Tsumo

Shona proverbs are a reflection of Shona language, history and culture. They are a cherished and interesting part of Shona oral literature.

Mwana wegomba inhimbanapasi sehwevera.

Word definitions gomba: adulterer – lover of a married woman nhimbanapasi: This term can be translated as ‘dig (timba) from below’ hwevera: cutworm Translation An illegitimate child is like a … Read more

Mwena unorindirwa ndounobuda ishwa.

Definitions mwena: a burrow or hole in the ground. rindira: to watch over, wait for, or keep vigil. ishwa: edible flying termites that emerge seasonally and are a delicacy. Translation The burrow that … Read more

Mweni haaendi nedura.

Word definitions mweni: Guest. Visitor. dura: granary Translation A guest does not leave with the granary. Application A visitor does not stay for good. Hospitality will not exhaust one’s supplies. … Read more

Mwoyo imbesa, ungomera apo ungoda.

Translation The heart is like a tree, it sprouts where it chooses.. Application Each person will do as they please. Sometimes people make choices that will surprise everyone else, such … Read more

Mwoyo imota, unomera apo wada.

Translation The heart is like a boil, it grows where it chooses. Application Each person will do as they please. Sometimes people make choices that will surprise everyone else, such … Read more

Mwoyo muti, hautumwi pokumera.

Translation The heart is like a tree, the place at which it can germinate is not decided for it. Application Each person will do as they please. Sometimes people make … Read more

Mwoyo muti, unomera paunoda.

Translation The heart is like a tree, it sprouts where it chooses. Application Each person will do as they please. Sometimes people make choices that will surprise everyone else, such … Read more

Mwoyochena ndowei, bere kugarira mhuru yakafa zvayo?

Translation Why would a hyena be so kind as to guard a dead calf? Application Acts of kindness offered where the prevailing circumstances suggest that one might seek to benefit … Read more

Mwoyochena una mai, kuyamwisa mwana asiri wavo.

Translation A mother’s tender-heartedness compels her to suckle the child of another. Application Generally, women show more compassion and love to children than men do, and women are generally more … Read more

Mwoyochena wei, tsvimborume kubvisa mwana wemvana madzihwa?

Word definitions tsvimborume: bachelor who has passed the age of marrying mvana: unmarried woman who has borne a child/ woman past marriageable age. mwoyochena: benevolence. kindness Translation Why would an … Read more

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