Tsumo

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

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

Ushasha hwaro gudo, kufamba rakasimudza chiuno kunyange risina muswe.

Definitions ushasha: expertise Translation It is true mastery – for a  baboon to walk with its waist raised, even without … 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

Ushe imhute inoparara zuva rabuda.

Definitions mhute: fog Translation Chieftainship is fog that vanishes when the sun has risen. Application When in a position of … Read more

Ushe muzhanje, hunokuva.

Definitions kuva: come to an end (especially of fruit on tree) Translation Chieftainship is like a wild loquat tree, its … 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

Uswa hwenyati ndohuri mudumbu, huri pamuromo inofa nahwo.

Translation The grass in the buffalo’s belly is truly its own; the grass in its mouth — it might die … 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

Warara, warara nomuromo wake.

Translation One who has gone to sleep, sleeps with his mouth. Application When one dies, the things of this world … Read more

Yambiro hwowa, kutanha isaruraude.

Translation Advice is like mushrooms, you pick what you like. Application You may receive all sorts of free advice, but … 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

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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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