Tsumo

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

Murombo munhu.

Translation A poor person is also a human being. Application Every person, regardless of their social or economic status, deserves … Read more

Muromo haupi, chinopa maoko.

Translation It is the hands that give, not the mouth. Application It is easy to say that one can or … Read more

Muroyi haaroyi murume wake.

Translation A witch does not witch her husband. Application However unpleasant someone may be, they will be good to those … Read more

Muroyi munhu, kubaiwa anochemawo.

Word definitions muroyi: person who practices witchcraft Translation A witch is human and will, like everyone else, cry when hurt. … Read more

Muroyi royera kure, ugowana anokuviga.

Translation Practise your witchcraft  far from those around you; that way they will grieve and bury you when you die. … Read more

Murume akanaka asiri wako.

Translation A husband is good when he isn’t yours. Application Things that belong to others always seem better or more … Read more

Mutoro unorema wasvika.

Translation The load becomes heaviest just as you reach the end. Application Challenges often feel most intense just before a … Read more

Mutumwa haana mbonje.

Word definitions mbonje: wound resulting from being hit Translation A messenger shouldn’t be injured. Application Someone sent with a message … Read more

Muvhimi haatyi mumwe.

Translation A hunter does not fear another. Application One in pursuit of something should not be intimidated  by the presence … Read more

Mvura yateuka haichagoni kuorerwa.

Translation Spilt water cannot be gathered up again. Application It is pointless dwelling on things that have passed and cannot … Read more

Mwana asingacheme anofira mumbereko.

Definitions mbereko: baby carrier in which a child is carried on a person’s back Translation A child who does not … Read more

Mwana chingwarire haapunyutsi mbeva.

Translation A clever child does not let a mouse get away. Inspiration The hunting and eating of mice is very … Read more

Mwana ijira rinofukwa nevanhu ose.

Translation A child is a blanket that is shared by everybody. Application Every child is everyone’s child. A child has … Read more

Mwana muduku kubvuma rwendo, rwake ruri mukati.

Translation A child accepts an errand that stands to benefit them. Inspiration Children generally dislike chores and running errands. A … Read more

Mwana muduku kudziva musendo noruoko iwo uchazomudziva womene.

Definitions dziva: fend off musendo: a plane; a tool used for smoothing wood Translation A child who tries to fend … Read more

Worried Your Child Is Behind in Shona?

There’s still time to catch up before the Grade 7 exam.

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