Tsumo

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

Tsvaga zano iwe une rakowo.

Translation Be sure to have your own ideas when you seek advice from others. Application The meaning of this proverb … Read more

Ukaimba rumbo rwenhamo, waparara.

Translation If you sing a song of misery, you are ruined. Application One who is suffering should refrain from repeatedly … Read more

Ungokutukira badza, ungokupa upfumi.

Translation The one who urges you to handle a hoe gives you riches. Inspiration Traditionally, the Shona relied primarily on … Read more

Upenyu ihwakumukwaku, hapana dacha rinodaukira rimwe.

Definitions hwakumukwaku: hopping Inspiration Life is a hopping affair, no frog hops for another. Application People are naturally inclined to … Read more

Usapedzere tsvimbo kuna vanamakuwe, hanga dzichauya.

Definitions kuwe: grey-lourie. go-away bird hanga: guinea fowl Translation Guinea fowls will come, so save your knobkerries rather than waste … Read more

Usatya ngwena, iwo makumbo ari mudziva.

Definitions ngwena: crocodile dziva: pool (in river) Translation No point being afraid of crocodiles when your feet are already in … Read more

Ushe idova, hunoparara.

Definitions dova: dew Translation Chieftainship is like dew, it evaporates. Application When in a position of authority one should always remember … Read more

Usiku igore, zuva igore.

Translation A night is a year, and a day is a year. Application So many things can happen in one … Read more

Utsi hwenyama hautosvori.

Translation The smoke from a fire over which one is roasting meat doesn’t irritate the eyes. Application People tend to … Read more

Wabvunza, watsvara mhosva.

Definitions tsvara: reveal (by scratching) something covered up Translation He who has enquired has revealed the wrong. Application Some things … Read more

Wadya zai, wadya nhiyo yacho.

Translation One who eats an egg also eats the chick. Application Some responsibilities come with other responsibilities, some of which … Read more

Yatsika dope, yanwa.

Word definitions dope: mud Translation If it (cow) has muddy feet, then it must have had a drink. Inspiration Watering … Read more

Zano hunge une rako.

Translation It is advice when you have your own ideas. Application The meaning of this proverb is quite apparent. While … Read more

Zano pangwa une rakowo.

Translation Receive advice with your own ideas in mind. Application The meaning of this proverb is quite apparent. While it … Read more

Zigadzi kunyangara, asi kuroya harigoni.

Translation A hefty woman is ugly, but incapable of being a witch. Application Some people tend to give the impression … 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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