Tsumo

The Shona are exceedingly rich in proverbs. Proverbs are a cherished and interesting part of their oral literature.

Hapana inofurira ivete.

Translation No animal grazes on behalf of one that is lying down. Application There are times when we must take … Read more

Hapana kunomera sora roga.

Translation There is no place where only weeds grow. Application No matter how bleak a place or economy might seem, … Read more

Hapana kusina dura.

Translation There is no place without a granary. Application No matter how bleak a place or economy might seem, one … Read more

Hapana mhou inokumira mhuru isiri yayo.

Definitions mhou: cow kuma: moo, as done by a cow Translation No cow moos for a calf that isn’t hers. … Read more

Hapana mukuyu unovinga shiri.

Word definitions mukuyu: tree of the guyu fruit, also known as muonde Translation It is not the mukuyu tree that … Read more

Hapana munwe unoiswa mukanwa, ukabuda usina mate.

Translation No finger put into the mouth will come out without saliva. Application One who has decided to carry out … Read more

Hapana mvura isina chura.

Translation There is no water-body without a frog. Application Every place or community will have something or someone that is … Read more

Harahwa mbiri hadzibidzani rwizi.

Definitions bidza: help to cross over Translation Two old men cannot help each other cross a river. Application People cannot … Read more

Hari haiviri isina mukuchidziri.

Word definitions mukuchidziri: One who stokes up a fire Translation (Contents of) A pot will not boil without someone to … Read more

Hari mbiri dzinovirirana hadzina mabikiro.

Translation Two pots (with contents) that boil at the same time cannot be simultaneously attended to. Application One who tries … Read more

Hatidzori tsvimbo nokuti gudo rasvisa usu.

Word definitions svisa: hide usu: face Translation We will not desist from hitting a baboon simply because it has covered … Read more

Heya baravara ndiwo mugariro, kutuka mwene wechisvo ndiwo mano?

Word definitions baravara: clean-shaven head chisvo: shaving blade mano: brilliance. cleverness Translation Do you honestly think it is wise to … Read more

Hufana nyina, gunguo rakatodza tateguru.

Definitions nyina: female (human or animal) that is suckling Translation It is a likeness to the mother, the crow took … Read more

Hukwana inodya ndeiri pana mai.

Translation The chick that feeds is the one closest to the mother. Inspiration Chicks always depend on their mother for … Read more

Hurudza inofa ichinzi inodya.

Word definitions hurudza: outstanding farmer Translation An outstanding farmer will starve to death, as everyone else believes he has plenty. … Read more

Worried Your Child Is Behind in Shona?

There’s still time to catch up before the Grade 7 exam.

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    ZimbOriginal was born from a passion for discovery and writing, and a commitment to never losing sight of who we are.

    It is a place for stories on culture, customs, traditions, and anything else indigenous to Zimbabwe. ZimbOriginal not only promotes cultural awareness, but also supports learning and discovery.

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