mais vale um pássaro na mão do que dois voando
A bird in hand is worth two in the bush
بهطور تحتاللفظی: more worth one bird in the hand than two flying
Use this to advise someone to value their current certainties over tempting but risky gambles.
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- Value what you have over risky possibilities.
- Better a certain small gain than an uncertain large one.
- A classic proverb for making safe, sensible decisions.
معنی
It's better to keep what you already have than to risk losing it for something better that isn't guaranteed. It's the ultimate advice for playing it safe and valuing certainty.
مثالهای کلیدی
3 از 6Giving career advice to a friend
Eu sei que o novo emprego paga mais, mas mais vale um pássaro na mão do que dois voando.
I know the new job pays more, but a bird in hand is worth two in the bush.
Discussing a business investment
Vamos fechar este contrato agora; mais vale um pássaro na mão do que dois voando.
Let's close this contract now; a bird in hand is worth two in the bush.
Texting about a shopping dilemma
A promoção é boa, mas vou levar este. Mais vale um pássaro na mão...
The sale is good, but I'll take this one. Better safe than sorry...
زمینه فرهنگی
This proverb is a staple of Lusophone wisdom, likely arriving in South America via Portuguese settlers. It reflects a traditional agrarian mindset where tangible resources were prioritized over speculative gains. Today, it remains one of the most recognized idioms across all Portuguese-speaking countries.
The Short Version
In casual conversation, you can just say 'Mais vale um na mão...' and trail off. Everyone will know exactly what you mean.
Don't be a Dream-Killer
Be careful using this with someone who is very excited about a new venture; it can come across as overly pessimistic or 'boring'.
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- Value what you have over risky possibilities.
- Better a certain small gain than an uncertain large one.
- A classic proverb for making safe, sensible decisions.
What It Means
This phrase is all about security. It suggests that a small, certain advantage is better than a larger, uncertain one. You have one bird. It is in your hand. You own it. There are two birds in the sky. They look great. But you don't have them. If you reach for them, you might lose the one you already have. It is the classic battle between greed and stability.
How To Use It
You use this when someone is considering a risky gamble. Use it as a piece of grounded advice. It usually functions as a standalone sentence. You can say it when a friend wants to quit a job before having a new one. Or when someone wants to trade a reliable car for a flashy, broken one. It sounds wise and slightly cautious. It is the verbal equivalent of a supportive hand on the shoulder.
When To Use It
Use it in professional meetings when discussing conservative investments. Use it with friends who are overthinking their dating lives. It is perfect for those 'should I or shouldn't I' moments. If the situation involves a bird-in-the-hand scenario, this is your go-to line. It works well when you want to sound like a sensible mentor. Just don't use it to discourage someone's actual dreams!
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this if someone is genuinely pursuing a life-changing opportunity. You don't want to be the person who kills the vibe. If the risk is calculated and necessary, this phrase feels like a wet blanket. Also, don't use it in high-stakes gambling unless you want to be ironic. It can sound a bit 'old-fashioned' if overused. It is for practical dilemmas, not for moments requiring bold courage.
Cultural Background
This expression is ancient and exists in many Latin-based languages. In Brazil and Portugal, it is deeply ingrained in the collective psyche. It reflects a cultural value of protecting one's family and assets. It dates back to medieval times when hunting was a primary food source. Catching one bird meant dinner was served. Chasing two meant going hungry. It is one of the first idioms children learn from their grandparents.
Common Variations
Sometimes people shorten it to just mais vale um na mão. Everyone knows the rest. In some regions, you might hear melhor um pássaro na mão. The meaning stays exactly the same. Occasionally, people joke about it. They might say mais vale um pássaro na mão do que uma cagada na cabeça (one bird in hand is better than a poop on the head). That one is strictly for very close friends over a beer!
نکات کاربردی
The phrase is highly versatile and fits into neutral and informal registers easily. It is rarely 'wrong' to use, provided you are in a situation involving a choice between safety and risk.
The Short Version
In casual conversation, you can just say 'Mais vale um na mão...' and trail off. Everyone will know exactly what you mean.
Don't be a Dream-Killer
Be careful using this with someone who is very excited about a new venture; it can come across as overly pessimistic or 'boring'.
The Rhyme Factor
The phrase has a natural rhythm in Portuguese. Saying it slowly with a slight nod makes you sound like a local 'sábio' (wise person).
مثالها
6Eu sei que o novo emprego paga mais, mas mais vale um pássaro na mão do que dois voando.
I know the new job pays more, but a bird in hand is worth two in the bush.
Suggesting the friend should value their current job security.
Vamos fechar este contrato agora; mais vale um pássaro na mão do que dois voando.
Let's close this contract now; a bird in hand is worth two in the bush.
Prioritizing a guaranteed deal over waiting for a potentially better one.
A promoção é boa, mas vou levar este. Mais vale um pássaro na mão...
The sale is good, but I'll take this one. Better safe than sorry...
Using the shortened version in a casual text.
Meu neto, não troque o certo pelo duvidoso. Mais vale um pássaro na mão do que dois voando.
My grandson, don't trade the certain for the doubtful. A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.
Classic elder wisdom using a related proverb alongside the idiom.
Pois é, tentei ganhar o dobro e perdi tudo. Mais vale um pássaro na mão, né?
Yeah, I tried to win double and lost everything. A bird in hand, right?
Self-deprecating humor after a risky move failed.
Devemos manter os benefícios atuais, pois mais vale um pássaro na mão do que dois voando.
We should keep the current benefits, as a bird in hand is worth two in the bush.
Using the idiom to support a conservative policy stance.
خودت رو بسنج
Complete the famous proverb.
Mais vale um pássaro na mão do que ___ voando.
The standard version of the idiom specifies 'dois' (two) birds flying.
Which word is missing from the start of the phrase?
___ vale um pássaro na mão...
'Mais vale' is the traditional way to start this comparison, meaning 'It is worth more'.
🎉 امتیاز: /2
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
Formality Spectrum
Used with friends/family, often shortened.
Mais vale um na mão...
The standard way to use the phrase in most conversations.
Mais vale um pássaro na mão do que dois voando.
Used in speeches or writing to emphasize caution.
Como diz o ditado, mais vale um pássaro na mão...
When to say it
Job Offer
Staying at a stable job vs. a risky startup.
Shopping
Buying the last item in stock vs. waiting for a sale.
Investing
Keeping a modest profit vs. risking it all.
Relationships
Appreciating a loyal partner vs. chasing 'the one'.
سوالات متداول
10 سوالYes, it is a direct equivalent to 'A bird in hand is worth two in the bush'. The imagery and the moral lesson are identical.
Yes, but it's better in a conversational professional setting. In a very formal email, you might say Como diz o ditado popular... before the phrase.
It is always um pássaro (a bird). Using the definite article would sound unnatural in this proverb.
Absolutely. It is a common proverb across the entire Lusophone world, from Lisbon to Luanda to Rio.
You can swap the ending for something ridiculous, like do que dois fugindo (than two escaping), but the 'poop' variation mentioned earlier is the most common joke.
Slightly. While everyone knows it, younger people might use it ironically or only when being intentionally 'deep'.
Sure! If you're at a restaurant and decide to stick with your favorite dish instead of a risky new one, it fits perfectly.
A phrase like Quem não arrisca, não petisca (Who doesn't risk, doesn't snack) is the adventurous opposite.
Yes, voando (flying) is the standard. You won't hear other verbs like 'running' or 'singing' in the official version.
Only if you have a friendly relationship. Otherwise, it might seem like you're being too informal or giving unsolicited advice.
عبارات مرتبط
Não troque o certo pelo duvidoso
Quem tudo quer, tudo perde
Devagar se vai ao longe
Seguro morreu de velho
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