Tsumo

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

Idya zvose; gudo harina nhunzi.

Translation Eat everything; a baboon does not mind flies. Application One should not discriminate against someone because they regard them … Read more

Igangaidza mukwenyi, mhezi yavavira mudumbu.

Definitions gangaidza: bewilder or confuse mhezi: aggressive skin eruption Translation It is bewildering for one to have an itch in … Read more

Igangaidza vavigi, kusvunura kwemufi.

Definitions gangaidza: bewilder or confuse Translation A corpse that opens its eyes bewilders the grave-diggers. Application Some stressful/ difficult situations … Read more

Imbwa hora haihukuri nhando.

Word definitions hora: aged dog nhando: pointlessly Translation An aged dog does not bark pointlessly. Application Older people are more … Read more

Imbwa ine hona haihukuri.

Word definitions hona: big bone Translation A dog with a bone (in its mouth)  does not bark. Application One who … Read more

Imbwa inoba mazai, mangwana inodya huku.

Translation A dog that steals eggs will one day eat the chickens. Application Bad behaviour that is left unchecked will … Read more

Imbwa inoruma vaenzi, mangwana icharuma vatenzi.

Translation A dog that bites visitors will one day bite its master. Application Bad behavior that is left unchecked will … Read more

Imbwa ivete haimutsirwi sadza.

Translation A sleeping dog should not be roused for food. Application Avoid interfering in a situation that is currently causing … Read more

Imbwa mbiri hadzitorerwi nyama.

Translation A piece of meat cannot be pulled away from two dogs. Application The combined strength of two people cannot … Read more

Imbwa payadyira haipakanganwi.

Translation A dog will not forget the place at which it fed. Application When in need, one is more likely … Read more

Imbwa yakaipa kazhinji mukanwa munowira bvupa rakanaka.

Definitions bvupa: bone Translation It’s often the bad dog that gets the good bone. Application Sometimes, those who seem least … Read more

Imhashu yomurwere inogochwa yakabatwa gumbo.

Definitions mhashu: locust Translation It is a sick man’s locust that is roasted while clutched by the leg. Application When … Read more

Indemo hadzo dzeane nyota, asi mvura haikokotwi.

Word Definitions ndemo: resistance to guidance, unruliness kokota: to clean out last remnants of something in a vessel Translation A … Read more

Inhamo zvayo, tsvimborume kuveza duri seine mukadzi.

Word Definitions tsvimborume: bachelor who has passed the age of marrying duri: wooden mortar  (in which grain pounded) Translation Some … Read more

Inochema ndeiri pamusungo, iri muriva inoti denga rawa.

Definitions musungo: snare riva: trap with a falling flat stone, for catching small animals Translation One (an animal) that cries … Read more

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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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