Tsumo
The Shona are exceedingly rich in proverbs. Proverbs are a cherished and interesting part of their oral literature.
Translation The smoke from a fire over which one is roasting meat doesn’t irritate the eyes. Application People tend to … Read more
Translation One who eats an egg also eats the chick. Application Some responsibilities come with other responsibilities, some of which … Read more
Word definitions dope: mud Translation If it (cow) has muddy feet, then it must have had a drink. Inspiration Watering … Read more
Translation A hefty woman is ugly, but incapable of being a witch. Application Some people tend to give the impression … Read more
Word definitions muonde: fig tree Translation With the huge fig tree fallen down, where will children take shelter? Application When … Read more
Translation A huge man who pinches a child on the cheek (and upsets the child) seeks to draw the attention … Read more
Word definitions uchi: honey Translation The eye of another man’s wife drips honey. Application Things that belong to others always … Read more
Word Definitions runga: add salt munyu: salt Translation An owl being salted believes that being salted makes it a chicken … Read more
Word Definitions shungu: the feeling of being angry or upset Translation A millipede still feels upset, even though it simply … Read more
Definitions zundu: white grub Translation The white grub believes living in cow dung makes it a cow too. Inspiration Raw … Read more
Word definitions muvi: bad muuya: good Translation A day is as good as a year, it ends with both bad … Read more
Translation Meat does not rot in a day. Application Missing one day’s work does not wreck what one has set … Read more
Translation A granary is not emptied in one day. Application A visitor does not stay for good. Hospitality will not … Read more
Definitions radza: let a field lie fallow Translation One day (of absence) does not fallow a field. Application Missing one … Read more
Translation One day does not kill a person. Application Missing one day’s work does not wreck what one has set … Read more
Are You a Primary School Teacher?
Get my free children's Shona storybooks delivered straight to your school.
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.