Tsumo

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

Mwana asingacheme anofira mumbereko.

Definitions mbereko: baby carrier in which a child is carried on a person’s back Translation A child who does not cry while on their mother’s back will die quietly. Inspiration … Read more

Mwana chingwarire haapunyutsi mbeva.

Translation A clever child does not let a mouse get away. Inspiration The hunting and eating of mice is very common in some traditional communities in Zimbabwe. Application One who … Read more

Mwana ijira rinofukwa nevanhu ose.

Translation A child is a blanket that is shared by everybody. Application Every child is everyone’s child. A child has a duty towards not only the immediate family but also … Read more

Mwana muduku kubvuma rwendo, rwake ruri mukati.

Translation A child accepts an errand that stands to benefit them. Inspiration Children generally dislike chores and running errands. A child will unhesitatingly agree to an errand that helps them … Read more

Mwana washe muranda kumwe.

Word definitions muranda: servant ishe: chief Translation Outside his father’s territory, the son of  a chief is a servant. Application When one is outside the boundaries of their authority or … Read more

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

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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.

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