"Siempre hay un roto para un descosido."
/SYEM-preh eye oon ROH-toh PAH-rah oon des-koh-SEE-doh/
There's always a 'broken one' for an 'unstitched one.' (Idiomatically: There's a lid for every pot.)
💡 Understanding the Quote
"Siempre hay un roto para un descosido."
🎨 Visual Representation
The proverb suggests that even two imperfect things can be a perfect match for each other.
🔑 Key Words
📖 Context
A traditional Spanish proverb (refrán) originating from popular folklore and oral tradition. Its exact origin is unknown.
📝 In Action
No te preocupes por estar soltera, ya verás que siempre hay un roto para un descosido.
B2Don't worry about being single, you'll see that there's a lid for every pot.
Mis tíos son muy excéntricos, pero se adoran. Es la prueba de que siempre hay un roto para un descosido.
B2My aunt and uncle are very eccentric, but they adore each other. It's proof that there's someone for everyone.
✍️ About the Author
📜 Historical Context
This proverb is part of the Spanish 'refranero', a vast collection of traditional sayings that encapsulate popular wisdom. These sayings have been passed down orally for centuries, reflecting the values and daily life of Spanish culture long before mass literacy.
🌍 Cultural Significance
This saying is a piece of cultural comfort food. It's used warmly to reassure people that their quirks and flaws won't prevent them from finding companionship. It celebrates compatibility in imperfection, a very human and endearing concept in Spanish-speaking cultures.
📚 Literary Analysis
The genius of this proverb is its simple, domestic metaphor. 'Roto' (torn) and 'descosido' (unstitched) are common, minor damages to clothing. By applying these everyday flaws to people, the saying makes a profound point about relationships in a very accessible way. The imagery suggests two pieces that, because of their specific damages, fit together perfectly.
⭐ Usage Tips
A Message of Hope
Use this to encourage a friend who feels lonely or thinks they're too 'weird' to find a partner. It’s a kind, optimistic phrase that says 'your person is out there'.
Affectionate Observation
It can be used with a smile to describe a couple or pair of friends who seem like an odd match to outsiders but are clearly perfect for each other.
🔗 Related Quotes
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: Siempre hay un roto para un descosido.
Question 1 of 2
What is the main message of 'Siempre hay un roto para un descosido'?
🏷️ Categories
Themes:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it rude to say someone is a 'roto' or 'descosido'?
Not in this context. The proverb is used with affection and warmth. It's a gentle, folksy way of acknowledging that we all have our quirks, and that's okay. The tone is comforting, not critical.
Can this apply to friendships, or only romantic partners?
While it's most commonly used for romantic relationships, it can absolutely apply to a very close, perfectly matched friendship, especially between two people who are quirky in complementary ways.