Today, we’re going to go over some Portuguese proverbs and take a look at their meanings. Some are tricky since there are slightly different English equivalents.

1. Quem ama o feio, bonito lhe parece.

Literal meaning: Ugly people appear beautiful when they are loved.

English equivalent: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

2. A pressa é inimiga da perfeição.

Literal meaning: Haste is perfection’s enemy.

English equivalent: Haste makes waste.

3. Quando um não quer, dois não brigam.

Literal meaning: When one person doesn’t want to, two people don’t fight.

English equivalent: It takes two to tango.

4. Quem não arrisca não petisca.

Literal meaning: He who doesn’t take a risk doesn’t take a bite.

English equivalent: Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

5. Deus ajuda quem cedo madruga.

Literal meaning: God helps those who wake up early.

English equivalent: The early bird gets the worm.