classic Spanish proverbs so that you can learn more new Spanish words and look deeper into Spanish culture.

1. A beber y a tragar, que el mundo se va a acabar.

Sometimes Spanish quotes give us a great insight into Spanish culture. This classic Spanish proverb essentially means that we should "drink and eat as if the world is going to end." In essence, have fun, en joy your food and drink, as tomorrow isn't promised.

2. Borra con el codo lo que escribe con la mano.

This phrase means that you "erase with your elbow what you write with your hand," meaning you contradict what you say.

3. Donde no hay harina, todo es mohina.

This simple phrase means "where there is no flour, all is gloomy." In other words, poverty breeds misery.

4. A lo hecho, pecho.

In Spanish, pecho is "chest," and this phrase refers to facing your mistakes head-on. It is translated into English as "what's done is done."

5. La raíz de todos los males es el amor al dinero.

"The root of all evil is the love of money." This proverb is pretty self-explanatory; greed is the root cause of bad things in the world.

6. Algo es algo; menos es nada.

"Something is something; less is nothing." This proverb might not sound like it means much, but in essence, it's saying we should be grateful for what we have, as it's better than nothing at all.

7. El mundo es un pañuelo

Literally, this saying translates as "the world is a handkerchief," but figuratively, the English translation is "it's a small world."

8. A los tontos no les dura el dinero

"Money does not last for fools." In other words, spend your money wisely, or you'll lose it quickly.

9. Consejo no pedido, consejo mal oído.

Literally, this means "advice not asked for, advice poorly heard." Figuratively, it means when someone doesn't ask for advice, they won't listen to your words of wisdom.

10. Obras son amores y no buenas razones.

Finally, we have the Spanish version of "actions speak louder than words." This quote literally translates as "acts are love and good reasons aren't," which sounds strange to English-speaking ears, but it means that if you really care, you won't just say something, you'll take action.

FAQs About Spanish Quotes

Now that you've read some of our favorite Spanish quotes, let's look at some frequently asked questions about Spanish quotes and why we should learn them.

What are some inspirational quotes in Spanish?

There are many famous and inspirational Spanish quotes, but perhaps the most iconic is: Que sera sera, which means "what will be will be." There are many other inspirational Spanish quotes including: Si puedes soñarlo, puedes lograrlo, meaning "If you can dream it, you can achieve it." This is one of the most inspirational quotes by Walt Disney.

Why should I learn Spanish quotes?

Learning Spanish quotes enriches your language-learning journey by providing insights into Spanish culture, history, and the eloquence of the language. They provide wisdom, enrich conversations, and deepen your understanding of Spanish beyond grammar and vocabulary.

What is the Spanish quote about living life?

A great Spanish quote about living life is: Vive la vida como si fueras a morir mañana. Aprende como si fueras a vivir siempre. It means "Live life as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." This quote encourages embracing the present, living fully, and fostering a lifelong thirst for knowledge.

Where can I learn more Spanish vocabulary?

There are various resources available to learn more Spanish vocabulary and interesting quotes. Online platforms, such as language learning websites and apps, offer comprehensive vocabulary lessons and exercises. Additionally, Spanish music, podcasts, TV shows, and movies can also be valuable tools for expanding your Spanish vocabulary.

Summing Up: Most Famous Spanish Quotes Everyone Knows Translated to English and Their Meaning

Now that you have read this quick comprehensive guide to famous Spanish quotes, we hope you have discovered the beauty and power that lies within these expressions

From the profound wisdom of renowned writers to the poetic musings of artistic giants, these quotes have revealed the richness of the Spanish language and its place in the wider world.

By incorporating these quotes into your language-learning journey, you not only enhance your linguistic skills but also deepen your understanding of the Spanish language.

Let these words inspire you, ignite your passion for language learning and guide you as you continue to explore the captivating realm of Spanish literature.