Tsumo
The Shona are exceedingly rich in proverbs. Proverbs are a cherished and interesting part of their oral literature.
Translation Wrongdoing consumes the wrongdoer. Application When someone commits a wrongdoing or makes a moral mistake, the guilt, shame, or … Read more
Definitions chivi: adversity. tragic happening Translation Adversity befalls not only one, but all. Application When one faces adversity, it affects … Read more
Word definitions mungozva: nursing mother Translation Only one who cuddles the baby of a nursing mother will enjoy the fruits … Read more
Translation When hunting, announce a kill only after making it. Application Sometimes it is unwise to celebrate or declare things … Read more
Definitions chura: frog Translation That a frog lives in the water does not mean it drinks. Application Just because someone … Read more
Word definitions dembo: striped polecat Translation A polecat should not be skinned in public. Inspiration Striped polecats are considered edible … Read more
Definitions dhimba: long-billed crombec – a small nearly tailless bird nyana: young bird besu: tail of fish or bird Translation … Read more
Word Definitions nhungo: upright roof poles mbariro: thin or split poles that go round binding together the upright roof poles … Read more
Definitions Dzambiringwa: A tangy but edible fruit of mudzambiringwa, which is a climber or creeper plant. Nyemba: Cow peas. Certain … Read more
Definitions dzingidzi: carpenter bee chomudzimu: From the ancestors. This is an expression meaning that which is outside one’s control. Translation … Read more
Translation A crocodile infested lake is one in which you swim only once; if you go for it again, this … Read more
Definitions zamba: bask bako: cave Translation A lizard that basks in the sun knows there is a cave nearby. Inspiration Lizards … Read more
Definitions svuura: peel. strip off. gavi: strip of bark Translation The manner in which the bark is stripped determines its … Read more
Word definitions mukombe: hollowed out gourd with a long handle used for drinking gengezha: reference to an old/ cracked mukombe … Read more
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.
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.