Tsumo

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

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

Pane mutumbi ndipo pane magora.

Definitions mutumbi: Carcass magora: Vultures Translation Vultures gather where the carcass is. Application The proverb teaches that people do not … 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

Rega kubvunza nyama kuti ndeyekugocha, iwe muto uchiuona.

Translation Do not ask whether the meat is roasted when you can clearly see it’s a stew. Application Some things … Read more

Rega kunera nyoka uchisiya rupinda.

Word Definitions rupinda: tip of snake’s tail nera: strike Translation Do not strike a snake and leave the tail. Application … Read more

Regai zvakadaro tigozviudza zvopoya gomo naparutivi.

Translation Let them be; we will inform them when they try to find a way around the mountain Application When … Read more

Rinofa harina nzeve, rine nzeve rinozvinzwira.

Translation One that dies has no ears; one that has ears hears for itself. Application One who is attentive or … 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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