Tsumo
Shona proverbs are a reflection of Shona language, history and culture. They are a cherished and interesting part of Shona oral literature.
Word Definitions shungu: the feeling of being angry or upset Translation A millipede still feels upset, even though it simply coils. Application One’s failure to retaliate or speak out when … Read more
Definitions zundu: white grub Translation The white grub believes living in cow dung makes it a cow too. Inspiration Raw cow dung or fresh cow manure may form a breeding … Read more
Word definitions muvi: bad muuya: good Translation A day is as good as a year, it ends with both bad and good news. Application So many things can happen in … Read more
Translation Meat does not rot in a day. Application Missing one day’s work does not wreck what one has set out to achieve. Similar Proverbs 1. Zuva rimwe hariradzi munda. … Read more
Translation A granary is not emptied in one day. Application A visitor does not stay for good. Hospitality will not exhaust one’s supplies. The general message is to discourage stinginess … Read more
Definitions radza: let a field lie fallow Translation One day (of absence) does not fallow a field. Application Missing one day’s work does not wreck what one has set out … Read more
Translation One day does not kill a person. Application Missing one day’s work does not wreck what one has set out to achieve. Similar Proverbs 1. Zuva rimwe hariodzi nyama. … Read more
Word Definitions zuva: day deko: night Translation The day has eyes, and the night has ears. Application Nothing remains hidden forever. Even that which happens in secret, people will eventually … Read more
Word definitions bere: hyena imvi: grey hairs Translation How is it so that an old woman goes missing and a hyena vomits balls of grey hair? Inspiration While hyenas can … Read more
Translation Only a fool knows what tomorrow has in store. Application Do what needs to be done and not put it off for another day, for no one knows what … Read more
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About Shungu
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