Tsumo

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

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

Zigadzi kunyangara, asi kuroya harigoni.

Translation A hefty woman is ugly, but incapable of being a witch. Application Some people tend to give the impression … Read more

Zimuonde ziguru kuputsika pwere dzinovanda pai?

Word definitions muonde: fig tree Translation With the huge fig tree fallen down, where will children take shelter? Application When … Read more

Zirume kutswinya mwana padama, kuti vari mumba vanzwe.

Translation A huge man who pinches a child on the cheek (and upsets the child) seeks to draw the attention … Read more

Ziso romukadzi womumwe rinodonha uchi.

Word definitions uchi: honey Translation The eye of another man’s wife drips honey. Application Things that belong to others always … Read more

Zizi kurungwa munyu, hunzi ndava hukuwo.

Word Definitions runga: add salt munyu: salt Translation An owl being salted believes that being salted makes it a chicken … Read more

Worried Your Child Is Behind in Shona?

There’s still time to catch up before the Grade 7 exam.

My Newsletter

Join thousands of subscribers and receive my best stories. You can unsubscribe at any time.

    About

    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.

    Connect With Me

    Categories