From “Es Viernes y el cuerpo lo sabe” to Everyday Fun: Exploring Spanish Sayings

By Lingobi, Published on 09/15/2025

One of the best parts of learning Spanish is discovering the fun expressions people actually use in daily life. These sayings don’t just help you understand the language—they give you a deeper look into culture and humor. Let’s take a look at some popular phrases you might hear native speakers use.

1. Es Viernes y el cuerpo lo sabe

Literally: “It’s Friday and the body knows it.” This playful saying captures the excitement of the weekend. After a long week of work or study, people use it to celebrate that Friday has arrived and fun is just around the corner.

2. Al mal tiempo, buena cara

Literally: “In bad weather, a good face.” The meaning is more like “When things go wrong, stay positive.” It’s a reminder that attitude can make all the difference, no matter the situation.

3. Más vale tarde que nunca

Literally: “Better late than never.” This one is almost identical to the English saying. It shows how some wisdom is universal across cultures.

4. Barriga llena, corazón contento

Literally: “Full belly, happy heart.” Food is central to Spanish-speaking cultures, and this saying perfectly expresses the joy and comfort of sharing a good meal.

5. Cría fama y échate a dormir

Literally: “Gain fame and go to sleep.” This one means once you have a reputation—good or bad—it tends to stick with you. It’s often used in a lighthearted or even slightly sarcastic way.

These sayings make conversations feel more natural and fun. As you practice Spanish, try sprinkling them into your chats with native speakers. Not only will you sound more authentic, but you’ll also connect more deeply with the culture.

Lingobi