Portuguese Proverbs or Expressions

The Portuguese have a proverb for every occasion. Anonymous in origin, these sayings are passed down from generation to generation and used by people of all social backgrounds. Here are some examples:

Quanto mais depressa mais devagar – More haste, less speed.

Amigo não empata amigo – A friend doesn't hinder a friend.

Antes só do que mal-acompanhado – Better to be alone than in bad company.

A noite é boa conselheira – Sleep on it.

Com a verdade me enganas – I'm fooled by the truth.

Devagar se vai ao longe – Slow and steady wins the race.

Diz-me com quem andas, dir-te-ei quem és – Tell me who your friends are, and I'll tell you who you are.

Depois da tempestade vem a bonança – After the storm comes the calm.

Enquanto há vida, há esperança – While there is life, there is hope.

Entre marido e mulher, não se mete a colher – Don't meddle in another couple's affairs.