Tsumo
Shona proverbs are a reflection of Shona language, history and culture. They are a cherished and interesting part of Shona oral literature.
Translation A dog that steals eggs will one day eat the chickens. Application Bad behaviour that is left unchecked will become uncontrollable and result in even more damaging consequences.
Translation A dog that bites visitors will one day bite its master. Application Bad behavior that is left unchecked will become uncontrollable and result in even more damaging consequences.
Translation A sleeping dog should not be roused for food. Application Avoid interfering in a situation that is currently causing no problems but may well do so as a result … Read more
Translation A piece of meat cannot be pulled away from two dogs. Application The combined strength of two people cannot be challenged by the effort of one.
Translation A dog will not forget the place at which it fed. Application When in need, one is more likely to turn to those who were of help to him … Read more
Definitions bvupa: bone Translation It’s often the bad dog that gets the good bone. Application Sometimes, those who seem least capable are the ones who end up in important positions. … Read more
Definitions mhashu: locust Translation It is a sick man’s locust that is roasted while clutched by the leg. Application When someone who has little gains something, they hold on to … Read more
Word Definitions ndemo: resistance to guidance, unruliness kokota: to clean out last remnants of something in a vessel Translation A thirsty man might choose to be stubborn and insist on … Read more
Word Definitions tsvimborume: bachelor who has passed the age of marrying duri: wooden mortar (in which grain pounded) Translation Some things, like a senior bachelor carving a mortar as if … Read more
Definitions musungo: snare riva: trap with a falling flat stone, for catching small animals Translation One (an animal) that cries is the one caught in a snare; the one caught … Read more
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About Shungu
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.
