Tsumo

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

Gomba harina mwana.

Word definitions gomba: adulterer – lover of married woman Translation The lover of a married woman has no child. Application … Read more

Gomo guru rakapera nokumwaukira.

Definitions mwaukira: break/ tear apart Translation A big mountain leveled out through gradual wear. Application Even tasks that seem impossible … Read more

Gudo hariramwirwi munda.

Translation One cannot afford to just sulk and watch as a baboon enters their field. Inspiration for proverb Baboons are … Read more

Gudo rakapona namanainai.

Word definitions manainai: Astonishing circumstance Translation A baboon escaped by dodging from place to place. Application In pursuit of goals … Read more

Gunde repwa rinonaka, asi hariiswi mudura.

Word Definitions gunde: stalk ipwa: sugarcane dura: granary Translation The stalk of sugarcane is tasty but is never stored away … Read more

Gunguo rakaramba kumirira museve, rikapona nehwakumukwaku.

Word definitions gunguo: crow hwakumukwaku: hopping museve: arrow Translation The crow decided it would not wait for the arrow, and … Read more

Guyu kutsvuka, kutsvuka zvaro asi mukati rizere masvosve.

Word definitions guyu (onde): fig Translation While a fig might appear ripe and juicy from the outside, the inside is … Read more

Gwara harina mbonje.

Definitions gwara: coward mbonje: scar Translation A coward has no scar. Inspiration Cowards avoid fights and as a result, are … Read more

Hamba hairemerwi namakwati ayo.

Translation A tortoise is not overburdened by its shell. Application Nobody will resent bearing a burden resulting from something that … Read more

Hapana imba isina gonzo.

Translation There is no house without a rat. Application Every place or community will have something or someone that is … Read more

Hapana kunomera sora roga.

Translation There is no place where only weeds grow. Application No matter how bleak a place or economy might seem, … Read more

Hapana kusina dura.

Translation There is no place without a granary. Application No matter how bleak a place or economy might seem, one … Read more

Hapana mukuyu unovinga shiri.

Word definitions mukuyu: tree of the guyu fruit, also known as muonde Translation It is not the mukuyu tree that … Read more

Hapana munwe unoiswa mukanwa, ukabuda usina mate.

Translation No finger put into the mouth will come out without saliva. Application One who has decided to carry out … Read more

Hapana mvura isina chura.

Translation There is no water-body without a frog. Application Every place or community will have something or someone that is … 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.

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