Tsumo

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

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

Mhosva ibakatwa, rinopakatirwa nokwawaenda.

Definitions bakatwa: Big knife (used as weapon; carried in sheath) pakatira: Put under arm Translation A wrongdoing is like a … Read more

Mhosva inorondwa, hakuna mhosva yakaita honye.

Definitions ronda: Follow a scent or spoor. Track. honye: Worm. Maggot Translation A crime is tracked; no wrongdoing ever ends … Read more

Mhosva yomumwe, mangwana ndeyako.

Translation It is someone else’s wrongdoing (today), tomorrow it could be yours. Application One who is unfeeling towards the misfortunes … Read more

Mhuka hairondwi isina kusiya gwara reropa.

Definitions ronda: follow the scent or track of an animal Translation An animal that has not left a trail of … 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

Mombe haipingudzwi nomunhu mumwe.

Word definitions pingudza: Tame. Train (oxen). Translation An ox cannot be trained by one person. Inspiration In traditional agricultural practices, … Read more

Mombe inopfuura haipedzi uswa.

Translation A passing ox does not wipe out the pasture. Application A visitor does not stay for good. Hospitality will … Read more

Mombe yenzuma kufuma ivete, kufunga chakadya nyanga dzayo.

Definitions nzuma: hornless beast Translation When a hornless beast lies down early in the morning, it is pondering what happened … Read more

Mombe yokuronzerwa, kama wakaringa nzira.

Word definitions ronza: entrust livestock to another’s care Translation Remember to watch the path when milking a cow entrusted to … Read more

Moto mushoma ndiwo unondombesa zviri mugapu.

Word definitions ndomba: be extremely well-cooked gapu: pot for cooking side dish Translation It is slow cooking that gets food … Read more

Mubayi wetsumo anowana zvaanoda.

Translation One who is good with proverbs gets what he wants. Application One who is convincing and persuasive has a … Read more

Mucheri wegurwe mutevedzeri, mudimbudziri anorasa mwena.

Word Definitions gurwe: large edible sand cricket mwena: hole. burrow mudimbudziri: one who takes a shortcut mutevedzeri: one who follows … Read more

Muchero wesango hauvimbwe nawo.

Translation A fruit from the forest cannot be relied upon. Application One can only firmly rely on what is theirs, … 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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