Latino sayings influence how first-generation U.S. born Latino Americans navigate life
By Bridgette Estrada, November 10, 2026
Growing up in Latino households, first-generation Latin Americans often hear traditional sayings known as dichos, expressions with deeper meanings than their words initially suggest. These sayings reflect generations of cultural wisdom and life lessons.
In fall 2020, 70% of Latino first-time freshmen enrolled in the California State University system were first-generation college students, according to a report by the Campaign for College Opportunity using CSU institutional research data.
Dichos can influence how first-generation Latino Americans think, perceive the world and navigate life’s challenges. They often shape their values, attitudes toward adversity or setbacks and expectations of life.
These sayings represent collective experiences and lessons which have become accepted forms of wisdom within a community, according to Herón Pérez Martínez, a scholar at El Colegio de Michoacán. In his 1995 scholarly chapter, “La,” Pérez Martínez examines how traditional Mexican sayings reflect shared cultural beliefs and social expectations.
Pérez Martínez illustrates how these sayings become almost like guiding principles in Mexican culture.
“Es la experiencia común de un pueblo convertida en leyes y sentencias,” Pérez Martínez said.
The phrase translates to, “It is the collective experience of a people transformed into laws and maxims.”
One popular Mexican dicho is, “Al toro por los cuernos,” which translates to “take the bull by the horns.”
The saying encourages individuals to confront challenges head-on in the face of adversity rather than avoid them.
Another well-known dicho is, “Camarón que se duerme, se lo lleva la corriente,” which translates to “The shrimp that falls asleep gets carried away by the current.”
The expression highlights the importance of remaining prepared and alert rather than allowing complacency to lead to unwanted consequences. This dicho also encourages a goal-oriented mindset, suggesting individuals must have a proactive plan about where they’re going or risk being swept away by life’s circumstances.
Additionally, the dicho, “Al que madruga, Dios le ayuda,” which translates to “God helps those who rise early,” suggests practicing habits such as discipline and diligence can lead to greater opportunities and success. It also reflects the role faith plays in Latino culture, suggesting individuals must do their part while trusting God to do his.
Christian Flores Hernandez, an early childhood studies student, said that a dicho he applies regularly in different life scenarios is “El sol sale para todos,” which translates to “the sun comes out for everyone.” Flores Hernandez said he uses this dicho as a reminder that “we are all people” and the sun will shine for everyone.
“Sometimes I’m having a hard day, and people ask me questions,” Flores Hernandez said. “I’m not gonna respond to them in a rude way. I try to be as positive as I can be, even with situations like now, with the world or our government right now.”
Flores Hernandez said this dicho helps him adopt an attitude of perseverance.
“I see it more as an inspirational quote, also to keep on going,” Flores Hernandez said. “Don’t let the challenges in life stop us from achieving our goals or from doing what we want to do.”
For families who maintain these traditions, dichos can serve as a connection to their cultural heritage, passing down values and life lessons from one generation to the next.
Lifelong Pomona resident, Maricruz Beltran, said dichos have helped her cultivate the right attitude in various situations throughout her life. She said her favorite dicho is “A lo hecho, pecho,” which translates the sentiment of “Face the consequences bravely.”
“Ese dicho es mi favorito porque en la vida siempre va a haber situaciones en las que vamos a querer que nos trague la tierra, ya sea por vergüenza o por un mal rato, pero a la vida hay que enfrentarla con agallas y la cabeza siempre hacia arriba,” Beltran said.
Which translates to, “That saying is my favorite because in life, there will always be situations when we wish the ground would swallow us up, whether out of embarrassment or because of a difficult moment. But we must face life with courage and always keep our heads held high.”
Beltran said these dichos carry wisdom she continues to pass down to her U.S. born children, drawing from her own life experiences to help them navigate challenges while encouraging them to embrace their cultural identity and take pride in their roots.
“Mis hijos a mí me hablan en español. A ellos les gusta la música mexicana y se saben muy bien sus dichos porque yo siempre les he inculcado que amen sus raíces y que se enorgullezcan de quiénes son. Los dichos en mi familia nunca faltan, son esenciales,” Beltran said.
This translates to: “My children speak to me in Spanish. They enjoy Mexican music and know their sayings very well because I have always taught them to love their roots and take pride in who they are. Sayings are always present in my family. They are essential.”
Pablo Hernandez, a history student, said a dicho that helps him remain optimistic is, “No hay mal que por bien no venga,” which is similar to the English expression, “Every cloud has a silver lining.”
“When something bad is about to happen, it’s because something good is coming later on,” Hernandez said.
However, for Hernandez, the dicho serves as more than a personal reminder to remain optimistic. It is also a way to extend that same sense of hope to those around him.
“I use it when a friend or family member feels down because the day is going bad or something bad happened,” Hernandez said. “I use it so I can make them feel better, saying something good is coming after that.”
Hernandez believes these dichos bring generations of value to Latino people. For him, these sayings represent a connection to his family’s history, and the wisdom passed down through generations.
“I feel like they’re being passed through our families,” Hernandez said. “My great grandpa told it to my grandpa, and my grandpa told it to my mom, and then my mom said it to me.”
Featured Image by Joey Caraway
