el keh noh YOH-rah noh MAH-mah
Literally, this means 'The one who doesn't cry, doesn't get to suckle (breastfeed).'
In practice, it means you have to speak up and be assertive to get what you need.
Si quieres un aumento, tienes que pedírselo a tu jefa. Recuerda, el que no llora no mama.
B1If you want a raise, you have to ask your boss for it. Remember, the squeaky wheel gets the grease.
El aire acondicionado del hotel no funcionaba, así que fui a recepción a quejarme y me cambiaron de habitación. ¡El que no llora no mama!
B2The hotel's air conditioning wasn't working, so I went to the front desk to complain and they moved me to a new room. If you don't ask, you don't get!
This phrase comes from the most basic, universal human experience: a baby's cry. A baby cannot speak, so its only way to communicate hunger, discomfort, or any need is by crying. A quiet baby might be overlooked, while a crying baby gets immediate attention and is fed ('mamar' means to suckle or breastfeed). The idiom extends this simple, powerful observation to adult life, reminding us that being passive or quiet often means our needs go unmet.
Use this proverb to encourage someone (or yourself!) to speak up and ask for something they want or need. It’s perfect for situations involving asking for a raise, complaining about bad service, or seeking help.
Mistake: “Thinking the idiom is an excuse to complain about everything.”
Correction: While it involves 'crying' (or speaking up), the focus is on being proactive to solve a problem or meet a need, not just whining. It's about assertiveness, not just complaining.
Extremely common and used across all regions and social classes.
Very widespread and perfectly understood throughout Latin America. It's one of the most universal proverbs in the Spanish-speaking world.
Question 1 of 1
Your colleague is unhappy with their workload but is afraid to talk to the manager. What idiom could you use to encourage them?
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Not at all. It's a well-known proverb and is used as friendly advice or a general observation. It's not considered rude or aggressive, just a practical piece of wisdom.
