Tsumo

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

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

Zongororo kugonya haro, asi shungu rinadzo.

Word Definitions shungu: the feeling of being angry or upset Translation A millipede still feels upset, even though it simply … Read more

Zundu kugara mundove, hunzi neni ndava mombewo.

Definitions zundu: white grub Translation The white grub believes living in cow dung makes it a cow too. Inspiration Raw … Read more

Zuva igore, rinodoka rava namarevo mavi namauya.

Word definitions muvi: bad muuya: good Translation A day is as good as a year, it ends with both bad … Read more

Zuva rimwe hariodzi nyama.

Translation Meat does not rot in a day. Application Missing one day’s work does not wreck what one has set … Read more

Zuva rimwe haripedzi dura.

Translation A granary is not emptied in one day. Application A visitor does not stay for good. Hospitality will not … Read more

Zuva rimwe hariradzi munda.

Definitions radza: let a field lie fallow Translation One day (of absence) does not fallow a field. Application Missing one … Read more

Zuva rimwe hariurayi munhu.

Translation One day does not kill a person. Application Missing one day’s work does not wreck what one has set … Read more

Zuva rine meso, deko rine nzeve.

Word Definitions zuva: day deko: night Translation The day has eyes, and the night has ears. Application Nothing remains hidden … Read more

Zvaita sei kuti chembere yorasika, bere rorutsa imvi?

Word definitions bere: hyena imvi: grey hairs Translation How is it so that an old woman goes missing and a … Read more

Zvamangwana zvinozivikanwa nebenzi.

Translation Only a fool knows what tomorrow has in store. Application Do what needs to be done and not put … Read more

Worried Your Child Is Behind in Shona?

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

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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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