Tsumo

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

Imbwa mbiri hadzitorerwi nyama.

Translation A piece of meat cannot be pulled away from two dogs. Application The combined strength of two people cannot … Read more

Imbwa payadyira haipakanganwi.

Translation A dog will not forget the place at which it fed. Application When in need, one is more likely … Read more

Indemo hadzo dzeane nyota, asi mvura haikokotwi.

Word Definitions ndemo: resistance to guidance, unruliness kokota: to clean out last remnants of something in a vessel Translation A … Read more

Inhamo zvayo, tsvimborume kuveza duri seine mukadzi.

Word Definitions tsvimborume: bachelor who has passed the age of marrying duri: wooden mortar  (in which grain pounded) Translation Some … Read more

Inochema ndeiri pamusungo, iri muriva inoti denga rawa.

Definitions musungo: snare riva: trap with a falling flat stone, for catching small animals Translation One (an animal) that cries … Read more

Inotanda yomunyepi, younyerere haitandi.

Translation The loudmouth’s (dog), and not that of the quiet man, is the hunter. Application Some people sing their own … Read more

Ishe vanhu.

Translation A chief is the people. Application Those in authority should always bear in mind that their strength and influence … Read more

Kamoto kamberevere kanopisa matanda mberi.

Word definitions mberevere: slow burning fire Translation A low-intensity fire left to burn could burn down logs. Application A seemingly … Read more

Kana museve woda nyama unodauka wega pauta.

Word Definitions uta nemuseve: bow and arrow dauka: spring off Translation When the arrow craves meat, it springs off the … Read more

Kandiro enda, kandiro dzoka.

Translation Little plate (of food) go, little plate return. Application To receive kindness or assistance from others, one has to … Read more

Kandiro kanoenda kunobva kamwe.

Translation A small plate (of food) is given to one who has also given one. Application To receive kindness or … Read more

Kandiro kanopfumba kunobva kamwe.

Word definitions pfumba: Please. Give satisifaction Translation A small plate (of food) will (be given to) please someone who has … Read more

Kanyenye kotsakatika, gondo roonekwa rakaruma nyama.

Definitions nyenye: Lamb. Kid. gondo: eagle Translation What a coincidence, that an eagle is seen with a piece of meat … Read more

Kare haagari ari kare.

Translation The past never stays the past. Application Things change with time. What is there today might not be there … Read more

Kashiri kasingapambari hakanuni.

Definitions pambara: hunt for food nuna: become plump Translation A bird that does not hunt for food does not plump … 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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