Tsumo

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

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

Ndezvewabaya, kuti chiropa hachiseveswi sadza.

Definitions chiropa: liver wabaya: slaughterer Translation It is one who has slaughtered (a beast), who says the liver is not … Read more

Ndezvomwana mudiki, kubata nhengu anonzi rasa izizi.

Word definitions nhengu: drongo bird zizi: owl Translation A child could be fooled into believing that a drongo bird is … Read more

Ndima yabatwa yasundika.

Definitions ndima: Portion of field allotted to one for weeding. Piece of work. Translation A piece of work once started … Read more

Ndisvike ndisvike inoradza vazhinji panzira.

Translation Many have had to spend the night on the road because of hastiness. Application Trying to do something too … Read more

Ndiyo hayo, nyama yousina imbwa.

Translation Whatever I can get is good enough, says the one who has no dogs. Inspiration Traditional hunting is characterized … Read more

Ndongwe inyama, hazvienzani nenhikiti.

Definitions ndongwe: grasshoper nhikiti: pumpkin seeds Translation Locust meat is meat nonetheless, and better than having pumpkin seeds as a … Read more

Ngoma inorira ichiti pangu pangu.

Translation A drum makes the sound, ‘my my.’ Inspiration for proverb ‘Pangu is a form of the word ‘my,’ 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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