How do you say “Through thick and thin” in Spanish?
The closest natural Spanish equivalent is En las buenas y en las malas, which literally means “In the good ones and in the bad ones”. English speakers use through thick and thin to mean through both good times and bad, without giving up on someone. A familiar expression for loyalty in good and bad times. The feminine plurals refer to good and bad circumstances. Register: informal, neutral. Usage frequency: common.
Closest natural Spanish
En las buenas y en las malas
/en las ˈbwenas i en las ˈmalas/
- Literal meaning
- “In the good ones and in the bad ones”
- Register
- informal, neutral
- How often it's used
- common
- Equivalence
Near-exact equivalent
98 out of 100
What a native Spanish speaker would actually say
English contrasts thick and thin conditions. Spanish contrasts good and bad times directly.
Both suit a sincere promise of loyalty. They describe staying with someone when support becomes difficult, not just enjoying the easy moments.
How close is the meaning?
- Meaning5 out of 5
- Tone5 out of 5
- Context5 out of 5
- Literal similarity2 out of 5
These ratings are editorial approximations, not measurements.
What are other ways to say it in Spanish?
Pase lo que pase
Literally: “Whatever happens”
Emphasises an unconditional promise.
Contra viento y marea
Literally: “Against wind and tide”
Emphasises staying committed despite obstacles, rather than both good and bad times.
Common translation traps
A través de lo grueso y lo fino
This describes thickness rather than loyalty during changing circumstances.
The notes above explain why these versions do not work in this context in Spanish.
In context
English
She stood by me through thick and thin.
Spanish
Estuvo a mi lado en las buenas y en las malas.
English
We have been friends through thick and thin.
Spanish
Hemos sido amigos en las buenas y en las malas.
Related expressions
- What “Through thick and thin” means in English
- Water under the bridge, A past problem that no longer matters.
- Burn your bridges, To cut off any way back.
Last updated 2026-09-13