Tsumo
Shona proverbs are a reflection of Shona language, history and culture. They are a cherished and interesting part of Shona oral literature.
Definitions nhava: woven bag benzi: fool Translation A fool’s woven bag does not last long. Application This proverb is used to warn against carelessness. Someone who does not take care … Read more
Word Definitions bakwa: woodpile Translation A pregnancy is like a woodpile, it harbours snakes and rats. Application Even good respectable parents sometimes have children who end up as bad people. … Read more
Definitions nhamburirwa: something that is toiled/ suffered for. riva: stone trap Translation The stomach is worked hard for, as even the mouse dies in a stone trap searching for food. … Read more
Translation You know you always like to have your fill, yet you scold the granary owner. Application One is cautioned against improperly treating those they depend on or derive benefit … Read more
Definitions njera: finger millet Translation Millet that gets left behind in the field is the one that gets picked by the birds. Application Continuing to do something after everyone else … Read more
Translation Shame is worse than death Application Sometimes humiliation can be so great that one cannot face others, nor imagine how they will move on from there.
Translation The one who tastes is the one who knows whether the meat is fully cooked. Application The most intimate details of a person’s life, along with their feelings, are … Read more
Translation A land is its people. Application The success of a nation depends on the effort of its people.
Word Definitions mvana: unmarried woman who has borne a child/ woman past marriage age Translation The womb of a woman (of childbearing age) bore a thief and a witch. Application … Read more
Translation The thorny path is the one that leads to chieftainship. Application The harder the work, the greater the reward.
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About Shungu
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