10 Spanish sayings about friendship

Who you spend time with says who you are, and Spanish proverbs never tire of saying so. These dichos are about friends, company and trust: how to choose them, how to keep them, and what they reveal about you.

1. Dime con quién andas y te diré quién eres.

   You are known by the company you keep. Literally: “Tell me who you walk with and I will tell you who you are”.

   The company you keep reveals — and shapes — your character; often said by worried parents.

   Empezó a salir con gente muy trabajadora y ahora estudia más que nunca: dime con quién andas y te diré quién eres.

2. Cada oveja con su pareja.

   Birds of a feather flock together. Literally: “Each sheep with its partner”.

   People naturally pair up with their own kind — said when like finds like at a party or in love.

   En la fiesta, los aficionados al ajedrez acabaron todos en la misma mesa: cada oveja con su pareja.

3. El que tiene un amigo, tiene un tesoro.

   A friend is a treasure. Literally: “He who has a friend, has a treasure”.

   Used to express that true friendship is one of the most valuable things in life. Said when praising a loyal friend or encouraging someone to appreciate their friends.

   El que tiene un amigo, tiene un tesoro, y yo lo he comprobado con Marta.

4. Amigo en la adversidad es amigo de verdad.

   A friend in need is a friend indeed. Literally: “Friend in adversity is friend for real”.

   Used when someone shows loyalty during hard times. It highlights that true friends reveal themselves in moments of difficulty.

   Amigo en la adversidad es amigo de verdad, por eso sé que puedo contar contigo.

5. Más vale un amigo que cien parientes.

   A good friend is worth more than many relatives. Literally: “More is worth one friend than one hundred relatives”.

   Said when a friend proves more supportive than family. It emphasizes that chosen bonds can be as strong as blood ties.

   Más vale un amigo que cien parientes, y tú siempre has estado a mi lado.

6. Los amigos son la familia que uno elige.

   Friends are the family you choose. Literally: “Friends are the family that one chooses”.

   Common in modern speech to describe close friendships that feel like family. Used warmly to include friends in one's inner circle.

   Los amigos son la familia que uno elige, y en mi boda no faltó ninguno.

7. Los amigos se cuentan con los dedos de la mano.

   True friends are few and precious. Literally: “Friends are counted with the fingers of the hand”.

   Said to emphasize that real friends are few. Used when distinguishing true friends from casual acquaintances.

   Los amigos se cuentan con los dedos de la mano, pero esos pocos valen oro.

8. Más vale solo que mal acompañado.

   Better alone than in bad company. Literally: “Better alone than badly accompanied”.

   Advises that being alone is preferable to keeping harmful or negative company. Common in relationship and friendship advice.

   Más vale solo que mal acompañado, así que dejé ese grupo de amigos.

9. El que con lobos anda, a aullar se enseña.

   He who keeps company with wolves will learn to howl. Literally: “He who walks with wolves learns to howl”.

   Warns that you pick up the habits and behaviors of the company you keep. Used as advice to choose friends and associates carefully, especially for young people.

   No te juntes con esa gente; el que con lobos anda, a aullar se enseña.

10. Dios los cría y ellos se juntan.

    Birds of a feather flock together. Literally: “God raises them and they come together”.

    Said when people with similar traits, habits, or backgrounds naturally find each other, often with a slightly ironic or critical tone. Widely used across the Spanish-speaking world.

    Los dos son igual de traviesos y ahora son mejores amigos: Dios los cría y ellos se juntan.

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