Aunque la mona se vista de seda, mona se queda
/own-KEH la MOH-nah seh VEES-tah deh SEH-dah, MOH-nah seh KEH-dah/
You can't change the fundamental nature of something or someone just by changing their outward appearance. Superficial changes don't alter one's true essence.
💡 Understanding the Idiom
🎨 Literal vs. Figurative
Literally, this says 'even if the monkey dresses in silk, a monkey she remains'.
It means that changing your appearance doesn't change who you truly are on the inside.
Key Words in This Idiom:
📝 In Action
Intentó parecer sofisticado en la cena, pero su mala educación lo delató. Aunque la mona se vista de seda, mona se queda.
B2He tried to seem sophisticated at dinner, but his bad manners gave him away. A leopard can't change its spots.
Le compraron ropa de marca, pero sigue siendo una persona grosera. Ya sabes lo que dicen: aunque la mona se vista de seda...
C1They bought him designer clothes, but he's still a rude person. You know what they say: you can put lipstick on a pig...
📜 Origin Story
This proverb was made famous by a fable from the 18th-century Spanish writer Félix María de Samaniego. In his story, which was inspired by one of Aesop's fables, a monkey becomes a talented dancer and performs for the king. The audience is amazed by her human-like grace. However, a clever spectator throws a handful of nuts onto the stage. Immediately, the monkey forgets her dance, rips off her costume, and starts gathering the nuts, revealing her true, unchangeable nature. The moral is clear: you can dress something up, but you can't change what it fundamentally is.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use it as a Commentary
This is a 'refrán' (a proverb or saying) used to comment on a situation. You'd say it to a friend when observing someone trying to hide their true, often negative, character with a fancy exterior. It implies that the attempt is unsuccessful.
A Bit Judgmental
Be aware that this phrase carries a critical tone. It's not a neutral observation. You're essentially saying that someone's inner flaws are showing despite their efforts to look good on the outside. It's best used with people you know well.
❌ Common Pitfalls
It's Not About Fashion
Mistake: "Using the phrase to talk about someone who looks awkward or uncomfortable in fancy clothes."
Correction: This isn't about style; it's about character. The phrase implies a deeper flaw (like rudeness, dishonesty, or lack of class) that can't be covered up by a nice suit or an expensive car. It's about substance, not just appearance.
🌎 Where It's Used
Spain
Extremely common and one of the most well-known 'refranes' (proverbs) in the country.
Latin America
Very widely known and used across the continent. It's a classic proverb understood by Spanish speakers everywhere.
🔗 Related Idioms
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: Aunque la mona se vista de seda, mona se queda
Question 1 of 1
What is the main message of 'Aunque la mona se vista de seda, mona se queda'?
🏷️ Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this idiom offensive?
It can be, yes. Comparing someone to a 'mona' (monkey) is not a compliment. The phrase implies that the person has an inherently flawed or 'lesser' nature. You should be careful about using it to describe someone directly, as it could easily cause offense.
Can this be used for things, not just people?
Absolutely. You could use it to talk about a poorly made product in fancy packaging, or a corrupt company trying to improve its image with a charity event. The logic is the same: a fancy exterior can't fix a flawed interior.