This document contains several Shona proverbs and sayings. Some of the key ideas expressed are:
- Appearances can be deceiving and one should not judge based on outward characteristics alone.
- Actions have consequences and one must take responsibility for their own choices.
- Impartiality and discretion are important, especially in matters of authority or judgment.
- It is wise to accept help or gifts when needed rather than refuse out of pride.
- Loyalties and relationships can change over time based on changing circumstances.
This document contains several Shona proverbs and sayings. Some of the key ideas expressed are:
- Appearances can be deceiving and one should not judge based on outward characteristics alone.
- Actions have consequences and one must take responsibility for their own choices.
- Impartiality and discretion are important, especially in matters of authority or judgment.
- It is wise to accept help or gifts when needed rather than refuse out of pride.
- Loyalties and relationships can change over time based on changing circumstances.
This document contains several Shona proverbs and sayings. Some of the key ideas expressed are:
- Appearances can be deceiving and one should not judge based on outward characteristics alone.
- Actions have consequences and one must take responsibility for their own choices.
- Impartiality and discretion are important, especially in matters of authority or judgment.
- It is wise to accept help or gifts when needed rather than refuse out of pride.
- Loyalties and relationships can change over time based on changing circumstances.
go to the pool. wanted, one should go to an expert or an eyewitness. Charovedzera charovedzera; One who is used to We do easily that to which gudo rakakwira mawere something is one who we are accustomed. kwasviba. is used to something; the baboon climbed the precipice in the dark. Kuziva mbuya huudzwa. To know one's in-laws Wisdom comes from means being told who others. they are. Dzvinyu kuzamba zuva huona For a lizard to bask in If you venture into danger, bako. the sun is to have a be sure you have a means cave in view. of escape. Chirema ndechina mazano A cripple is one who A person must come to chinotamba chakazendama has sense; he dances terms with his limitations. kumadziro. while leaning against the walls. Mai musuva usingasehwi Mother is a morsel but Some persons are sacred, mumuto. not dipped into gravy. and not for common use. Rina manyanga hariputirwi That which has horns Nothing can be hidden mumushunje. is not concealed in a forever. bundle of grass. Tenda muchero wadya Be grateful for the fruit Do not count your chickens zvinogadza mwoyo. having eaten to before they are hatched. satisfaction. Tsvaga zano iwe une rakowo. Seek a plan when you have one of your own. Muno kufamba kunenge You have a walk like kukavira nyimo, kutizira the planting of ground- kuchinge kudyara nzungu, peas, a run like the kucheuka kukange sowing of ground-nuts, kutsindire'shwa. a turning as in the capture of termites. Ziriwo rechembere ziramba- The unattractive relish Do not be put off by waravira. of an old woman is appearances. refused only after tasting it. Kuramba nyama yechidembo To refuse the flesh of a Refusal of a gift implies hunge uine yetsuro. polecat means you you have no need of it. But have that of a hare. accept a gift, no matter how humble, if you need it to live. Kuramba dzvuku kuona jena. To reject a red one Do not refuse or reject means seeing a white anything unless you have one. something better. Kwamairidigikira ndiko Where YOU used to People are fickle in their kwomoringa benya; visit is where you now loyalties, and their kwamairinga benya ndiko turn up your nose; friendship is swayed by a kwomoridigikira. where you used to turn change of fortune. up your nose is where you now visit. Kureva ndokunei? Kutarisa What has speech got? kurevawo. Looking is also speaking. N'ai kwadzo ndedzomucheche. Genuine yawns belong Children are ingenuous, Dzomukuru dzinoreva kudya. to the child; those of adults devious. They an adult betoken food. convey their meanings, for example when complaining, in an indirect way. Ateyera mariva murutsva One who has set traps A man must take the haachatyi mhapa kusviba. in burnt grass no consequences of his longer fears his apron actions getting dirty. Matukirwo ababa kunema The way a father is Reproof is best conveyed mwana. scolded is to chide a indirectly. child in play. Kubaya, tange hama, vatorwa vakutye (When killing, first set on your kinsmen, so that strangers may respect you; viz. Be impartial if you would be respected) Chinono chine ingwe; bere Caution characterises No time like the present. rinodya richifamba. the leopard; the hyena eats as he walks. Chafamba kamwe hachiteyewi. Something that has A single transgression is passed only once is not not taken serious account trapped. of. Kwadzinorohwa matumburira Where they are kicked Harshness attracts more ndiko kwadzinomhanyira. in the belly is the place than kindness, for example to which they run. it is held that women are attracted to harsh men. Chapadare chakakandwa A matter arising in In regard to public affairs parurimi rwavapfuuri; court is thrown to the one may speak openly, but chomumba ehiri mumhepo. tongues of passersby; not about domestic affairs. that arising in the home stays in the air within. Rega kuyera nyoka ncgavi iyo Do not measure a Do not substitute false iripo. snake with string while imitations for the real it is present itself. thing. Mazvokuda kufa namaronda It's a deliberate choice Consequences of our own enyora. to die from the wounds choice can't be blamed on of tattoo marks. others. Dare harizondi munhu; A court does not hate A court should be rinozonda mhosva. the man; it hates the impartial. crime. Rukova rwizi; kuyambuka A brook is a river; A humble disposition is unokwinya nguo. when crossing you tuck required to overcome up your clothes. difficulties. Chomukuru hachikumbirwi. The property of an Elders use their own elder is not asked for. discretion. Chomukuru anopa omene. The property of an elder he gives away himself. Chitende chinorema ndechine The gourd which is Respect is accorded to mhodzi. heavy is the one which inner qualities rather than has seeds. to outward appearance. Muto wetsenza ndiwo mumwe. Soup made from tuber The attraction of variety, roots is one and the for example in women, is same. an illusion. Benzi kunge riri rako; kudzana Let a fool be your own Though others may laugh kwaro unopururudza. (kin), his dancing you'll at the efforts or faults of applaud. your own children, you will find grounds to encourage them. Ishungu dzomutana waswera It's the ill-nature of an A comment on meanness. padare kuramba nemhandire old man at the meeting seane meno. place to begrudge others even mealie grains as if he had the teeth to munch them. Maramba-kukombwa maramba- One who won't be hweni. surrounded is one who won't be visited. Kubikira mweni kumudzinga. To cook, for a stranger Do not be too ready with is to get rid of him. help for others if you wish to retain their presence or their respect. Kukokwa kwasamusha kukokwa The invitation of a kwavagere naye. village head is the invitation of those who dwell with him. Kukonwa kwedare kukonwa For a court to be kwamambo. convinced means the chief is convinced. Panodya ishe varanda When the chief eats The office of the chief vanodyawo. the subjects eat as benefits his people. well. Pasi nyimo makunguo aizodyei? If there were no If I were not here you ground-peas what would have found another would the crows eat? girl to woo. Kupa kuturika. To give is to hang up. Giving to help others is a good investment. Mutsa worutsoka kuperekedza The stupidity of the It is stupid to accompany ziso. foot is to accompany someone on some errand the eye. from which one cannot profit oneself. Kuchengeta imbwa yomweni To look after the dog Love me, love my dog. kuda mwene wayo. of a stranger is to love its owner. Aguta haaoneki. One who has had his He leaves because he has fill does not bid nothing further to ask. farewell. Chisi chako hachibatsiri; unodya What does not belong One cannot enjoy stolen wakaringa kumusuwo. to you is of no use; property, or use borrowed you eat facing the goods with a relaxed mind. doorway. Kandiro kanoenda kunobva A small dish goes One good turn deserves kamwe. whence comes another another. small one. Kandiro enda; kandiro dzoka. Little dish go; little One good turn deserves dish come back. another. Chitsva chitsva; munamba What is new is new; it New ways attract a wejenachena. is white porridge made following. with beestings. Kudada kwavari mugomo Arrogance of those on It is arrogant, not humble, kukumbira vari pasi mapfiwa. the hill is to ask those for those who havp plentv on the plain for hearth- to bc;r from those who stones. have little. Ishe ndishe; muranda muranda. A chief is a chief; a One's manner of acting subject is a subject. should accord with one's position in society. Pakukutu hapaurayi. A hard bed does not Discomfort need not rob a kill. man of his own dignity. Pachapwa madziva miramba When pools dry up we The death of one man tichanyurura. fish out the barbels. brings benefits to others. Kurera imbwa nomukaka Bring up a dog on milk One may spoil others by mangwana inofuma yokuruma. it will bite you first over-indulgence. thing the next day. Vataitururira matohwe nhasi Those for whom we got Kindness is not repaid bv ndivo votiseka maparapadzwa. down snot apples are respect. the ones who laugh at our bruises today. Usaguta ukasunda dura. Do not get so full as to Do not be improvident. overturn the barn. Kure ndokuna amai. Kune Far is where mother is. The difficulty in any mukadzi unofa wasvika. Where wife is you risk venture is relative to one's death to reach. interest. Kure kwegava ndokusina Far for a jackal is The attractiveness of any mutsubvu. where there is no work depends upon one's mutsubvu fruit tree. interest. Mwana muduku kubvuma If a child agrees to an One will endure rwendo; rwake ruri mberi. errand his own errand inconvenience if one's lies ahead. interest is involved. Apunyaira haashayi misodzi. One who has become Exertion brings some emotionally upset does reward. not lack tears. Chidokodoko chirere-muviri; A very little is From small beginnings chikuru chinozouya wakora. sustenance for the come great things. body; more will come later when it is fat. Nzombe huru yakabva A big bull resulted from Big results have small but mukurerwa. being nurtured. indispensible beginnings. Chakafukidza dzimba matenga. What covers houses A peaceful exterior may are the roofs. hide trouble inside. Ashamba haanokorerwi. One who has washed A cultured person is does not have stiff entitled to proper respect. porridge broken off for him, is not helped to food. Utsva hworurimi hahuna A burn on the tongue Some problems have no marapiro. cannot be treated. solution. Panoda mwoyo nzira haisviki. Where the heart longs A watched pot never boils. to be the path never reaches. Muroyi munhu kubayiwa A witch is human when No person, no matter how anochemawo. pricked she too cries. much he boasts, is invulnerable. Hwahwa hahuna mbuva. Beer is no food for a journey. Mwoyochena ndowei bere What kindness is it for A comment on an offer of kugarira munhu akafa? a hyena to mount help not entirely guard over a dead disinterested or which is man? hypocritical. Vaviri vaviri wechitatu Two are a pair a third muzvinaguhwa. is a gossip. Chipa-muchena; kupfuma It is help to a poor A poor man will not mudzimu wake. man; riches are his emerge from his poverty, spirit's affair. though he is helped, since that is his lot. Muromo haupi chinopa maoko. The mouth does not give what gives are the hands. Muromo haupi, chinopa maoko. The mouth does not Deeds not words. give, what gives are the hands. Kutaura kudzikisira; kuita Speech is like going Deeds not words. makata. downhill; action is like going uphill. Shungu dzembwa dziri A dog's feelings are in Inner feelings will come mumwoyo huhukura ndiko its heart; barking is out. kududza. their expression. Inotanda yomunyepi; It chases, does the Boasting achieves more younyerere haitandi. boaster's (dog); the than performance. modest man's does not chase. Rambakuudzwa akazoonekwa Headstrong was found nembonje pahuma. with a head wound. Zviururwi zvinofara kana kondo The frogs rejoice when When the cat's away, the afa ziso. the hammer-head has mice do play. lost its eye. Kufa izuva rimwe; kuora igore. Death is one day; Beware of what may harm corruption a year. you and have long-lasting consequences. Chinokanganwa idemo Chitsiga What forgets is the axe hachikanganwe. the faggot does not forget. Mwovochena unobayisa. A kind heart gets one Kind hearts are soonest killed. wronged. Potsi haarwirwi; aorwirwa Number One is not Action may not be taken ndiPiri. fought over; he who is against an offence until it fought over is Number is repeated. Two. Dzafura churu chimwe dzava Those that have Experience once shared nzivani. grazed at one anthill unites people ever after. have become acquainted. Hukwana inodya ndeiri pana The chick that feeds is Humility is more profitable mai. the one that is close to than pride. its mother. Imbwa payadyira The place where a dog Help given in time of need haipakanganwi. has fed it does not is remembered. forget. Manenji kuona kamba ichitamba It's a marvel to see a A suspicious comment on nembudzi. leopard playing with a something which appears goat. unnatural. Afirwa haaringwi kumeso. One who is bereaved is Actions or words made not looked in the face. under stress of sorrow are not to be taken seriously. Akweva sanzu akweva One who has pulled a Inherit a wife and you namashizha aro. branch along has inherit her children as well. pulled along its leaves. Atswinya arwa. One who has pinched Every little contribution has fought. counts. Chomungozva chinodyiwa Food from a nursing One good turn deserves nowabata mwana. mother is eaten by one another. who holds her child. Chawawana idya nehama; Eat what you have Blood is thicker than mutorwa ane hanganwa. with a kinsman; a water. stranger forgets. Vaviri vaviri; wechitatu Two people a pair; a To keep a secret three are muzvinaguhwa. third is a slanderer. too many. Chirungurira ndechowadya Indigestion is the Some offences are easier maradzwa; chowerinopisa complaint of one who to bear than others. isvoto. has eaten left-overs; that suffered by one who eats warm food is pain in the stomach. Chikomo, shata divi; rimwe Small hill, be difficult A bad man will have some ritambire pwere. on one side and on the redeeming features. other children will play. Muroyi, royera kure ugowana Witch, bewitch far Live in peace with your anokuviga. away that you may neighbours. find someone to bury you. Avengwa anhuhwa. One who is hated Call a dog a bad name and stinks. hang him. Chenga ose manhanga hapana Keep all the pumpkins risina mhodzi. There is none without a seed. Kurera imbwa, rera inoruma, If you rear a dog, rear igokudzivirira mupfumvu. one that bites, that it may protect you in time of danger Chipitipiti chakazvara Congregation bred Familiarity breeds chimwandamwanda. separation. contempt. Nhamo yomumwe hairambirwi Another's trouble is no sadza. reason to deny oneself food. Mapudzi anowira kusina hari. Squashes fall where Fortune favours fools. there are no pots. Hove dzinokwira dzine Fish go upstream Progress depends on tried muronga. having a channel. paths. Chawira pasi mudzimu The fallen scrap is (due It is a piece of good luck. wembwa. to) the dog's ancestral spirit. Musungusungu wakakunda Black nightshade Relations between a man mowa; muzukuru wakakunda tastes better than wild and his sister's son are mwana. spinach; a nephew is more relaxed than with his more favoured than a own son who, ironically, is son. the nearer to him. Nzira masanga. Paths mean meetings. One learns different ways by meeting others; or, A common solution or aim may be reached by different paths Chaza masikati charamba That which came One way or another, one is ndima. Chaza usiku charamba during the day bound to suffer. hope. prevented weeding. That which came during the night prevented sleep. Matakadya kare haanyaradzi Former meals do not Boasting of past successes mwana. satisfy a child. will not solve present problems. Urombo hwayo mhembwe kufa It's hard luck on the A comment on stupidity in iri pamusungo. duiker to die while in one who could have helped the snare. himself. Igangaidza-mukwenyi mhezi It's confusing to the Some situations cannot be kuvavira mudumbu. scratcher for a pimple helped. to itch inside his belly. Nherera inoguta musi wafa An orphan eats his fill His future outlook is bleak. amai. on the day his mother has died. Ane ganda ane nyama; One who has some Half a loaf is better than hazvienzane nowakabata skin has some meat; it no bread. hwohwa. is not as with him who holds only a mushroom. Munhu haarerwi nebonde. A person is not nursed Lying up is not enough to by means of a sleeping cure a sick person. mat. Treatment is needed as well. Atandavara aguta; apfunya The one with legs The feelings of others ndowavata nayo. outstretched has eaten cannot be experienced as his fill; the one with such but show themselves crossed legs is the one by external signs. who went to bed hungry. Chigere ibwe muti unowa. What abides is the No man should boast stone the tree falls. about his life or his strength. Ane marengenya haacharike One who wears rags moto. does not jump over a fire. Wakagarika ngewakafa; The one at peace is the Mortal man is always mupenyu pfumo riri mushure one who is dead; as vulnerable to death. for the living, a spear is poised behind him. Kana shumba ikashaya nyama If a lion lacks meat it Beggars can't be choosers. inodya uswa. eats grass. Kuneta kwomukuyi. Sadza Tiredness is for the One may sow and another rinodyiwa navagere. grinder. The porridge will reap. is eaten by those who sit around. Chakaenzanwa ibvudzi. Upfumi What is shared out People, though sharing a hahuna kuenzanwa. equally is hair. Wealth common nature, differ in is not shared out their natural gifts and in equally. their outlook. Kunokanganwa mudyi The one who forgets is One who causes an injury wenyemba; muoreri wamateko the eater of the beans; may forget but the victim haakanganwi. the one who gathers will not. up the shells does not forget. Murombo haarovi chine nguo. A poor man never kills A man condemned by fate anything with a skin to to be poor cannot rise it. above his condition. Wegudza ndowegudza. Kufuga One meant to have a Misfortune dogs the gumbeze rinotsva. bark blanket is one unfortunate. meant to have a bark blanket. If he puts on a woolen one, it gets burnt. Chiri pamuchena chiri What is on a poor man Because of his bad luck, a pamutenure. is on a slope and not poor man is ever in want. secure. Nhonhongora kudya chayo A big bee eating its It is arrogant for a rich kukumbirirei uchi kudondi? own store why ask for man to beg from a poor honey from a small man. one? Heya baravara ndiwo magariro. A shaven head is a Do not offend your Kutuka mwene wechisvo ndiwo way of life. Is it wise to benefactors, you may need mano? scold the owner of the their help again. razor? Chura kugara mumvura handi For a frog to live in Do not be misled by kunwa. water does not mean appearances into making to drink. rash judgements. Nhasi chineni mangwana Today it is my turn Do not mock at anyone in chinewe. tomorrow it is yours. trouble, or take advantage of them. You may be in their shoes tomorrow. Chinokokwa upfumi. Urombo What is invited is Prosperity is acquired by hunozvikoka. wealth. Poverty invites arduous effort whereas itself. poverty comes of itself. Mbiri matende inoputsika. Fame is a fragile gourd One's reputation will be it breaks. destroyed if one does not take care of it. Kangoma kanoririsa ndiko The little drum which When a fashion or a man's kanotsemuka. sounds the loudest is popularity is at its height, the one which splits. it is then that it is about to fade. Ugaro mwena kutevedza Life is a hole in the Everyone is mortal. hunoguma. ground follow and it comes to an end. Zuva igore rinodoka rava A day is a year it ends Much can happen in one namarevo mavi namavuya. with its fill of bad and day. good news. Aiva madziva ava mazambuko. What were pools have Circumstances have become fords. changed Chitemura chava kuseva. One who used to eat His luck has changed. stiff porridge dry is now eating it with relish. Chaikanya chototsa; chaitotsa The one who used to The wheel of Fortune goes chokanvawo. eat sadza dry now dips round and roles are it into relish; the one reversed. who used to dip it into relish now eats it dry. Nzanga seka dumba; dumba Village laugh at shack; The wheel of Fortune goes seka nzanga. shack laugh at village. round and roles are reversed. Aive madziva ave mazambuko; What were pools have aive mazambuko ava madziva. become fords; what were fords have become pools. Rombe pakata hana; mukaka Beggar, look to your Beggars can't be choosers. ndowavaridzi. conscience; the milk belongs to its owners. Rombe ngerichaenda; rodzoka The beggar is the one One who shows initiative is ndimambo. who goes away; on his often ridiculed, but if he return he is a chief. succeeds, he will be praised. Rombe rinosekwa richaenda, A beggar is ridiculed One who shows initiative is kana rodzoka, hedzo nhureture. when he goes away; often ridiculed, but if he when he returns, there succeeds, he will be is a load for you. praised. Zviuya hazviwanani. Good people do not marry each other. Chakata iri pasi ndeyavanhu The fruit on the ground Do not take anything for vose; asi iri mumuti belongs to everyone; granted unless it is in Your ndeyowagona kukwira. that on the tree is for possession. him who can climb. Idambudziko rehope kurota It's a sleep that brings It is no good crying over kwawakarambwa. no benefit the spilt milk. dreaming of a rejected lover. Nzanga inokura yerema; The village of the fool The quiet achieve more yomuchenjeri inoparara. grows; that of the than the talkers. clever man breaks up. Chembere yoshayika; bere The old lady is There is no smoke without rorutsa imvi. missing; the hyena is a fire. vomiting grey hairs. Chako ndechako kuseva What is yours is yours; One can rely only on what unosiya muto. when you dip a morsel is one's own, one's of sadza, you can kinsmen or one's property. leave the gravy behind. Totenda maruva tadya chakata. We believe in the Promises are not to be blossoms when we relied on until they are have eaten the fruit. performed. Chinonyenga chinokotama; He who is courting chinosimudza musoro chawana. bows down; he raises his head when married. Chinonyenga chinokotama; The suppliant bows Suppliant humility is chinosimudza musoro chawana. down; he raises his replaced by surfeited head when he has got pride. what he wants. Nzou mutupo pana vanhu; An elephant is taboo in Outward respectability paseri ava machikichori. public; in private it is may cloak secret delicious food. selfindulgence. Kakara kununa hudya kamwe. For an animal to get One man prospers at the fat is to eat another expense of another. one. Made echakata kutsvukira It's the trick of the wild A comment on women's mumuti kuti ndiposherwe. plum / to redden on wiles or vanity. the tree and so to become a target. Nhenha isibi inoroya. A beautiful girl who An attractive appearance does not steal will be a hides an inner flaw. witch. Kuona roro kutsvuka kunze, To see a roro fruit, it is An attractive exterior may nyamba mukati makadyiwa red outside yet inside hide a repulsive interior. namakonye. it has been eaten by worms. Matende mashava anovazva Pretty calabashes sour Attractive appearances doro. the beer. conceal inner flaws. All is not gold that glitters. Mhosva inorondwa; hakuna A case is tracked The claims of justice do mhosva yakaita honye. down; no case ever not lapse through the developed a worm. passage of time. Chembere masikati; usiku An old woman by day; We may show one side of imvana. G. FORTUNE at night a woman still ourselves in public and able to bear. another in private) China manenji hachifambisi; A wonderful thing does A criminal will always be chinomirira kuti mavara not hurry away; it caught because he will aonekwe. waits for its marks to repeat his crime. A be seen. startling or terrible event will normally give previous warning of its likely occurrence. Chinogova ruoko; muromo What gives away is the Deeds speak louder than haugovi. hand; the mouth does words. not give away. Chigare chenda kudya It's the louse's want to A comment evoked by akaitakura. bite the one who bears ingratitude. it. Chidziva chakadzikama ndicho The quiet pool is the Do not underestimate an chinogara ngwenya. one in which the enemy. It is the thing you crocodile lives. despise that kills you. Chibwe chiremera chavari kure A stone is a heavy A chief is respected by vari pedyo vanotamba nacho. thing for those who are strangers while his own afar; those who are nephews joke with him. near treat it as a plaything. Kungotya nyanga dzezizi; It's just fear of the Do not be ruled by nyamba manhenga. horns of an owl; appearances. whereas they are feathers. Mviromviro yemhanza inotanga The onset of baldness Small faults may result in shosha. begins- at the temples. serious crimes seemingly unrelated. Mbavha imbatwa; mbavha- A thief is one caught No one must be presumed rutsoka ishamwari. (red-handed); a thief guilty unless witnessed (suspected by a) committing a crime. footprint is a friend. Munongedzo hauzvinongedzi. The index finger does People are blind to their not indicate itself. own faults. Chidembo hachinzwi kunhuhwa The polecat does not People are blind to their kwacho. smell its own stink. own faults. Ibangano muchateya, It is cooperation while A man seeks the help of kuzondoona kwava kwomumwe you are still setting the others when commencing chete. trap, but as for going an enterprise, but when he to inspect it, there is reaps its fruits, he keeps only one person. them for himself. Dindingwe rinonakirwa The cheetah enjoys One objects to treatment richikweva iro. Kana rokwehwa pulling the other which one metes out to roti, 'Mavara angu azara ivhu'. along; wen it is pulled others. it says "My spots are covered in dirt". Chiripo chiripo; ndarira imwe What is there is there; Nothing happens without a hairiri. one bracelet does not cause, or Two witnesses tinkle on its own. are necessary to be believed. Mukuwasha mukuyu haapere A son-in-law is a fig- Payment of the bride price kudyiwa. tree He never stops may go on over a long being consumed. time. Ukama hahusukwi nemvura Kinship is not washed Even quarrels do not hukabva. with water and destroy kinship and its disappears. obligations. Hapana mhou inokumira mhuru No cow lows for a calf Everyone knows his own Isirl yayo. not hers. kin. Mwana wengwe mwana wengwe A leopard's cub is a A chip of the old block. kuona chikara haatizi. leopard's cub if it sees a wild beast it does not flee. Mbudzi kudya mufenje kufana For a goat to eat Like father, like son. nyina. cabbage-tree leaves is to imitate its mother. Mhembwe rudzi kuzvara mwana A duiker is one of a Like father, like son. ane kazhumu. species, if it bears a child, he will have a tuft on his head. Mwana asingachemi anofira A child who does not One should give voice to mumbereko. cry dies in the cradle. one's complaints. Chava chigondora chava What was a bullock is A grown man is expected chimombe; kukona kutunga now a grown beast; if to support his family. urema hwacho. it cannot gore that is its stupidity. Nzou hairemerwi nenyanga An elephant is not One should be equal to dzayo. burdened by its own one's responsibilities. tusks. Kugocha kunoda kwaamai; Roasting requires (the Correction is meted out to kwomwana kunodzima mwoto. action) of the mother; the young, never to the that of the child puts old. out the fire. Mhuno hainwi mvura muromo The nose does not Elders take precedence usina kunwa. drink if the mouth has over juniors. not drunk. Chirere mangwana Care for it and it will Care for your child that he chigozokurerawo. care for you tomorrow. may care for you. Hapana angagone There is no one who No one can improve on an chisingagoneke naGone. can manage what can't expert. be managed by Mr. Manage. Mugoni wepwere ndiye asinayo. The one who can manage a child is the one who has none. Pagara murimi pagara Where there lives a A farmer is never satisfied mupopoti. farmer there lives a with the work done for grumbler. him. Hurudza inofa ichinzi inodya. The rich farmer dies A person once rich will not being said to eat. be credited with being poor. Pane danga pane mombe; pane Where a kraal is there Every effect must have a hundi pagara hurudza. are cattle; where chaff cause, and every is there lives a good achievement requires farmer. effort. Chigarisano ndicho chine What leads to living Familiarity breeds mhosva. together is what leads contempt. to accusation. Gore musandu. Every year is a change. No one year is the same as any other. Gore harizi pakaza rimwe. No year comes from Opportunities do not come where another came. twice. Muromo chipfuto unopedza The mouth is a weave! It is necessary to be matura. It consumes granaries. provident in regard to one's crops. Chinokura usipo imombe; What grows in one's For success, unremitting munda unokura absence is a beast. A labour is required. nokuvandurirwa. field grows by being renewed. Chinokura choga isango; munda What grows on its own kukura kuona tewe. is a forest; for a field to grow is to see a master. Unaki hwemukadzi huri The beauty of a wife A good wife is one who pamwana. lies in the child. bears children. Twemudenhe tune ushorwi. Too little flour in the People despise an owner's bin brings contempt. improvidence or stinginess. Mwana wenyoka mwana A young snake is a A poisonous snake may be wenyoka haana muduku. young snake it is never lethal even from birth. too small. Pfini yenyoka kungoruma icho The spite of the snake It is gratuitously evil to isingadyi. is just to bite what it inflict pain for no reason. cannot eat. Ane mhuri kwayo ndeane One with a real family Women members of a ndume ane mhurikadzi vaeni. is one who has boys; family marry into their one with a family of husband's clan and leave girls has strangers. their parents. Gondo kuengerera raona If an eagle circles ConFinued presence is zumbu. round and round it has prompted by an ulterior seen a fowl-coop. motive. Chada mwoyo hachikoni; What the heart wants The heart's desire makes a mwoyo chiremba. is not impossible; the man work wonders. heart is a doctor. Musikana chihambakwe asvika A girl is a cairn It is natural for girls to be anokanda chibwe. whoever comes adds a courted. stone. Kurayira kunoda pwere. Mukuru Discipline requires a Discipline must be ndimambo. child. An adult is a administered while chief. children are young. A grown-up man is beyond being disciplined. Chembere ndeyembwa; An old one as such is Accord respect to the old. yomurume ndibaba wavanhu. (when it is) a dog; when it is a man he is the father of people. Chembere ndeyembwa; Mere old age belongs Accord respect to the old. yomunhu inofa ichigurukuta. to a dog; when human the old die grumbling.