"El que se fue a Sevilla perdió su silla."
/el keh seh FWEH ah seh-VEE-yah per-DYOH soo SEE-yah/
He who went to Seville, lost his chair.
💡 Understanding the Quote
"El que se fue a Sevilla perdió su silla."
🎨 Visual Representation
This popular saying serves as a warning: if you abandon your spot, you might lose it.
🔑 Key Words
📖 Context
This is a traditional Spanish proverb (refrán) with historical roots dating back to the 15th century. It is not from a specific literary work but is part of Spain's rich oral tradition.
📝 In Action
Voy al baño un momento, ¡no me quites el sitio! Recuerda, el que se fue a Sevilla perdió su silla.
B1I'm going to the bathroom for a moment, don't take my spot! Remember, he who went to Seville lost his chair.
Dejó su puesto en la empresa para viajar y, al volver, ya lo habían ocupado. Como dice el refrán: el que se fue a Sevilla, perdió su silla.
B2He left his position at the company to travel and, when he returned, they had already filled it. As the saying goes: he who went to Seville, lost his chair.
✍️ About the Author
📜 Historical Context
The saying originates from a real 15th-century dispute. An archbishop from Seville, Alonso de Fonseca, agreed to temporarily swap places with his nephew, who was the archbishop of Santiago de Compostela, to help him pacify his troubled region. When Fonseca returned to Seville, his nephew refused to give the position back! The story, and the rhyming phrase, became a popular cautionary tale.
🌍 Cultural Significance
This is one of the most common proverbs in Spain, learned by children and used frequently in daily life. It's a cornerstone of Spanish folk wisdom, often delivered with a teasing smile. It teaches a practical lesson about being present and not taking your position for granted, whether it's a literal chair or a role in life.
📚 Literary Analysis
As a proverb (refrán), its effectiveness comes from its musicality. The rhyme between 'Sevilla' and 'silla' makes it incredibly catchy and easy to remember. It uses a specific, concrete image (a trip to Seville) to communicate a universal, abstract idea about opportunity and loss, which is a classic feature of folk wisdom.
⭐ Usage Tips
Playful Warning
This is most often used in a lighthearted, informal way when someone gets up from their seat. If you see an empty chair at a table or on a bus, you might say this with a grin as you sit down.
Metaphorical Use
You can also use it in a more serious, metaphorical sense for jobs, romantic relationships, or any opportunity that was lost due to absence or inattention.
🔗 Related Quotes
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: El que se fue a Sevilla perdió su silla.
Question 1 of 2
What is the primary message of 'El que se fue a Sevilla perdió su silla'?
🏷️ Categories
Themes:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this saying always negative or cautionary?
While it is a warning, it's almost always used in a lighthearted, playful manner. It's more of a friendly tease than a serious admonishment, especially when referring to a literal chair.
Is there a common response or comeback to this saying?
Yes! A very popular and witty comeback is, '...y el que vino de Aragón, se la encontró,' which means '...and the one who came from Aragon, found it.' Another is simply, '...pero encontró otra mejor,' meaning, '...but he found a better one.' These responses turn the cautionary tale into a fun exchange.