Archives: Tsumo

Translation Leave a grindstone behind when you depart, and take one with you wherever you go. Application Treat people and things around you with care, … Read more

Translation The grass in the buffalo’s belly is truly its own; the grass in its mouth — it might die before swallowing it. Application Nothing … Read more

Translation Fire-roasting is acceptable when done by the mother, but not by the child, because the child ends up putting out the fire. Application Very … Read more

Translation Quarrels started off as conversations. Application This proverb cautions people to be careful in their choice of words. Sometimes unending disputes are a result … Read more

Translation Roads that branch off began as one. Application This proverb cautions people to be careful in their choice of words. Sometimes unending disputes are … Read more

Translation What has passed is gone; spilt water cannot be gathered up again. Application It is pointless dwelling on things that have passed and cannot … Read more

Definitions kuva: come to an end (especially of fruit on tree) Translation Chieftainship is like a wild loquat tree, its season comes to an end. … Read more

Definitions mhute: fog Translation Chieftainship is fog that vanishes when the sun has risen. Application When in a position of authority one should always remember … Read more

Definitions dova: dew Translation Chieftainship is like dew, it evaporates. Application When in a position of authority one should always remember that their time at the … Read more

Definitions chitsiga: tree stump Translation The axe forgets but the tree stump never does. Application The offender easily forgets, but not the offended person. The … Read more