Inklingo
"El que tiene boca se equivoca."

— Traditional Spanish Proverb

/el keh TYEH-neh BOH-kah seh eh-kee-VOH-kah/

He who has a mouth, makes mistakes.

Level:B1Style:ColloquialPopular:★★★★★

💡 Understanding the Quote

Original Spanish:
"El que tiene boca se equivoca."
English Translation:
He who has a mouth, makes mistakes.
Deeper Meaning:
This common proverb means that anyone who speaks is bound to make a mistake eventually. It’s the Spanish equivalent of 'To err is human,' used specifically to forgive or downplay a verbal slip-up, reminding us that making mistakes is a natural part of communication.

🎨 Visual Representation

An illustration of a person speaking with a small, harmless speech bubble that has a crack in it, symbolizing a simple mistake.

This proverb reminds us that making mistakes when we speak is a natural and forgivable part of being human.

🔑 Key Words

bocaequivocarse

📖 Context

A traditional Spanish proverb (refrán) with anonymous origins, passed down through generations as part of the collective folk wisdom.

📝 In Action

Ups, dije martes pero la reunión es el miércoles. Bueno, el que tiene boca se equivoca.

B1

Oops, I said Tuesday but the meeting is on Wednesday. Oh well, anyone can make a mistake.

No te preocupes por haber pronunciado mal mi apellido. ¡El que tiene boca se equivoca!

B1

Don't worry about mispronouncing my last name. It happens to everyone!

✍️ About the Author

Traditional Spanish Proverb

🇪🇸Spanish📅 N/A

📜 Historical Context

This saying is part of Spain's rich 'refranero,' the vast collection of traditional proverbs. Its origins are anonymous and ancient, reflecting a timeless, practical wisdom about human fallibility that has been passed down orally for centuries.

🌍 Cultural Significance

This phrase is a cultural tool for social harmony. It quickly defuses awkwardness after someone misspeaks. It fosters a forgiving attitude towards small errors in conversation, showing that the culture values humanity over perfection.

📚 Literary Analysis

The proverb's power lies in its simplicity and structure. It presents a universal condition—'tener boca' (having a mouth)—and links it to an inevitable consequence—'equivocarse' (to make a mistake). The satisfying rhyme between 'boca' and 'equivoca' makes it incredibly catchy and memorable, a key trait of lasting folk wisdom.

⭐ Usage Tips

For Minor Slips Only

Use this to excuse small, innocent mistakes like getting a date wrong, mispronouncing a word, or calling someone by the wrong name. It’s perfect for keeping conversations light and friendly.

A Tool for Humility

It's just as common to use this on yourself as it is for others. Saying it after you make a mistake shows humility and that you don't take yourself too seriously.

🔗 Related Quotes

💭 Similar Themes

"Errar es humano."

— Alexander Pope (common Spanish translation)

The more formal and universal expression 'To err is human.'

"Nadie es perfecto."

— Traditional Proverb

A direct and simple statement that 'Nobody is perfect.'

"Hasta al mejor cazador se le va la liebre."

— Traditional Proverb

A proverb meaning 'Even the best hunter lets the hare escape,' used to say that even experts make mistakes.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: El que tiene boca se equivoca.

Question 1 of 2

When is the most appropriate situation to use 'El que tiene boca se equivoca'?

🏷️ Categories

Themes:

WisdomLife

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this phrase considered old-fashioned?

Not at all. While it's a traditional proverb, it is still extremely common in everyday, modern Spanish. It's a timeless piece of wisdom that hasn't gone out of style.

Can I use this in a professional environment?

Yes, but it depends on the context. It's perfectly fine to use with colleagues in a friendly setting if someone makes a small slip-up. However, you would probably avoid it in a very formal business negotiation or a written report.