Tsumo

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

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

Rinonyenga rinohwarara, rinosimudza musoro rawana.

Word definitions nyenga: court hwarara: to bow low in a kneeling position Translation One bows humbly before someone they are … Read more

Ropa uya nderina vatsungi.

Definitions tsunga: Face and withstand with courage. Be determined. uya: good ropa uya: this is an expression for ‘fortunate’ or … Read more

Rume rimwe harikombi churu.

Word definitions churu: anthill komba: surround Translation One man cannot surround an anthill. Application A huge or demanding task is … Read more

Rumoto runakira ndirwo runokonza mbare.

Translation It is a pleasantly warm fire that causes scorch marks on the skin. Application Some things are deceiving in … Read more

Ruzambu kugara munyemba rwoti ndava nyembawo.

Definitions ruzambu: Heart-leaved vine. A climbing plant used in basketry nyemba: Cow peas. Certain species of cowpeas are climbers and … 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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