Spanish Phrase
Es amigo solo cuando las cosas van bien.
Meaning
This phrase describes someone who is only supportive or present during good times, but disappears when difficulties arise. It implies a lack of true loyalty or commitment in a friendship, often used to refer to a "fair-weather friend." It highlights a superficial relationship.
When to use
Use this phrase to express disappointment or cynicism about a person's friendship, especially after they have failed to offer support during a difficult period. It's often said in a reflective or critical tone about someone's character, indicating that their friendship is conditional.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Esamigosolocuandolas cosasvan bien
Ser (Es)
The verb 'ser' (to be) is used here to describe an inherent characteristic or definition of the person – that they are a certain type of friend. It's not a temporary state, but rather a fundamental aspect of their friendship.
Solo
'Solo' means 'only' or 'alone'. In this context, it functions as an adverb modifying 'cuando', emphasizing the exclusivity of the condition under which the friendship exists.
Cuando
'Cuando' means 'when' and introduces a subordinate clause that specifies the condition or time frame during which the main statement is true.
Ir bien (van bien)
The idiom 'ir bien' literally means 'to go well' and is commonly used to describe situations or things that are progressing positively or are in a good state. 'Van' is the third-person plural conjugation of 'ir', agreeing with 'las cosas'.
🗨In Conversation
Mi amigo Juan no me ha llamado desde que perdí mi trabajo.
My friend Juan hasn't called me since I lost my job.
Ah, ya veo. Es amigo solo cuando las cosas van bien.
Ah, I see. He's a friend only when things go well.
✕Common Mistakes
Está amigo solo cuando las cosas van bien.
Use 'ser' (es) for inherent qualities or definitions, like being a type of friend. 'Estar' is for temporary states or locations.
Es amigo solo cuando las cosas son bien.
'Ir bien' (to go well) is the correct idiom for things being good or progressing positively. 'Ser bien' is grammatically incorrect in this context.
↔Alternatives
Es un amigo de las buenas épocas.
He's a good-times friend.
Solo está contigo en las buenas.
He's only with you in the good times.
No es un amigo de verdad.
He's not a true friend.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, friendship (amistad) is highly valued and often involves a strong sense of loyalty and mutual support. This phrase, therefore, carries a significant weight of disappointment, as it points to a failure to meet these cultural expectations of true friendship. It's a direct way to express disillusionment with someone's character.