The Meaning of ‘Más Vale Pájaro En Mano Que Ciento Volando En Ingles’
The Spanish proverb ‘Más Vale Pájaro En Mano Que Ciento Volando‘ is used to show the importance of valuing what we have. Rather than chasing after something bigger, it suggests appreciating what we have now.
In essence, it’s better to have a small certainty than to chase a bigger dream that isn’t guaranteed. We often take risks for bigger opportunities, especially when it comes to our academics, career, or financial status.
The proverb encourages us to evaluate our situation before making decisions and to keep our goals realistic. It suggests prioritizing based on importance and urgency before embarking on anything new. Practicing gratitude for what is already accomplished and focusing on incremental growth instead of immediate leaps is also advised. This way, we can ensure progress towards long-term goals without losing sight of the smaller victories.
Who knew that a Spanish proverb about birds could cause such a flap in the English language?
Origin and History of the Phrase
The saying ‘Better a bird in hand than two in the bush‘ is said to have come from the 13th century. It’s been used and translated all around the world – like ‘Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando’ in Spanish. This phrase is telling us to treasure what we have and not take risks. We need to consider the pros and cons when it comes to opportunities, or else we could end up being let down.
Using ‘Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando‘ in everyday life is like bringing a flamethrower to a birthday party. Not essential – but it definitely stands out!
Examples of Usage in Daily Life
“Más Vale Pájaro En Mano Que Ciento Volando” translates to “A bird in the hand is worth more than a hundred flying”. This phrase implies that it’s better to appreciate and use what we have than to chase an unattainable goal.
In business, it’s best to stick to a dependable plan rather than investing excessively in an unproven venture. In relationships, it’s wise to cherish what we have with our current partner rather than searching for someone else. Decision-making must also include weighing the pros and cons before jumping into the unknown.
This proverb does not mean to be complacent or stop striving for better; it just means to be thankful for what we have and make the most of it.
This metaphor comes from Medieval hunting methods. Hunters would often keep a live bird (in hand) while trapping others as bait. This way, they’d always have something even if they failed to catch other prey.
Geoffrey Chaucer is credited as the first to use this expression in English literature.
Learning another language is similar to trying to catch a bird in flight – you may not get it right, but a pájaro en mano is better than ciento volando en ingles.
Comparison and Similar Phrases in Other Languages
Want to understand phrases and idioms in multiple languages? We’ve got you! We present a section to compare similar phrases from different cultures. It’s called ‘Multilingual Expressions and Idioms’.
To understand them better, we’ve made a table. It shows the meanings that are similar in different languages. Here’s an example:
| Language | Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| English | A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush | Having something is better than taking risks |
| French | Un tiens vaut mieux que deux tu l’auras | Something you own is worth more than promises |
| German | Ein Spatz in der Hand ist besser als eine Taube auf dem Dach | A sparrow in the hand is worth more than an eagle on the roof |
| Spanish | Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando | A bird in hand is worth more than one hundred flying |
Plus, there are many other phrases that are similar across cultures. Like, “Quem tem boca vai a Roma” (Whoever has a mouth goes to Rome) is the same as “The squeaky wheel gets the grease” in English.
Pro Tip: Knowing these sayings lets you communicate better with people from different cultures. So, why learn grammar when you can sound like a native by dropping proverbs and idioms like a boss?
The Importance of Proverbs and Idioms in Language Learning
Proverbs and idioms are key to language learning. They offer insight into language’s culture and history. Figurative meanings and colloquial expressions make understanding beyond literal translations. Immersing oneself in these is an effective way to learn new words and communication skills. Furthermore, understanding how phrases are used can help one comprehend spoken language.
Incorporating proverbs and idioms into language learning strategy is helpful. They often express complex ideas in few words. Also, using them with native speakers can improve speaking abilities and give insight into cultural norms.
It is important to note that certain phrases may have multiple meanings or be used differently. This allows learning common phrases and nuances that differ from formal education.
An example of this is the Spanish saying “Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando.” It means “It is better to have a bird in hand than a hundred flying.” This proverb came from falconry days when hunting birds were valuable. It is now used as a reminder not to take risks but cherish what is already had.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does the Spanish expression “más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando” mean in English?
Answer: The expression “más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando” translates to “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” It means that it’s better to have a small but certain benefit, than to risk losing everything by trying to get something better.
2. Is “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” the only English equivalent of this expression?
Answer: No, there are many English equivalents of this Spanish expression, such as “half a loaf is better than no bread,” “better safe than sorry,” and “make hay while the sun shines.”
3. What is the origin of the expression “más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando”?
Answer: The origin of this expression is uncertain but it dates back to ancient times, and can be found in various cultures like the Greek, the Roman, and the Arabic.
4. How can I use the expression “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” in a sentence?
Answer: You can use this expression to describe situations where it’s better to hold onto what you have rather than risk losing it by going after something that may not work out. For example, “I was offered a job with a higher salary, but I decided to keep my current job because a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”
5. Is there a difference between “más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando” and “mejor pájaro conocido que por conocer”?
Answer: No, both expressions have the same meaning and are used to advise caution and encourage prudence and decisiveness.
6. Can I use the expression “a bird in the hand” instead of “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush”?
Answer: Yes, “a bird in the hand” is a short form of the full proverb, but it still retains the same meaning. It can be used in the same way as the full version, for example, “I prefer a bird in the hand.”
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