Tsumo

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

Chitanduro ndaamai, mugoti unopiwa anyerere.

Definitions chitanduro: discerning person Translation It is from a mother’s wisdom that the cooking stick is given to the quiet … Read more

Chitiyo kupinda muzai, kuona mai.

Word definitions chitiyo (nhiyo): chick Translation A chick in an egg has seen its mother (do the same). Application The … Read more

Chitsva chiri murutsoka.

Word definitions rutsoka: foot Translation New things are in the foot. Inspiration for proverb The foot is used in reference … Read more

Chivendekete anoseka chimedure.

Definitions chivendekete: person who has lost some teeth Translation The one with a gap laughs at the one with a … Read more

Chiverevere ndechekubaya mombe, chamakombo maitiudzawo.

Word definitions chiverevere: doing something secretly gombo: new agricultural land Translation While slaughtering an ox could be done secretly, we … Read more

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

Chousiku tenda muperekedzi, kutsurwa chinorasika.

Application When we receive a benefit or blessing, we should remember and appreciate those through whom it came. This proverb … 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

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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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