Inklingo
"Juntos pero no revueltos."

Anonymous (Popular Saying)

/HOON-tohs PEH-roh noh rreh-VWEHL-tohs/

Together, but not mixed up.

Level:B2Style:ColloquialPopular:★★★★★

💡 Understanding the Quote

Original Spanish:
"Juntos pero no revueltos."
English Translation:
Together, but not mixed up.
Deeper Meaning:
This popular saying emphasizes the importance of maintaining individual space, identity, or order even when in a group or a close relationship. It's a call for closeness with clear boundaries.

🎨 Visual Representation

An artistic illustration showing two distinct groups of colorful marbles next to each other, but not mixed.

The saying 'Juntos pero no revueltos' values closeness while maintaining individual identity and order.

📖 Context

A widely used popular saying ('dicho popular') in the Spanish-speaking world with no specific author or origin.

📝 In Action

Vamos a vivir juntos, pero cada uno con su cuenta bancaria. Ya sabes, juntos pero no revueltos.

B2

We're going to live together, but each with their own bank account. You know, together but not mixed up.

Podemos compartir la casa de la playa, pero cada familia cocina lo suyo. Juntos pero no revueltos para evitar problemas.

B2

We can share the beach house, but each family cooks their own food. Together but not mixed up to avoid problems.

Mamá, ¿puedo poner mis lápices en tu estuche? — No, cariño. Juntos pero no revueltos.

B1

Mom, can I put my pencils in your pencil case? — No, sweetie. Together, but not mixed up.

✍️ About the Author

Anonymous (Popular Saying)

🌍Spanish-speaking world📅 N/A

📜 Historical Context

This is a timeless folk saying, or 'dicho,' that likely originated from a simple domestic or culinary observation. The word 'revueltos' is the same one used in 'huevos revueltos' (scrambled eggs). The wisdom of keeping ingredients separate until the right time was cleverly applied as a metaphor for human relationships.

🌍 Cultural Significance

This phrase reveals a core cultural value in many Spanish-speaking societies: the ability to be deeply communal and family-oriented while still respecting individual autonomy. It's a verbal tool for navigating the delicate balance between community and self, often used with a knowing smile.

📚 Literary Analysis

The power of this phrase lies in its simplicity and strong visual metaphor. The structure 'A but not B' ('Juntos pero no...') creates a clear contrast. The word 'revueltos' (scrambled, mixed up) evokes a sense of chaos and disorder, which makes the idea of staying separate and organized seem much more appealing and sensible.

⭐ Usage Tips

Setting Friendly Boundaries

Use this phrase to humorously or gently suggest keeping some separation in a shared situation. It's perfect for roommates, couples, or families discussing finances, chores, or personal space without sounding confrontational.

Literal and Figurative Use

While its main use is figurative (about people), it can also be used literally. For example, when serving a dish where you want to keep the sauce separate from the main course, you could say, 'Lo sirvo así, juntos pero no revueltos'.

🔗 Related Quotes

✍️ More from This Author

"Cuentas claras, amistades largas"

A popular saying about maintaining clear boundaries (especially financial) to preserve friendships.

"Cada loco con su tema"

A saying about individuality and respecting that everyone has their own interests ('To each their own').

💭 Similar Themes

"El respeto al derecho ajeno es la paz"

Benito Juárez

A famous quote about peace coming from respecting others' rights and boundaries.

"Good fences make good neighbors."

Robert Frost (English Proverb)

An English proverb with a very similar theme of maintaining boundaries for good relationships.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: Juntos pero no revueltos.

Question 1 of 2

What is the best situation to use 'Juntos pero no revueltos'?

🏷️ Categories

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this phrase considered rude?

Not at all, when used correctly. Its tone is typically light and friendly. It's a socially accepted way to talk about boundaries without causing offense, often with a hint of humor.

Can I use this in a romantic context?

Yes, it's very common. A couple might use it to talk about maintaining separate hobbies, friendships, or bank accounts while still being in a committed relationship. It emphasizes a healthy balance between partnership and individuality.