"Hay dos clases de hombres: los que viven hablando de las mujeres y los que hablan con ellas."
/ai dohs KLAH-sehs deh OHM-brehs: lohs keh VEE-vehn ah-BLAHN-doh deh lahs moo-HEH-rehs ee lohs keh AH-blahn kohn EH-yahs/
There are two kinds of men: those who spend their lives talking about women, and those who talk with them.
💡 Understanding the Quote
"Hay dos clases de hombres: los que viven hablando de las mujeres y los que hablan con ellas."
🎨 Visual Representation
The quote contrasts the superficial act of talking 'about' women with the meaningful act of talking 'with' them.
📖 Context
This aphorism is widely attributed to the Spanish poet Antonio Machado, likely from the writings of his apocryphal philosopher persona, Juan de Mairena, published in the 1930s.
📝 In Action
Mi primo siempre presume de sus conquistas, pero nunca tiene una conversación real. Como decía Machado, hay dos clases de hombres...
B2My cousin always brags about his conquests, but he never has a real conversation. As Machado said, there are two kinds of men...
Deja de analizar tanto la situación y simplemente habla con ella. Recuerda la frase: están los que hablan de las mujeres y los que hablan con ellas.
B2Stop over-analyzing the situation and just talk to her. Remember the phrase: there are those who talk about women and those who talk with them.
✍️ About the Author
📜 Historical Context
This quote comes from Antonio Machado, a leading poet of Spain's 'Generation of '98.' This group of writers grappled with Spain's identity after losing its last colonies in 1898. Machado's work often contains deep philosophical and social commentary, and this quote reflects his humanist concern with authentic connection over posturing.
🌍 Cultural Significance
The quote is a timeless critique of a specific type of machismo—one that reduces women to topics of conversation rather than engaging them as individuals. It remains highly relevant in modern discussions about gender equality, respect, and communication, often cited to distinguish between performative masculinity and genuine interaction.
📚 Literary Analysis
The power of the quote lies in its simple, direct structure ('Hay dos clases...'). The key is the prepositional shift from 'de' (about) to 'con' (with). This tiny change in words signifies a massive philosophical shift from objectification to engagement. The phrase 'viven hablando' (live by talking) suggests this is their entire mode of existence, making the contrast even starker.
⭐ Usage Tips
Critiquing Shallow Behavior
Use this quote to subtly critique someone who boasts or talks about women in an objectifying way. It's a powerful way to call for more respectful and direct communication.
For Self-Reflection
It can also be used in a more introspective way, to reflect on the importance of genuine connection versus superficial talk in all relationships, not just romantic ones.
🔗 Related Quotes
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: Hay dos clases de hombres: los que viven hablando de las mujeres y los que hablan con ellas.
Question 1 of 2
Who is this quote generally attributed to?
🏷️ Categories
Themes:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this quote considered feminist?
While Machado wrote before modern feminism, the quote's message is highly aligned with feminist principles. It criticizes the objectification of women and advocates for treating them as equals worthy of direct conversation and respect, which is a core tenet of feminism.
Can this quote apply to other situations?
Absolutely. The underlying principle can be applied more broadly. For example, 'There are two kinds of critics: those who talk about art, and those who talk with artists.' The core idea is about valuing direct engagement and understanding over detached, often superficial, commentary.