“Sana sana, colita de rana” is something you hear Hispanic adults say when small children fall or hurt themselves. But what does it mean? In today’s post, we give you the inside scoop.
What Does Sana Sana, Colita de Rana Mean?
The literal translation of “Sana sana, colita de rana” is “‘Heal heal, little frog’s tail.” This is a humorous, silly rhyme parents use to comfort children after a hard blow or fall.
As with other phrases that emphasize rhyme and rhythm (think, for example, of “See you later, alligator”), there’s no additional meaning to “Sana sana colita de rana” beyond the fact that a) it sounds good and b) imagining little frogs is fun!
“Sana sana, colita de rana” is the version used in countries like Mexico or Colombia. However, the Spanish version, which is also the prevalent one in areas of Central America and the Caribbean, uses the word “culito” instead of “colita.” Since “culito” is considered inappropriate in some parts of Latin America, the change is understandable.
Sana Sana Colita de Rana: the Full Saying
“Sana sana..’’ has been passed down through generations and its origin is uncertain, as is often the case with these phrases.
And while the first part of the rhyme is the most popular, there’s a second line that complements it. Here’s the full version for your enjoyment:
Sana sana, colita de rana (Heal heal, little frog’s tail)
Si no sana hoy, sanara manana (If it doesn’t heal today, it will heal tomorrow)
Sure, rhymes like “Sana sana…” are whimsical, but their effectiveness might have a scientific basis. According to researchers at the University of Cambridge, nursery rhymes and other forms of baby talk help babies get in sync with their parents.
So never underestimate the power of a good rhyme — even if it talks about frog tails.
Sabukana: Unapologetically Embrace Yourself
Sabukana was created by two Latina sisters, Melanie and Scarlett, to celebrate their Latin roots and multicultural upbringing with a modern twist.
Our creations are made for people who unapologetically embrace their own. They represent our cultures, serving as a reminder of where we come from and who we are.
