Las cuentas claras conservan la amistad
/lahs KWEHN-tahs KLAH-rahs kohn-SEHR-bahn lah ah-mees-TAHD/
Being clear and transparent about money or obligations between friends is the best way to avoid arguments and maintain a good relationship.
💡 Understanding the Idiom
🎨 Literal vs. Figurative
Literally, this means 'clear accounts (or bills) preserve friendship'.
It's a proverb reminding us that being honest about money keeps friendships strong.
Key Words in This Idiom:
📝 In Action
Te pago mi parte de la cena ahora mismo. Ya sabes, las cuentas claras conservan la amistad.
B2I'll pay you for my part of the dinner right now. You know, short reckonings make long friends.
Aunque seamos muy amigos, prefiero que anotemos lo que cada uno gasta en el viaje. Las cuentas claras conservan la amistad.
B2Even though we're great friends, I'd rather we write down what each of us spends on the trip. Clear accounts preserve friendships.
📜 Origin Story
This is a traditional proverb, a piece of folk wisdom whose exact origins are lost to time. It reflects a universal truth that has been passed down through generations in the Spanish-speaking world: that financial ambiguity is a common source of conflict. The saying packages this practical advice into a memorable phrase, emphasizing that being transparent isn't a sign of distrust, but a sign of respect for the friendship.
⭐ Usage Tips
A Gentle Way to Talk Money
Use this phrase to bring up a financial topic (like splitting a bill or paying back a loan) without sounding demanding. It frames the conversation as a mutual effort to protect the friendship, which makes it much less awkward.
Use it Proactively
This saying works best before there's a problem. Say it when you're making plans or lending money to set clear expectations from the start. It's about preventing misunderstandings, not resolving arguments.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using It Angrily
Mistake: "Saying this in a demanding or accusatory tone when you're already upset about money."
Correction: The power of this phrase is in its friendly, preventative nature. If you say it when you're already angry, it can sound passive-aggressive. It's meant to be a gentle reminder, not a weapon in an argument.
🌎 Where It's Used
Spain
Extremely common and widely used as a piece of everyday wisdom.
Latin America
Very common and universally understood across all Spanish-speaking countries.
🔗 Related Idioms
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: Las cuentas claras conservan la amistad
Question 1 of 1
When is the best time to say 'Las cuentas claras conservan la amistad'?
🏷️ Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
Does saying this phrase imply that I don't trust my friend?
Quite the opposite! In Spanish-speaking cultures, using this phrase shows that you value the friendship so much you want to protect it from the awkwardness that money issues can cause. It's seen as a sign of maturity and respect for the relationship.