Tsumo

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

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

Mwana washe muranda kumwe.

Word definitions muranda: servant ishe: chief Translation Outside his father’s territory, the son of  a chief is a servant. Application … Read more

Mwana wegomba inhimbanapasi sehwevera.

Word definitions gomba: adulterer – lover of a married woman nhimbanapasi: This term can be translated as ‘dig (timba) from … Read more

Mwena unorindirwa ndounobuda ishwa.

Definitions mwena: a burrow or hole in the ground. rindira: to watch over, wait for, or keep vigil. ishwa: edible flying termites that … Read more

Mweni haaendi nedura.

Word definitions mweni: Guest. Visitor. dura: granary Translation A guest does not leave with the granary. Application A visitor does … Read more

Worried Your Child Is Behind in Shona?

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

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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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