Language Learning,  Preparing

What does “El Mundo es un Pañuelo” Mean?

plaid hankerchiefsExpressions: el mundo es un pañuelo

We’re back with another useful Spanish expression! Today we’ll be looking at an expression that perhaps isn’t as provocative as echar un polvo or as common as buen provecho, but will certainly come in handy during your time here in Spain: el mundo es un pañuelo.

 

Rough English translation: the world is a handkerchief

Now, before you start wondering if this is a pessimistic view on life also being full of snots, let me assure you that it is not! Quite the contrary, this expression is generally used in those moments when we are struck by the beauty of interconnectedness, much as we English-speakers might say “what a small world!” Although in today’s day and age a handkerchief would not necessarily be the first thing that comes to mind as an example of something small to compare the world to, this expression has been used for centuries. And seeing as a handkerchief can be folded up and stuffed into any pocket, it’s a good emphatic comparison.

 

Example in context:

I have to admit that I’ve been a bit disappointed over the years that many of the idiomatic expressions that I learned in my Spanish classes (and that I was so excited to put into use when the right moment arose) have turned out to be dichos de abuelos, or “grandparents’ sayings,” according to my Spanish friends. What a let down!! Thus, I was at first apprehensive to put this expression to use for fear of sounding like an abuela again. However, I’ve definitely have this one come up and used quite organically by Spaniards of all ages so proceed with confidence!

True story: I have a friend who lives in a smaller town of Jaén and one year a friend and I made the trip up to celebrate Christmas with his family. We were taking a Bla Bla Car (read our how to use it too here) there and of course the driver was curious about why two Americans would be going to his hometown. We explained and casually mentioned our friend’s first name. The driver was instantly laughing and responded with questions about our friend that confirmed he knew him too (in fact, we later found out they even dated briefly)! As you can imagine, we all agreed that ¡el mundo es un pañuelo!

As you can imagine from my example, this expression is perfect for all of those times when you just can’t believe that “it’s a small world after all!” This tends to be particularly useful when you meet people at intercambios as, at least in a city as small as Granada, you will no doubt (at some point) realize you have someone in common. I can completely imagine a conversation like this:

A:Como conociste este evento? (How did you learn about this event?)
B:Pues, vine la primera vez con mi companera del piso, Stacy. (Well, I came the first time with my flatmate, Stacy.)
A:Stacy!? Es canadense? (Stacy!? Is she a Canadian?)
B:Si…(Yes…)
A:Hostia, es mi profe de ingles! (Whoa, she’s my English teacher!)
B:De verdad? ¡El mundo es un pañuelo! (Seriously? What a small world!)

 

Hope that helps with your language-learning journey. Be sure to share your surprising but true el mundo es un pañuelo moments below!

Sincerely,
Spain

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