Tsumo

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

Chivi chinodya mwene wacho.

Translation Wrongdoing consumes the wrongdoer. Application When someone commits a wrongdoing or makes a moral mistake, the guilt, shame, or … Read more

Chivi hachivingi mumwe, asi vose.

Definitions chivi: adversity. tragic happening Translation Adversity befalls not only one, but all. Application When one faces adversity, it affects … Read more

Chomungozva chinodyiwa nowabata mwana.

Word definitions mungozva: nursing mother Translation Only one who cuddles the baby of a nursing mother will enjoy the fruits … Read more

Chomusango, ridza mhere wabaya.

Translation When hunting, announce a kill only after making it. Application Sometimes it is unwise to celebrate or declare things … Read more

Chura kugara mumvura handi kunwa.

Definitions chura: frog Translation That a frog lives in the water does not mean it drinks. Application Just because someone … Read more

Dembo harivhiyirwi paruzhinji.

Word definitions dembo: striped polecat Translation A polecat should not be skinned in public. Inspiration Striped polecats are considered edible … Read more

Dhimba kushaya besu usati inyana.

Definitions dhimba: long-billed crombec  – a small nearly tailless bird nyana: young bird besu: tail of fish or bird Translation … Read more

Dzaiva nhungo dzava mbariro.

Word Definitions nhungo: upright roof poles mbariro: thin or split poles that go round binding together the upright roof poles … Read more

Dzambiringwa kumera munyemba hunzi ndava nyembawo.

Definitions Dzambiringwa: A tangy but edible fruit of mudzambiringwa, which is a climber or creeper plant. Nyemba: Cow peas. Certain … Read more

Dzingidzi gonyera pamwe, chomudzimu chikuwanirepo.

Definitions dzingidzi: carpenter bee chomudzimu: From the ancestors. This is an expression meaning that which is outside one’s control. Translation … Read more

Dziva rine ngwena idivakamwe, ukadzokera unowana ngwena dzasvinura.

Translation A crocodile infested lake is one in which you swim only once; if you go for it again, this … Read more

Dzvinyu kuzamba zuva, huona bako.

Definitions zamba: bask bako: cave Translation A lizard that basks in the sun knows there is a cave nearby. Inspiration Lizards … Read more

Gavi rakabva kumasvuuriro.

Definitions svuura: peel. strip off. gavi: strip of bark Translation The manner in which the bark is stripped determines its … Read more

Gengezha mukombe, hazvienzani nekunwira mudemhe.

Word definitions mukombe: hollowed out gourd with a long handle used for drinking gengezha: reference to an old/ cracked mukombe … Read more

Gomba harina mwana.

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