Tsumo

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

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

Mwoyo imbesa, ungomera apo ungoda.

Translation The heart is like a tree, it sprouts where it chooses.. Application Each person will do as they please. … Read more

Mwoyo imota, unomera apo wada.

Translation The heart is like a boil, it grows where it chooses. Application Each person will do as they please. … Read more

Mwoyo muti, hautumwi pokumera.

Translation The heart is like a tree, the place at which it can germinate is not decided for it. Application … Read more

Mwoyo muti, unomera paunoda.

Translation The heart is like a tree, it sprouts where it chooses. Application Each person will do as they please. … Read more

Mwoyochena ndowei, bere kugarira mhuru yakafa zvayo?

Translation Why would a hyena be so kind as to guard a dead calf? Application Acts of kindness offered where … Read more

Mwoyochena una mai, kuyamwisa mwana asiri wavo.

Translation A mother’s tender-heartedness compels her to suckle the child of another. Application Generally, women show more compassion and love … Read more

Mwoyochena wei, tsvimborume kubvisa mwana wemvana madzihwa?

Word definitions tsvimborume: bachelor who has passed the age of marrying mvana: unmarried woman who has borne a child/ woman … 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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