Tsumo

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

Mudzimu unoteurwa usiku ndowomuroyi.

Word definitions mudzimu: ancestral spirit Translation An ancestral spirit to whom ritual offerings are made at night is that of … Read more

Mudzimu wakupa ronda wati nhunzi dzikudye.

Translation The ancestral spirit that inflicted your wound has exposed you to being fed on by flies. Inspiration Vadzimu are … Read more

Mudzimu wemvana, kuroorwa ikarambwa.

Word Definitions mvana: unmarried woman who has borne a child/ woman past marriageable age mudzimu: ancestral spirit Translation It’s her … Read more

Mufaro mwena, kuutevera unoguma.

Definitions mwena: burrow Translation Pleasure is like a burrow; if you follow it, it will come to an end. Application … Read more

Mugarire wekondo, kudzudzura dumba namatope.

Definitions kondo: Hammerkop. This is a wading bird which has a crest that looks like a backward projection of the … Read more

Mugoni wepwere ndousinayo.

Translation Only someone without a child believes they can discipline one. Application It is unwise to judge someone who is … Read more

Mukadzi akanaka ari womumwe.

Translation A wife is good/ attractive when she is another’s. Application Things that belong to others always seem better or … Read more

Mukarirano wakapedza mbuya munzara.

Definitions Mukarirano: Evading responsibility or shifting blame to others instead of taking action. Translation Shifting responsibility led to the mother-in-law’s … Read more

Mukarirano wakapisa umba.

Definitions Mukarirano: Evading responsibility or shifting blame to others instead of taking action. Translation Shifting responsibility led to the house … Read more

Mukuru mukuru, hanga haigari pfunde.

Definitions pfunde: sorghum plant hanga: guinea-fowl Translation A senior is senior; a guinea fowl does not perch on a sorghum … Read more

Mukutanda mapfeni ndimo munowanikwa ndimo.

Word Definitions mapfeni: baboons ndimo: it’s through it (1) ndimo: agricultural land (2) Translation It is through chasing baboons that … Read more

Munhu kutukirwa kubata, kupiwa ushe.

Translation One who is rebuked for failing to work is being offered chieftaincy. Application Sometimes people will encourage someone to … Read more

Munhu munhu, chirema chinotungamira nzira.

Translation Every person has worth; even a disabled person can lead the way. Application Every person, regardless of their social … Read more

Munhu munhu, haafanani nembwa inokandirwa zvekudya.

Translation A person is a person; they are not like a dog that has food thrown to it. Application Every … Read more

Munhu munhu, hazvienzani nembwa.

Translation A person is a person; they cannot be compared to a dog. Application Every person deserves dignity, respect, and … Read more

Looking for a Shona story to read?

Enrich your child's Shona learning journey with our Shona Story Library.

My Newsletter

Join thousands of subscribers and receive my best stories. You can unsubscribe at any time.

    About

    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.

    Connect With Me

    Categories