Tsumo

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

Matanda makobvu mazungunuswa, unosiya nerakaora.

Translation Moving huge logs is worth a try; you might leave one that is already in decay. Application Some tasks … Read more

Matanda makuru mazungunuswa, pamwe ungasiya nerisina midzi.

Translation Moving huge logs is worth a try; you might leave one that has no roots. Application Some tasks or … Read more

Matanda masairirwa, unosiya nerino muchenje.

Translation Moving huge logs is worth a try; you might leave one that has been damaged by termites. Application Some … Read more

Matukirwo ababa, kunema mwana.

Translation The father is scolded by mocking the child. Application Sometimes people criticise or reprimand elders and superiors indirectly by … Read more

Mazvokuda, kufa namaronda enyora.

Definitions nyora: These are small deep incisions made into the skin, leaving permanent marks after healing. The incisions are mostly … Read more

Mazvokuda, kurumwa nechokuchera.

Translation Getting bitten by something you dug up is by choice. Inspiration Edible mice (mbeva) and insects (e.g. the large … Read more

Mazvokuda, kurumwa nechokudongorera.

Translation Getting bitten by something while peeping at it is by choice. Inspiration Edible mice (mbeva) and insects (e.g. the … Read more

Mbudzi kudya mufenje, hufana nyina.

Definitions mufenje: Small to medium sized deciduous tree. nyina: female (human or animal) that is suckling Translation A goat feeds … Read more

Mbudzi kukwira mufuta, kufana rudzi.

Definitions mufuta: Shrub which is grown for the oil-rich seeds and as a hedge. Jatropha. Translation A goat climbs (over) … Read more

Mbwende haina vanga.

Definitions mbwende: coward vanga: scar Translation A coward has no scar. Inspiration Cowards avoid fights and as a result, are … Read more

Meso ihunzanungo, kubata hazvidyi muswere.

Translation Looking on causes laziness, but the actual doing will not take a whole day. Application Sometimes work is actually … Read more

Mhanje isina mwana hainzi ichembere.

Word definitions mhanje: barren woman Translation Being a barren childless woman does not make one an old woman. Application One … Read more

Mhembwe rudzi, inozvara mwana ane kazhumu.

Definitions zhumu: tuft of hair on head Translation A duiker is one of a species, it bears a child with … Read more

Minwe misiyanwa.

Translation Fingers are all different. Application Each and every individual is unique. No individuals can be exactly alike in all … Read more

Mizhezhekedzwa ndiyo inosukudza.

Word definitions zhezhekedza: Handle object carefully to keep it from falling apart. muzhezhekedzwa: Something that shows weakness or frailty e.g. … 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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