Tsumo

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

Inotanda yomunyepi, younyerere haitandi.

Translation The loudmouth’s (dog), and not that of the quiet man, is the hunter. Application Some people sing their own … Read more

Ishe vanhu.

Translation A chief is the people. Application Those in authority should always bear in mind that their strength and influence … Read more

Jaha kutizisa mhandara, kuona danga.

Translation When a young man elopes with a young woman, it implies he has the cattle for the bride price. … Read more

Kabva muzai kava kashiri.

Translation That which has hatched is now a bird. Application Once someone has prepared themselves or reached a stage of … Read more

Kamoto kamberevere kanopisa matanda mberi.

Word definitions mberevere: slow burning fire Translation A low-intensity fire left to burn could burn down logs. Application A seemingly … Read more

Kana museve woda nyama unodauka wega pauta.

Word Definitions uta nemuseve: bow and arrow dauka: spring off Translation When the arrow craves meat, it springs off the … Read more

Kandiro enda, kandiro dzoka.

Translation Little plate (of food) go, little plate return. Application To receive kindness or assistance from others, one has to … Read more

Kandiro kanoenda kunobva kamwe.

Translation A small plate (of food) is given to one who has also given one. Application To receive kindness or … Read more

Kandiro kanopfumba kunobva kamwe.

Word definitions pfumba: Please. Give satisifaction Translation A small plate (of food) will (be given to) please someone who has … Read more

Kanyenye kotsakatika, gondo roonekwa rakaruma nyama.

Definitions nyenye: Lamb. Kid. gondo: eagle Translation What a coincidence, that an eagle is seen with a piece of meat … Read more

Kare haagari ari kare.

Translation The past never stays the past. Application Things change with time. What is there today might not be there … Read more

Kashiri kasingapambari hakanuni.

Definitions pambara: hunt for food nuna: become plump Translation A bird that does not hunt for food does not plump … Read more

Kubaya tanga nowako, vokunze vakutye.

Definitions baya: to stab or pierce; to cause pain; figuratively, to discipline vatorwa: those who are not kin Translation Discipline … Read more

Kubaya tange hama, vatorwa vakutye.

Definitions baya: to stab or pierce; to cause pain; figuratively, to discipline vatorwa: those who are not kin Translation Discipline … Read more

Kubereka, misodzi yawanda.

Translation The more children you bear, the more the tears. Application The bigger the family, the more the worries and … 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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