Tsumo
The Shona are exceedingly rich in proverbs. Proverbs are a cherished and interesting part of their oral literature.
Word Definitions bvupa: bone hari: earthenware pot Translation Forcing a bone into a pot will break the pot. Inspiration Earthenware … Read more
Word definitions svava: Wilt. Wither. Droop. Translation What has travelled has wilted. Application When one is outside the boundaries of … Read more
Word Definitions tsambarafuta: large fatty edible flying ant igo: wasp Translation What used to drip (fat) eventually dried out; the … Read more
Translation What came first made one wiser. Application Bad experiences, blunders, and mistakes from the past, drive people to be … Read more
Translation It is roofs, that cover houses. Inspiration A house is covered by the roof, otherwise everything inside would be … Read more
Word definitions bere: hyena kodza: make fat mapfupa: bones Translation It is bones, that fattened a hyena. Inspiration Hyenas are … Read more
Word definitions kodza: make fat mashamba: fodder melon Translation The pig was fattened by fodder melons. Inspiration The fruit of … Read more
Translation That which got up at night is an enemy. Application Things done secretly, especially at night, are usually considered … Read more
Word definitions kona: be unsuccessful Translation What has failed has failed, one cannot marry off their mother. Inspiration In olden … Read more
Translation What has caused you to be taken by the river has sanctioned that you sustain a wound. Application The … Read more
Translation What has entered the ear has spread a mat. Inspiration Kuwaridza bonde is an expression which means ‘settle somewhere’ … Read more
Definitions chara: thumb-nail/ thumb/ finger inda: louse Translation One finger cannot crush a louse. Inspiration Squashing something between the fingers … Read more
Word definitions kana: quarrel violently Translation What has failed has failed; there can be no dispute over a mother’s wealth. … Read more
Word definitions rovedzera: become quite accustomed mawere: steep rock face, especially a tall one Translation What one has become accustomed … Read more
Word definitions ishe: chief dare: court Translation What belongs to a chief is enjoyed by one who sits at his … Read more
Are You a Primary School Teacher?
Get my free children's Shona storybooks delivered straight to your school.
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.
