Tsumo

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

Nzou hairemerwi nenyanga dzayo.

Translation An elephant is not overburdened by its tusks. Application Nobody will resent bearing a burden resulting from something that … Read more

Nzou mutupo pana vanhu, paseri ava machikichori.

Word definitions mutupo: totem animal, which one abstains from eating machikichori: pleasant tasting food Translation Elephant meat is taboo in … Read more

Nzou yakaramba kuudzwa ikabudisa nyanga nomukanwa.

Translation The elephant ignored advice and ended up growing tusks through the mouth. Application A person who ignores advice usually … Read more

Padoko padoko, hapadzokeri pakare.

Translation Bit by bit (what has been done), cannot be undone. Application Slow progress is still progress.

Paenda badza hapareveteki.

Definitions reveteka: talk Translation Where the hoe has done its work, talking is unnecessary. Application If you persevere at something … Read more

Pagara murimi, pagara mupopoti.

Translation Where there is a farmer, there is a grumbler. Application An industrious person is always busy and eager to … Read more

Pako hapana radoka.

Translation It is never late (to be working) when it is yours. Application For one’s personal ventures, they are more … Read more

Panoda mwoyo nzira haisviki.

Translation The path does not reach where the heart longs to be. Application Sometimes the things we long for the … Read more

Panodya ishe, nevaranda vanodyawo.

Translation When the master eats, the servants also eat. Application When someone in a position of responsibility succeeds, those under … Read more

Panorairwa mwana wamambo, muranda teerera.

Translation You servant, take heed of the advice given to you master’s son. Inspiration While serving the king a servant … Read more

Pasi mupindu, panopinduka.

Translation The world is changeable, it changes. Application Things change with time. What is there today might not be there … Read more

Pereka chavamwe chisina vende.

Definitions pereka: return something vende: gap (commonly used to refer to gap between teeth) Translation Return other people’s property whole. … Read more

Pinda haipedzi mhunga.

Word definitions pinda: beer made from re-soaked strainings mhunga: millet Translation Beer made from re-soaked strainings does not use up … Read more

Poshi haarwirwi, tinorwira piri.

Translation We do not fight over the first, but the second. Application People are usually willing to forgive when wronged … Read more

Rega dzive shiri, mazai haana muto.

Translation Better wait for (the eggs to hatch to) birds so you can have a stew instead of just eggs. … 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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