Tsumo

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

Mwana washe muranda kumwe.

Word definitions muranda: servant ishe: chief Translation Outside his father’s territory, the son of  a chief is a servant. Application … Read more

Mwana wegomba inhimbanapasi sehwevera.

Word definitions gomba: adulterer – lover of a married woman nhimbanapasi: This term can be translated as ‘dig (timba) from … Read more

Mweni haaendi nedura.

Word definitions mweni: Guest. Visitor. dura: granary Translation A guest does not leave with the granary. Application A visitor does … Read more

Mwoyo imbesa, ungomera apo ungoda.

Translation The heart is like a tree, it sprouts where it chooses.. Application Each person will do as they please. … Read more

Mwoyo imota, unomera apo wada.

Translation The heart is like a boil, it grows where it chooses. Application Each person will do as they please. … Read more

Mwoyo muti, hautumwi pokumera.

Translation The heart is like a tree, the place at which it can germinate is not decided for it. Application … Read more

Mwoyo muti, unomera paunoda.

Translation The heart is like a tree, it sprouts where it chooses. Application Each person will do as they please. … Read more

Mwoyochena ndowei, bere kugarira mhuru yakafa zvayo?

Translation Why would a hyena be so kind as to guard a dead calf? Application Acts of kindness offered where … Read more

Mwoyochena una mai, kuyamwisa mwana asiri wavo.

Translation A mother’s tender-heartedness compels her to suckle the child of another. Application Generally, women show more compassion and love … Read more

Mwoyochena wei, tsvimborume kubvisa mwana wemvana madzihwa?

Word definitions tsvimborume: bachelor who has passed the age of marrying mvana: unmarried woman who has borne a child/ woman … Read more

N’ai kwadzo ndedzomucheche, dzomukuru dzinoreva kudya.

Word definitions n’ai: yawn Translation Only a baby’s yawn is sincere, that of an adult signals a desire for food. … Read more

N’anga nyoro inoodza maronda.

Word definitions n’anga: traditional healer nyoro: gentle Translation A gentle healer will leave wounds (or sores) to rot. Inspiration A … Read more

Natsa kwaunobva, kwaunoenda usiku.

Translation Leave a place on good terms because you are headed into the night. Inspiration One can hardly see what’s … Read more

Ndakaziva haana zano.

Translation There is no wisdom in regret. Application Take heed of advice before it is too late.

Ndarira imwe hairiri.

Word definitions ndarira: Brass leg ornament Translation One ankle bracelet does not rattle. Application A huge or demanding task is … 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.

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