Tsumo

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

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

Zino irema, rinosekerera anorivenga.

Translation A tooth is a fool; it smiles even at one who dislikes it. Application Sometimes people appear friendly and … Read more

Zino irema, rinosekerera warisingadi.

Translation A tooth is a fool; it smiles even at the one it does not like. Application Sometimes people appear … 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

Worried Your Child Is Behind in Shona?

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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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