Shona Proverbs
The Shona are exceedingly rich in proverbs. Proverbs are a cherished and interesting part of their oral literature.
Word definitions kuma: low Translation The owner of a cow knows how it lows. Application One who is well acquainted … Read more
Word definitions muredzi: One who entrusts another with a child’s care Translation A mother, unlike the father, is the true … Read more
Word definitions mapapata: remains – scattered bones, generally of an animal. Translation The hyena might be so cowardly, but how … Read more
Translation A baboon might be ugly, but it doe not feed on the carcass of an animal that it found … Read more
Word definitions bere: hyena kodza: make fat mapfupa: bones Translation It is bones, that fattened a hyena. Inspiration Hyenas are … Read more
Word definitions rovedzera: become quite accustomed mawere: steep rock face, especially a tall one Translation What one has become accustomed … Read more
Word definitions divi: side Translation Hill, be unattractive on one side so that children may play at the other. Inspiration … Read more
Word definitions bere: hyena chinono: slowness ngwe: leopard Translation Slowness is a trait of the leopard, a hyena had its … Read more
Translation Sometimes we have to give up even the good things, just like we had to give up suckling. Inspiration … Read more
Translation He who refused advice was later seen bleeding. Application A person who rejects all advice usually falls into serious … Read more
Want to learn Shona culture and language?
Sign up for one of our courses and start learning.
About Shungu
Shungu is the voice behind zimboriginal.com. She has a restless hand and a penchant for discovery. Her upbringing is fairly balanced between an urban and rural setting. The urban - pretty basic and spent almost entirely in boarding school. The rural - not so glorious and filled with all the dreaded chores that come with keeping a rural homestead going. Shungu is a qualified chartered management accountant and currently lives in Harare, Zimbabwe. Learn more.
