"El que la hace, la paga."
/el keh lah AH-seh, lah PAH-gah/
Whoever does the deed, pays the price.
💡 Understanding the Quote
"El que la hace, la paga."
🎨 Visual Representation
The ripples from a single action illustrate the proverb's core theme: every deed has consequences.
🔑 Key Words
📖 Context
A traditional Spanish proverb ('refrán') that is part of the collective cultural wisdom. It has no single attributable author and has been passed down through generations.
📝 In Action
No le mientas a tu jefe. Al final, el que la hace, la paga.
B2Don't lie to your boss. In the end, what goes around, comes around.
El político corrupto fue a la cárcel. Como siempre, el que la hace, la paga.
B2The corrupt politician went to jail. As always, you reap what you sow.
✍️ About the Author
📜 Historical Context
Like most proverbs, its exact origin is lost to time. It's a piece of folk wisdom that has been part of the Spanish language for centuries, reflecting a deep-seated cultural belief in natural justice and that accounts will eventually be settled.
🌍 Cultural Significance
This is one of the most common 'refranes' in the Spanish-speaking world. It's a cornerstone of everyday morality, used by people of all ages to teach lessons, express frustration with injustice, or show satisfaction when a wrongdoer gets their comeuppance. It encapsulates a worldview where actions have unavoidable consequences.
📚 Literary Analysis
The power of this proverb lies in its simplicity and parallel structure. 'El que la hace' (The one who does 'it') is perfectly balanced by 'la paga' (pays for 'it'). The pronoun 'la' is brilliantly ambiguous, referring to any unspecified bad deed, which makes the proverb universally applicable. The use of the present tense gives it the force of a timeless, undeniable law.
⭐ Usage Tips
A Warning or a Judgment
Use this proverb either to caution someone against doing something wrong or to comment after someone has faced the negative consequences of their actions. It carries a strong moral tone.
Universal Wrongdoing
The 'la' in 'la hace' can refer to any misdeed, from a small lie to a major crime. This makes the expression incredibly versatile in everyday conversation.
🔗 Related Quotes
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: El que la hace, la paga.
Question 1 of 2
What is the best English equivalent for 'El que la hace, la paga'?
🏷️ Categories
Themes:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this phrase considered aggressive or rude?
It can be, depending on the tone and context. It's often used to pass judgment, so it can sound accusatory or moralizing. However, it can also be used as a general statement of fact or a piece of wisdom.
Who is the author of this quote?
It's a 'refrán,' or a traditional proverb. It doesn't have a single author but is part of the collective folk wisdom of the Spanish language, passed down through generations.