Learn from ancestral wisdom through traditional proverbs
191 proverbs found
“Kupedza nyota kuenda padziva.”
To quench thirst (one) goes to a pool.
Kupedza nharo kana kukonona, kubvunza munhu anonyatsoziva nezvenyaya yacho.
“Charovedzera-charovedzera gudo rakakwira mawere kwasviba.”
What one is used to, one is used to; the baboon climbed the precipice in the dark.
Munhu akange arovedzera kuita chinhu chake haangachikoniwi kunyangwe paine zvipingamupinyi.
“Kuziva mbuya huudzwa.”
(In order) to know the mother-in-law, one has to be told (about her).
Kuti munhu azova noruzivo rwechinhu kunge atoudzwa nokuchidzidziswa navaya vanoziva. Kuchenjera kwose kunobva muktudziwa navamwe.
“Waita mbereko ada kusuka machira.”
She who has a carrying cloth (borne a child) has chosen to wash napkins and blankets.
Kana munhu aira ava nomwana anotoziva kuti ava kusiya zvoupwere achiita mabasa anotarisirwa pamubereki oga oga. Haachazezi nhamo ingawira iye nemhuri yake.
“Dzvinyu kuzambe zuva huona bako.”
A lizard suns itself within view of its hiding place (hole).
Kana munhu achiita chinhu chaanoziya kuti chingamuura- yisa kana kumupinza mumhosya anotenge akazvigadzirira kare. Anoziva mazano aangapunyuka nawo.
“Nzou haikarari ina makaka.”
An elephant with calves does not cough up phlegm.
Munhu anenge ane chinhu chaanoziya kuti angangorasiki- rwa nacho haatauri zvakawanda. Mai vane rusvava havada- vidzani kana kutukana nomuroyi, vanosarudza kunyarara zvavo pane kuti mwana wavo agoroyiwa.
“Mombe yenzuma kufuma ivete kufunga chakadya nyanga dzayo.”
A hornless ox lying down early in the morning puzzles over what ate up (hindered the growth of) its horns.
Kuona munhu akanyarara achipishana nepfungwa anenge achinetseka nezviri pamwoyo wake.
“Chirema ndechina mazano chinotamba chakazendama kumadziro.”
A cripple is one who is clever, he dances while leaning against a wall.
Munhu wose anoziva kuti ane chimwe chaanotairira pamuviri wake kana papfungwa ane maitiro ake kuti aregere kusekwa navamwe kana kukundikana paupenyu.
“Kunzi musikana kana kuti mukomana Ari apa kudya.”
One is (comes to be) called a girl or a boy if one is (properly) fed.
Munhu wose anofanira kuziva kuti kudya ndiko kunopa upenyu, nokudaro akafanira kusevenza kuti awane zvokudya.
“Tsvaga zano iwe une rakowo.”
Seek for (somebody's) advice when you have got yours.
Tanga wazvibatsira pachako ugozokumbira ruyamuro kuti uenderere mberi.
“Kuchenjera kuruka nhava.”
To be wise is to make a woven bag.
Munhu akachenjera ndouya anotanga arongedzera pokuchengetera zvaari kutsvaga.
“Ziriwo rechembere ziramba waravira.”
An old woman's relish is refused (only) after tasting it.
Usarambira chinhu kure usati wachiona kana kuchiedza nokuti ungadaro wanga uchizochida, uyewo pamwe ungadaro chinhu chacho changa chichizokubatsira.
“Kuramba nyama yechidembo hunger nine yetsuro.”
If you refuse the meat of a pole-cat, it means you have hare's meat.
Munhu kuramba chinhu chaamenge apiwa achiti chakaipa kana kuti hachina kukodzera zvinoreva kuti amenge ame chimwe chiri nani pane chaaramba.
“Kufira guyu kuuya hazvienzani nokufira shamba.”
To die for a fig is better; it cannot be compared to dying for a cattle melon.
Zviri nani kufira chiripo pane kufira zvenhando.
“Kureva ndokunei kutarisa kurevawo.”
Why say something; a sharp look is also a remark.
Ruzhinji kutarisa kweziso kunonzwisisika kupinda zvingataurwa nomuromo.
“Kurova mbira kurova bako.”
To hit the rock rabbit involves hitting the cave.
Ziva nzira dzokuwana zvinokubatsira. Unowana masvikiro pane chinhu chaunoda nokupota navamwe.
“Mupanje wekunze unodzivirira iri mukati.”
The outer ridge (of a field) guards those inside.
Rega kureva vokwako novokunze nokuti izvi zvinoratidza kusanzwanana kwenyu. Hama inovhikirira wokwayo paya paanenge oiswa munjodzi kana kuti paanenge achirehwa. Iyi tsumo inorevawo kuti ishe kana kuti mubereki ndiye anodzivirira vana vake panguva yenjodzi.
“N'ai kwadzo ndedzonucheche dzonukuru dzinoreva kudya.”
A genuine yawn is that of a child; an adult's indicates a desire to eat.
Kugomba kwomwana muduku pamwe hakuna zvakunoreva, asi kwomukuru kunokumbira chimwe chinhu.
“Ateyera mariva murutsva haachatyi mhapa kusviba.”
One who sets stone traps in burnt grass is not afraid of blackening his (posterior) skin wear.
Kana munhu aira azvipira kuita basa rakaoma, haafaniri kutya kusvorwa kana kukuvadzwa naro.
“Tenda muchero wadya zvinotenza mwoyo.”
Be grateful for the fruit having eaten to satisfaction.
Munhu anofanira kuzotenda kubudirira kwechinhu kana achinge aona mubayiro wacho.
“Matukirwo ababa kunema mwana.”
The father is scolded by jokingly abusing (his) child.
Kana munhu achida kureva chaanoda kumukuru asizve, achijunga kuti chinhu chacho chingamutsamwisa, anowanzoreva achiita seanoda kuudza mwana asi achiitira kuti mukuru iyeye azvinzwe.
“Chikweya ndechembwa chomunhu chinotevera.”
A dog lags behind (but) a human being can overcome his laziness.
Munhu kunyange akava nousimbe kana nechinono anoedza kuwana raira dzokuzviyamura nadzo.
“Kubaya tange hama vatorwa vakutye.”
Kill first the relatives (so that) strangers may fear you.
Kuti urayire vanhu vachikuteerera wakafanira kutanga warayira veimba yako kuti vamwe vaone kuti nyangwe vaya veimba yako nehama dzako vanosungwa nomurau wako.
“Chinono chine ingwe bere rinodya richifamba.”
The leopard is cautiously slow (but) the hyena eats while walking.
Munhu achiita chinhu ngaakurumidze nacho nokuti kunonoka kungangokonzera zvinhu zvizhinji zvingamutadzisa kuchipedzisa.
“Nhava yebenzi haitani kusakara.”
A fool's woven bag is easily torn.
Kana munhu asingabati zvinhu zvake nenzira kwayo hazvitori nguva huru zvisina kusakara.
“Zino irema rinosekerera anorivenga.”
A tooth is stupid; it smiles at its enemy.
Nokusaziwa, pamwe munhu angangofarira mumwe munhu anomuvenga zvokutoda kumuuraya.
“Wazarira bako mvura ichada kunaya.”
You have closed the cave while it is still raining.
Munhu rega kushora nokutsindika chinhu chinokubatsira uchifunga kuti zvimwe nhamo yapfuura asi iyo ichiri kuuya.
“Usapedza mapfumo mukubaya nhema idzo nzou dzichauya.”
Don't waste spears on stabbing rhinos when elephants (may still) show up.
Kazhinji munhu anowanzoparadza njere nenguva yake pazvinhu zvisina chimuko asi kana zvinhu zvikuru zyouya munhu wacho oshaya mazano.
“Kushaya mano kwendiro kupakurirwa isingadyi.”
(If it comes) to brains a plate has none; it is given food but does not eat.
Zvinoratidza kushaya pfungwa kana munhu akapiva makomborero akatadza kuashandisa.
“Ishavi kurova munda neshamhu.”
It means one is possessed (by an evil spirit) if he is beating the field with a stick.
Hungava upenzi kuti munhu afunge kuti angawana chinhu kana asina kuchishandira uye kuti munhu atsamwe kana asina chaawana pamusana pekusada kusevenza. Sokuti munhu angatsamwira munda kana achinge ashaya zvinomugutsa pamunda uyu nemhosva yokusashanda pauri zvakanaka.
“Kushaya mano kwomusikana kukungira sadza chibhakira.”
It is unwise for a girl to threaten to fight (despise) sadza with her fist.
Pamwe munhu wechidiki anodadira chinhu chinomubatsira kana achichiona chiripo asingazivi kuti anogona kuzochishaya paupenyu hwake huchanya.
“Zvamangwana zvinozivikanwa nebenzi.”
What happens tomorrow is known to a fool.
Munhu akachenjera anoita basa rake nokuripedza pazuva rakarero nokuti anoziva kuti zuva rinotevera kungangouya zvipingamupinyi akatadza kupedza basa iri.
“Mwana muduku kudziva musendo noruoko iwo uchazomudziva womene.”
(If) a child (is) fending off a 'plane' with (bare) hands, the 'plane' will fend off (his hands) too. (musendo: sharp tool for smoothening wood)
Vanhu vazhinji havadi kutaurirwa kuti chinhu chine ngozi dzamara vati vamboona ngozi yacho pachavo, ndiko kuti vazozvichenjerera.
“Kurava mbudzi nedzisipo kurava nedzava matoo.”
Counting absent goats means counting (even) dead ones.
Kugarovimba nechinhu chausingachazivi kuona kwenguva refu pamwe chinodaro chakanguri chafa.
“Zundu kugara mundove hunzi neni ndava mombewo.”
A kraal worm living in cattle dung (thinks), "I am a cow too."
Munhu anogara pamukuru anoda kuzviratidza somukuruwo uye kana murombo akagara pakati pavapfumi anobva atozvitorawo somupfumi.
“Chivendekete anoseka chimedure.”
A cracked plate laughs at a broken one.
Muri wezvakaipa anowanzoda kunongedza kuzvitadzo zvevamwe asingafungi nezvokuipa kwake iye.
“Kutumira bete kumukaka haridzoki.”
A cockroach sent to (fetch) milk will never return.
Nguva zhinji kana munhu akasevenza kana kutumwa kuita basa munzvimbo yaanokomberedzwa nemiedzo haabadiriri pabasa rake.
“Mabasa kuchonya uri murima.”
It is of no use to wink in the dark.
Kungozvinetsa kuitira munhu chinhu chakanaka kana kuti chakaipa asi iye asingazvioni kana kuzviziva.
“Chafamba kamwe hachiteyiwi.”
What has passed (happened) once cannot be trapped.
Kana munhu akapara mhosva kekutanga anoregererwa pachitarisirwa kuti haachazoparizve mhosva yakadai.
“Maunga marema kudya muti waagere.”
(Hairy) caterpillars are stupid, they feed on the tree on which they live.
Zvinoratidza kusafunga kana munhu achikuvadza nokuparadza chinhu chinozomuponesa kana kumubatsira. Sokuti kana munhu achida michero iri mumuti oita zvokuriga muti wose pasi kuti agowana michero yawo.
“Kusaziva mumvuri worufu.”
Ignorance is like the shadow of death.
Munhu asingazivi akafanana nomunhu akafa. Vakuru vanotaura tsumo iyi pavanhu vanoratidza kusaziva pane zvinhu zvinozivikanwa nokugonekwa navamwe.
“Kuzengurira izwi romukuru kuramba mhangwa.”
To shun an elder's word is to refuse advice.
Kana munhu ukapiwa nyevero nomukuru, ibvume, pamwe ungangoramba mazano angazokubatsira.
“Mamvura mazhinji akatunza kuba.”
Heavy rains encourage stealing.
Kazhinji mbavha dzinobuda kuenda kundoba kana dzoona kuti kunze kune hore yemvura iyo ingazopfudza tsoka dzavo. Vanhu vanowanzopara mhosva nokuda kwezviedzo zvinovapa pfungwa dzokuti zvavari kuita hazvizozivikanwi kana kuonekwa.
“Rega kubvunza nyama kuti ndeyokugocha ive muto uchiuona.”
Do not ask whether the meat is roasted when you see it is in the gravy.
Kunenge kuri kusafunga zvakanaka kana munhu achibvunza kuti chinhu chaitika sei iye achinyatsoona chinenge chakonzera kuitika kwacho. Zvinganyadza kana munhu akabvunza kuti, 'Pane rufu here pano?' iye achiona vanhu vachichema vari paguva.
“Usatsvaga nhava muuswa iro sora ratsva.”
Do not look for a string bag in the grass when the grass has been burnt.
Hazviwanzobatsira kutsvaga chinhu asi munhu achinyatsoziva kuti chinhu chacho hachisisipo.
“Rega kuvera nyoka negavi iyo iripo.”
Do not use a fibre string to measure a snake while it is present itself.
Nyoka chinhu chinotyisa; kwete kuti ichiri mhenyu chete asi kuti kunyangwe yakafa zvayo. Hapana munhu anoda kusvika pedyo nayo kana kulbata kunyangwe pachidiwa kuonekwa urefu hwayo. Vakuru vaiti kana munhu anozviti ndiye akashinga ainzi abate nyoka yakafa achiiyera pasina zvokutora gavi. Ndizvowo, kana nyaya yasvika pamakakatanwa, pava kudiwa idi chairo, munhu akafanira kutaura chokwadi asingatyi kuti zvimwe angapinda mungozi.
“Mazvokuda kufa namaronda enyora.”
Death is wilful (if) it is (caused) by tattoo marks.
Pamunhu anowira mungozi kana kufa nechinhu chokuzvisarudzira achida, vanhu havamunzwiri tsitsi.
“Ndomene haichemedzi.”
What you do on your own does not make you cry.
Kuzvikanganisira hakutsamwisi kana kuchemedza. Munhu anozviitira zvinhu zvake kana zvikazomukuvadza haana waanonenera mhosva.
“Usaverenga mbeva nemiswe (yadzo).”
Do not count mice (together) with their tails.
Kana pasvika panguva yebasa kana nguva yokuita chimwe chinhu hazvibatsiri kuverenga navaya vasingagoni kuchitta nokuti vanongova zviwanzahuruva.
“(Deno) Ndakaziya haitungamiri.”
Had I known I would not have done it.
Munhu inzwavo mazano evamwe urege kuzozvichema woti dai ndakaziva asi izvo zvinhu zvacho zvatotitika.
“Munhu — munhu hazvienzani nembwa.”
A human being is a human being, he cannot be compared to a dog.
Munhu kunyange chiri chirema kana bofu, anotova munhu bedzi, zve, anosungirwa kubatwa somunhu.
“Ndiro yechirema hairove.”
The plate of a cripple cannot be forgotten.
Chirema munhu, ndokusaka chiine ndiro yacho inozivikarwa nemhuri yose. Chero mukadzi ava kupakura anotoziva kuti anotanga atsvaga ndiro yokuburira chirema chapamusha apa.
“(Chinhu) chinodyiwa chino murandu.”
Everything (about to be eaten) should first be introduced ceremoniously.
Itsika yechivanhu kuti chokudya chakaita sedoro chitange chasumwa chisati chapiwa kuvanhu. Hazvina kunaka kana munhu achingosvikodya zvaasina kupiwa.
“Rukova rwizi kuyambuka unokwinya nguo.”
A brook is a river; when crossing it you tuck up your clothes.
Mwana wokumba huru kunyangwe ari muduku zvakadii, anowana rukudzo kubva kuvanhu.
“Chomukuru hachikumbirwi.”
The property of an elder is not asked for.
Vanhu vakuru havawanzokumbirwa zvinhu asi kuti ivo ndivo vanongopa kuvaduku pasina akumbira. Itsika isina kunaka kuti vaduku vajairire kukumbira zvavakuru kunyange zviri zvokudya.
“Chirozva mauya ndicho chiumza mavi.”
That which conceals the good also brings the bad (things).
Munhu anofarira kuparadza zvinhu zvakanaka kazhinji ndiye anouyisawo zvakaipa.
“Chiri mulwe chiri mugonera.”
What is in a stone is like something in a (natural) bee hive.
Kana pane chinhu chakaitika chisingazivikanwi navanhu zvino pagodaro pano mumwe mukuru anochiziva asi vanhu vachiziva kuti mukuruyo ane mwoyo wakashinga kuti avanze chinhu ichi, vanobva vaziva kuti havangaudzwi naye zvachose.
“Imbwa yavata yatya.”
A dog lying down (means it) has surrendered.
Munhu anoteterera akafugama achikumbira ruregerero anofanira kuregererwa nokuti izvi zvinoratidza kuti munhu wacho atya.
“Chitende chinorema ndechine mhodzi.”
It is the calabash containing seeds which is heavy.
Munhu anopiwa rukudzo kana ane tsika dzakanaka kana chimwewo chinhu chinoumba unhu nokumupa mutsigo, zve, chiri chinhu chinoyemurwa navazhinji.
“Mukadzi womumwe ndimbuya.”
Someone's wife is (like) a mother-in-law.
Mukadzi womumwe anofanira kutyiwa nokukudzwa saambuya nokuti kana ukaita zvokusvozvesana naye pamwe ungangozopindwa nomuedzo wokumuda ukazopinda mumhosva. Murume akachenjera haaiti musere (jee) navakadzi vavanhu.
“Apotanechuru avanda.”
One (who has) gone behind an ant-heap is hidden.
Kana munhu akange achiuyiswa, akaira apota, kunyange seri kwechembere isisagoni kumudzivirira, kana kuhwanda zvake parutivi rwemucheche anofanira kuregererwa nokuti ahwanda.
“Nherera inozviudza yoga.”
An orphan advises himself/herself.
Munhu ndowokuzvichenjereravo oga. Zvikuru kana munhu achinge ari murombo, kana kuti iri nherera, asina hama dzaangavimba nadzo, akafanira kuchenjerera nezvoupenyu hwake.
“Benzi kunge riri rako kudzana kwaro unopururudza. (M)”
Let a fool be your own (kin), his dancing you will applaud.
Kana hama yako ichiita zvinosvorwa navanhu, iwe haumusvorivo asi unomudzivirira uchiedza kumutsa munzira kwayo. Hapana mubereki angade kuti mwana wake ashorekane.
“Varume ndivamwe kutsva kwendebvu vanodzimurana.”
Men are all the same; when their beards burn they help each other to extinguish the fire.
Vanhu kana vakagaridzana vanoti vakaona mumwe ava munjodzi vanomubatsira, izvi ndizyo zvinotia kuti nyakubatsirwa azovabatsirawo panguva inotevera. Munhu womurume haafaniri kupfuura achisiya imwe hama iri munjodzi.
“Pamanyore hapasimudzwi hapwa dzinozosimudzwa chapo chamuka.”
Never expose your armpit in public until you have got what you wanted.
Kuti munhu uwane zvumoda pane imwe nzvimbo kana kuna vamwe vanhu, wakafanira kutanga wavanzarika zvakaipa zvako dzamara wazowana zvose zvumoda zvacho.
“Moto mushoma (ndiwo) unonyautsa muto.”
It is a low fire that warms the soup.
Basa rinotiwa zvinyoronyoro, zvisina chibatabishi kana mupakatiko ndiro rinovanzobudirira.
“Afa anaka.”
One who is dead is good.
Kana munhu afa, hapana mumwe achine chigumbu naye. Kunyange vaya vaichimuvenga vanotomuchenawo kunge vari kuchema hama yavo yavanoda.
“Ishe kukura nokuwandirwa.”
A chief grows with the number of this subjects.
Vanhu vanotevera ishe ndivo vanosakisa kuti pave nounambo. Saka kuti mambo ave nembirimi hunge vanhu voushe hwake vakawanda.
“Chirango chehuku chiri mumusongora.”
The ceremony over eating a fowl depends on its neck.
Kubva makare kare vakuru vaiziwa kuti panyama yehuku, musongora wayo kana kuti mutsipa wayo ndiwo unonaka kupinda mimwe mitezo. Saka yaitu chero mukadzi anenge auraya huku aifanira kusuma murume wake nokumupa musongora wayo.
“Kurebesa muromo unodya chedemo chebanga hauchiwani.”
If you talk too loud and too much, you will (only) eat something cut with an axe but not with a knife.
Demo richitema rinoita ruzha zvokuti rinokoka vanhu romene. Asi banga richicheka hapana angarinzwa kunze kwokuti anenge audziwa. Munhu ane hana isingagoni kuchengeta zvinhu haakokiwi kuzvinhu zvinodyiwa muchivande, anotowana zviya zvaparuzhinji chete.
“Kubikira mweni kumudzinga.”
To cook for a stranger means to send him away.
Kana mweni akapiwa kudya akadya, chinenge chasara paari kuoneka kuti achienda. Kupa munhu chinhu chaanenge avinga kunoreva kuti wapedza naye, ngaachienda.
“Kukokwa kwasamusha kukokwa kwavagere naye.”
To invite a village headman means to invite also those under him.
Kana mukuru wenzvimbo akakokwa, navanhu vake vatokokwawo. Samusha haawanzi kufamba ari oga, pose paanokokwa anoenda navanhu vane chitsama.
“Kutanda imbwa ikandire hona.”
In order to chase a dog away throw it a bone.
Kana uchiona kuti kugarokumbirwa zvinhu nomunhu zvinokushusha, mupe zvimwe zvazyo zvishomana kuti arege kuuya kwauri zvakare.
“Dai pasina nyimo makunguo aizodyei?”
If there were no (bambara) groundnuts, what would the crows eat?
Dai pasina vanhu vane mwoyochena, ko, avo vanotambura vaizobatsirwa naani? Mwari wakasika munhu wose achiziwa mararamire aaizoita; nokudaro nyange zvirema namapofu vanogona kurarama vachibatsirwa navanhu vane mwoyo yetsitsi.
“Kureva chikwereti kumurombo kunema Mwari.”
To claim a debt from a poor man is (tantamount) to scorning God.
Kureva chikwereti kumunhu asina chaainacho zvakafanana nokumhura nokusvora Mwari, sokuti ndiye Mwari akasika munhu iyeye.
“Doro romunyimi rinovava.”
The beer of a stingy person tastes bitter.
Kubva kare doro haratifanira kunyimwa munhu. Zvaiti kana munhu akawana panosvinwa hwahwa atpiwa. Asi doro romunyimi raizovava nemhosva yokuti anenge aribikira chimbi-chimbi achitya kuti vanhu vangaripedza. Norumwe rutivixye, kana doro rikagarisa nemhosva yokuti muridzi waro haadi kuripa vanhu, rinodzoka rovava.
“Zuva rimwe haripedzi dura.”
One day's stay does not empty a granary.
Kupa munhu anopfuura chokudya kwezuva rimwe chete hazvipedzi kudya kwose zvokuti muridzi wemusha angasara oziya nenzara.
“Kupa huvigisa.”
To give is to bank.
Kana uchiposhesa vamwe vanhu mari kana zvimwe zvinhu zvavanenge vachishaya unozofara musi wavanenge vava kukudzorera zvose zvavakambokukwereta. Ipapo unozoita somunhu akanga akavigisa pfuma yake.
“Kuchengeta imbwa yomweni kuda mwene wayo.”
Keeping a stranger's dog means liking its owner (too).
Kana wada munhu chibva wamudawo nezvake zvose. Hazvigoni kuti ugoda munhu asi uchisema chimwe chinhu paari.
“Aguta haaoneki.”
One who has had his fill does not bid farewell.
Kana munhu aitirwa zvakanaka zvikamugutsa, anowanzoda kuenda chinyararire sokuti anenge asiside zvimwe. Uya asina kuguta anooneka achiti zvimwe kuda angawedzerwezve zvokudya, zvikuru kana riri doro.
“(Mombe) Inonanzva inoinanzvavo.”
It (e.g. an ox) licks the one that licks it.
Munhu anoda uyo anomudawo. Kana munhu achida kuti adiwe navamwe akafanira kutanga avataridza rudo kuti ivo vagozomupawo rwavo pazuva rinotevera.
“Chisi chako kuita musoko-musoko unodya wakatarisa kumusuo.”
What is not yours, you are bound to eat in mouthfuls while facing the door.
Kana munhu achishandisa chinhu chisiri chake kana kuti chinhu chokukumbira, akafanira kukurumidza nokuti anogona kuchitorerwa nomuridzi wacho panguva yaanenge achichishandisa iyoyo.
“Aramba ukama apa huku yangu kurarama.”
He who has refused relationship has given my fowl (longer) life.
Kana ukaona munhu kana kuti hama yako asingadi kukushanyira uye kuwirirana newe, usanyunyuta nokuti haana chaanokudyira.
“Masuka mukanwa bere harirariri chipashupashu.”
(It means just) rinsing the mouth, a small locust cannot feed a hyena.
Nguva dzose munhu anoda kudya kunomugutsa kwete kudya zvokudya zvishoma uye zvisina maturo. Sokuti pachinzvimbo chokudya zvaro mbudzi yose, bere rorarira mhashu, zvinoratidza kuti harina charadya, rarara nenzara.
“Kandiro kanoenda kunobva kamwe.”
A small dish (of food) goes whence comes another small one.
Kana munhu achitira mumwe zvakanaka, uyawo anomutira zvakanaka nokuti munhu oga oga anoda hama inomubatsirawo.
“Chitsva-chitsva munamba wejenachena.”
What is new is new like milk porridge.
Nguva dzose kana munhu akawana chinhu chitsva anofunga kuti zvimwe zvose zvava zvitsaru, haachazvide.
“Ane jira ndeane rukunara (rusakara) ane idzva akariwana meso atsvuka.”
The one with an old blanket (has been satisfied all along); the one who has got a new one has acquired it with red eyes (after a struggle).
Munhu awana chinhu chitsva nhasi haafaniri kudadira uya ane chitsaru nokuti ane chitsva uyu ainge asina chinhu iye uya wechitsaru ainacho. Zvekare kuti munhu awane chitsva anotochiwana atambura.
“Kudada kwavari mugomo kukumbira vari pasi mapfihwa.”
It is arrogant for mountain dwellers to ask for hearth-stones from those in the plain.
Kungave kudada kana vapfumi vachikumbira zvinhu kuvarombo nokuti zvinoratidza kuvasvora nokuvaseka pamusana peurombo hwavo.
“Kutaura kwowadye ganda kunokunda wadya mushuna.”
The one who has eaten meat with skin* praises it more than the one who has eaten steak.
Kazhinji munhu asina chaanoziva ndiye anozvirumbidza nokuzuwa achiti ndiye anoziva zvizhinji. Vaya vanoziva ndivo vanoramba zvavo vanyerere.
“Ishe-ndishe muranda-muranda.”
A chief is a chief (and) a subject is a subject.
Munhu ari pasi kana kuti ari pachinzvimbo chiri pasi haangaegoni kuzvifanamidza nouyo ari pamusoro pake mukuita zvaanoda. Anoita zvaanoda ndishe, kwete uya ari pasi pashe; haangaiti kuda kwake sezvinoita ishe.
“Usiku humwe chete hahupedzi ushe.”
A night's (lodging) does not take away chieftainship.
Kuomerwa nezvinhu kwenguva pfupi hakushanduri chimiro kana kutorera munhu umambo hwake. Kana uri munhu anokudzikara hauzosvoreki nemhosva yokuti warara mumarara kwezuva rimwe chete.
“Ushe ukokwa kuna vamwe.”
Chieftainship is by invitation (from the people).
Tsika dzakanaka, unhu uye kuzvidukupisa zvinopa munhu kuremekedzwa navanhu.
“Panoramba machinda nherera sinyungwe.”
Where the sons (of a chief) are dancing, an orphan should keep in the background.
Munhu ngaaite zvinhu achizvibata nezvaari. Asazvienzanise navapfumi uye vaya vane zvinzvimbo zviri pamusoro. Vamwe vanhu vanoita zvinhu vachiziwa kuti shure kwavo vakatsigirwa nehama dzavo kana kuti nepfuma yavo.
“Mwana kuchenera nyere yepfuta achairega yaputa.”
A child crying for a whistle (made from the castor oil plant) will abandon it when it shrivels.
Chinhu kana chichiri chitsva chinomhanyirwa navanhu kwazvo. Asi kana chichinge chagara kwenguva, chinofinha zvokuti kudiwa kwacho kunobva kwaperawo.
“Anonyumwa bere kurira ndouya akazora manda.”
He who is scared of a hyena's howling is he who has smeared (himself) with fat.
Kunge zviya munhu akapara mhosva, kana akangonzwa panotaurwa nezvenhosva yacho anorohwa nehana nokunyumwa. Nokudaro, munhu akaipa anongonyumwa paya panenge pachitaurwa nezvavapi. Zvikuru kana munhu achiti akangoona mupurisa obvunda, zvinoreva kuti pane mhosva yaakapara.
“Iringa nameso muchero wenhundurwa.”
It's a thing to be looked at only (like) a bitter apple.
Kunyange munhu akadisiswa nechinhu, haafaniri kuchitora kana chiri chinhu chisingabvumirwi netsika. Munhu haafaniri kuda chinhu chisingagonekwi.
“Indemo hadzo dzeane nyota asi mvura haikokotwi.”
It is (hopelessly) incongruous for a thirsty person but water cannot be scraped up with a finger.
Kana munhu akasvika pakutambudzika chaizyo anobva aita rema. Anoedza kuita zvimwe zvinosekesa, zvisingambofi zvakaitika achivavarira kuzvibatsira.
“Chinonzi rega ndechiri mumaoko chiri mumwoyo hachikandwe pasi.”
What can be expected to be dropped is (held) in the hands, but what is in the heart cannot be thrown on the ground.
Kana munhu akakura aine tsika yakaipa, sokuti kunwa hwahwa kana kuputa mbanje, anogona kuzoregera tsika dzakadai idzi. Asi rushoma kuti munhu akazvarwa aine hasha kana hangarwa azodziregera.
“Utsi hwenyama hahutosvori.”
Smoke from roasting meat does not irritate (the eyes).
Munhu haanei nokunetswa nechinhu chaanodisa. Nyangwe pane zvipingamupinyi munhu anogona kushingirira kuita chinhu chaanoda dzamara chabudirira.
“Pachapwa madziwa miramba tichanyurura.”
When pools dry up, we fish out barbels.
Kazhinji vanhu vanodya vakaguta parufu rwomupfumi.
“Mhavarira inoda vane nharo.”
Perseverance calls for impetuous people.
Munhu asingagoni kuita chimwe chinhu anozodzamara achigona nemhosva yeshungu. Shungu dzinomanikidza munhu kuramba achivavarira chinhu kunyange asingachigoni.
“Kurera nherera kupakira mavhu muchitende.”
To rear an orphan is to fill a calabash with soil.
Zvinogona kuitika pavanhu kuti kana ukambobatsira munhu anenge ari pakutambudzika unozozvidemba kana ava kukutsindika pazuva rin
“Kurera nherera mangwana anofuma okupindukira.”
(If you) rear an orphan he/she will turn against you tomorrow.
Kana ukambobatsira munhu anenge ari pakutambudzika unozozvidemba kana ava kukutsindika pazuva rinotevera.
“Akupa dhamba (rengavi) ndowako.”
He who has given you a tame ox is your relative.
Tenda munhu akupa chinhu chaunosvikoshandisa pakarepo chichibva chakubatsira. Pachivanhu chedu, kana mvura ichinge yarova pasi, munhu anokupa mombe dzokurimisa ndiyo hama yako chaiyo.
“Chomujiri ndechemhanza chomudzimu ndechawadanirwa.”
Whatever you get from a forest (of wild fruit trees) is by luck; what you are invited (to take) is given by the mudzimu.
Kuwana chinhu chokunonga kana kupiwa, munhu unotenda vadzimu vako. Asi kuti uzviwanire chinhu chaunoda iwe pachako, unotochiwana waita zvokuchitamburira nokuchishandira.
“Yatsika dope yanwa.”
That (animal) which has stepped into the mud has been drinking.
Kana munhu akawana mabiko kana kuti doro rebira rapera, ndokugopiwa mukombe wehwahwa mumwe zvawo wange wasara, haangaendi achiti haana kunwa hwahwa pabira apa.
“Tendai muchero ugowisa.”
Be grateful (to the tree) so that it may yield more fruits.
Kupiwa chinhu nomunhu, ratidza rutendo rwako kuti mangwana agofarira kukupazve.
“Usaguta ukasunda dura.”
Do not get so full as to overturn the granary.
Munhu kana wayamurwa zvinofadza, usasiya watsindika muyamuri wako nokuti mangwana ungazodazve ruyamuro zvekare.
“Kure ndokuna amai kune mukadzi unofa wasvika.”
Far is where mother is, where wife is you risk death to reach.
Kana kuine chinhu chaunodisa chiri kure newe mwoyo wako unopisa zvokuti unozoona nzvimbo yachiri seiri pedyo.
“Ronda rinosunda ndorine muchichi.”
The wound closing up causes pain.
Munhu anokurudzira vamwe neshungu ndiye ane pfungwa dzine mubayiro. Kazhinji zvinhu zvinouyisa mufaro ndizyo zvinotanga nokurwadzisa mweya nenyama.
“Ropa uya nderina vatsungi.”
Fortune favours the brave.
Munhu anowana zvinhu nokutamburira. Hapana chinhu chinongovinga munhu agere zvake. Vanhu vakashinga ndivo vanowana zvinhu asi mbwende dzinofa nounbwende hwadzo.
“Apunyaira haashayi misodzi.”
One who has become emotionally upset does not lack tears.
Munhu akaita chinhu nomwoyo wake wose chinogona kumuwanisawo mubayiro. Hakuna chinhu chinowanikwa nomunhu anongorembedza maoko ake nokuda kwounyope. Chinhu choga choga chinowanikwa nokushingaira.
“Hapana mvura isina chura.”
There is no water without a frog.
Hapana musha kana nyika isina nyangadzi. Pose pagara vanhu panototi pave nomunhuishi. Zvakare hapana munhu anganzi mutswene zvachose, achishaya chaangaponerwa.
“Chidokodoko chirera muviri chikuru chinozouya wakora.”
A little helps to sustain the body; more will come later when you are fat.
Kuzoti chinhu chive chikuru, chine mbirimi, kunge chatanga chiri chidoko. Munhu wose anobudirira pakuita zvinhu anotanga nokuita zvinhu zvidoko. Hapana munhu anozvarwa achingova nokukudzwa kana kuti nounyanzvi.
“Ageza haanokorerwi.”
One who has washed (his hands) helps himself (to food).
Kana munhu akaira akura, ayaruka, anotarisirwa kuitawo zvinhu zvechikuru. Paya panotaura vakuru iye anenge ava kuvabatsirawo namazwi ake.
“Akura arehwa.”
One who has grown up is spoken of.
Ari wose munhu, kana achinge akura, akaitwa mutungamiri kana kuti ari musoro wemhuri, haachatyi kurehwa kana kutsoropodzwa navanhu.
“Utsva hworurimi hahuna marapiro.”
Burns on the tongue cannot be treated.
Kunyange munhu akatadziirwa zvakadii, chinhu chakanaka kumborega kurwisa kuitira kuti mhosva iwane matongerwo. Uyawo nyakutadzira munwe akafanira kubata hana dzamara pfungwa dzavaviri awa dzagadzikana.
“Zuva rimwe hariodzi nyama.”
Meat does not rot in a day.
Kana uine chinhu chinoda kuitwa nhasi, hazvirevi kuti hauchazochitii nemhosva yokuti waregera kuchitta kwezuva rimwe chete. Kune mazuva mazhinji ari mberi okuita zvose zvaunenge uchida.
“Panoda mwoyo nzira haisviki.”
Where the heart longs to be the path never reaches.
Kazhinji munhu waunoda kuti ave shamwari yako ndiye waunoona achikusema. Zvekare, zvinogona kuitika kuti munhu adzimaidzwe pfungwa achikonzwa kuwana mazano okusvika pachinhu chaanenge achida.
“Mutoro unorema wasvika.”
The load becomes heaviest when you are reaching (the goal).
Basa rinowanzorema kana rava kuda kupera, nokudaro munhu anowanzoneta kana ava kuda kusvika kumagumo kworwendo rwake.
“Muroyi munhu kubayiwa anochemawo.”
A witch is human, when pricked he cries.
Munhu anogarotadzira nokutsamwisa vamwe kana akatadzirwa anonzwawo kurwadziwa sezvinoita munhu wose wose.
“Mwoyo chipanda chaunoda unoturika.”
The heart is a place where you can hang whatever you want.
Vavariro dzomunhu, pfungwa dzake dzose dzakaipa uye dziya dzakanaka, zvose anozvichengeta mumwoyo make.
“Zongororo kugonya haro asi shungu rinadzo.”
Although a millipede coils, it is grieved.
Munhu mungangomuona kunyarara asi ane shungu mumwoyo make. Vamwe vanhu havagoni kutaura zviri mumwoyo yavo. Kazhinji vanosarudza kungonyarara zvavo asi vanenge vaine makomo-makomo eshungu.
“Rutsva runovira nokuona rumwe.”
One (veld) fire spreads at the sight of another.
Kupindurana namazwi akaipa kunoita kuti shungu dziviruke. Kana munhu akakutuka iwe ukanyarara zvako, iyewo anokurumidza kanyarara.
“Hwahwa (doro) hune umambo.”
To be drunk means to be king.
Kana munhu akanwa hwahwa zvokuraradza anokanganwa zuvorombo hwake ipapo obva ozvitora samambo.
“Hwahwa hahuna mbuva.”
Beer is no food for a journey.
Kana munhu aira araradza anotia manyawi zvokuti anobva angoparadza nechinhu chaanodisa.
“Hwahwa hahuna ndashanya.”
Beer has no regard for a visitor.
Kana muenzi akanwa hwahwa anodhakwa zvokusagona kuzvibata achizopedzisira oita sandiye muridzi wenzvimbo iyoyo nokuda kwamataurire uye zviito zvake.
“Kupfuura nomuchinanga hugonda neshangu.”
To pass through a thicket you have to rely on shoes.
Ukaona munhu oita chinhu chaanoziva kuti chine ngozi uye kuti chakaoma anenge achiziva maitire ake.
“Ngwena haidyi chebamba chayo chinoza neronga.”
The crocodile does not live on raids; its food comes along the water way.
Munhu womupfumi ane unhu haawanzi kudya zvokukwata. Anodya chete izvo anenge avigirwa kana zviya zvaanenge akokerwa.
“Muvhimi haatyi mumwe.”
A hunter does not fear another (hunter).
Munhu haazezi kuita chinhu nyange achiona kuti pane mumwe anodavo kuita chinhu chekare ichocho. Mukomana haangatyi rimwe jaya kana pasvika pakunyenga vasikana.
“Webondo haadyi chiropa.”
A warrior does not eat liver.
PavaShona munhu ari muhondo ane zvibiningidzo zvaanofanira kutevera sokuti kusadya chiropa nederere nenyimo. Vakuru vedu vanenge vane zvavaiziya zvaikonzerwa nokudya zvinhu izvi kana munhu ari muvhimi kana kuti muhondo.
“Uranda ndohwepfuma (zvipfuwo) hwomunhu hunozvirwira.”
Domestic animals can be enslaved; a human being will free himself.
Munhu anofungawo, nokudaro haafaniri kubatwa semhuka. Anofanira kusarudza zvaanoda achiramba zvaasingadi pasina kumanikidzwa.
“Imbwa kuminya hona inodada nechivhuno.”
A dog swallowing a bone is confident of its power to break it.
Ukaona munhu achitangana nezvinhu zvaanoziva kuti zvingamupinza mungozi anenge aine chaanovimba nacho.
“Madanha etsvimborume kudya yawarira.”
It is a bachelor's longing to eat after preparing his sleeping place.
Munhu asina mumwe anomubatsira anogara agadzirira mabasa ake ose nguva ichiripo. Anoziva kuti kana akasadaro zvingazomuwandira iyo nguva yapera.
“Mwoyochena ndowei bere kugarira mhuru yakafa zvayo?”
What sort of altruism if a hyena has to guard a dead calf?
Nguva dzose kana vanhu vachiona munhu achipa rubatsiro pasina muripo vanofungira kuti munhu wacho pane zvaanoda mangwana kubva kune uya waayamura pachena.
“Tsvimborume chenga urarami hama dzife ugogara nhaka.”
A bachelor should be after a long life; when relatives die he will inherit (a wife).
Munhu anoshaya zvinhu ngaarege kuora mwoyo. Ngaazive kuti kugara nokugara kana achingova mupenyu chete, anozowana pfuma.
“Tsvimborume kutenga duri kuona mashoko kunaka.”
A bachelor is buying a mortar (because) he is doing well in his love affairs.
Kuona munhu ogadzirira chinhu zvaanga asingafungirwi zvinoreva kuti pane chaanoda kuita. Kuona tsvimborume yoveza duri pane mukadzi wakaida wainoda kuroora.
“Chipa muchena kupfuma mudzinu wake. (K)”
You can help a poor man (but only) his mudzinu will make him rich.
Munhu agara ari murombo anongoramba ari murombo nyangwe akambobatsirwa nokupiwa zvinhu. Haana chiravirwa chokupfuma zvekare haana mazano okuwana upfumi nawo.
“Muromo haupi chinopa maoko.”
The mouth doesn't give but the hands.
Hazvinetsi kutaura nomuromo kana munhu achivimbisa mumwe. Muromo hausiri iwo unopa zvinhu asi kunotozoti kana chinhu ichi chavapo maoko ndiwo anozadzisa vimbiso iya.
“Tenda nyakusvitsa mupi haalpotsera.”
Thank the delivery man; the giver might not have thrown it (to you).
Munhu akusvitsira chipo akuyamura. Akafanira kutendwa zvakaenzana nouya achitumira.
“Muzvimbirwi ndiye muzaruri wesuo.”
The one who has overeaten is the one to open the door.
Munhu pachake kana ashatirwa ndiye anoziva muero wokushatirwa kwake. Anorwara ndiye anotsvaga n'nga; uya anenge atadzirwa ndiye anondomhan'ara kudare rashe.
“Shungu dzembwa dziri mumwoyo kuhukura ndiko kududza.”
A dog's feelings are in its heart; its barking is their expression.
Munhu oga oga ane zvimwe zvinhu zvinomushungurudza pamwoyo wake kunyangwe achitaridza kufara nguva dzose. Anombochengeta zvigumbu izvi asi anozopedzisira ozvitaura.
“Igonyodzo kudya chegadzingani.”
It reveals grudge to eat something belonging to a stingy woman.
Kumunhu ane nharo kana kuti kunyima, vanhu vanomutaridza kunge vanomuda asi ivo vachida kufumura tsika dzake. Vakaona kuti anosembura vamwe vanomutaridza zviito zvinenge sezvakanaka asi zviri zvokumutsudza muchibhende.
“Muromo unodavidza nomuroyi.”
The mouth can answer (even) a witch.
Muromo hauna zishura nomunhu; unongotaura nomunhu wose kunyange muvengi wako.
“Nharo imhanjire.”
Quarrelsomeness breeds hatred.
Kuita nharo kunowanzopinza ruvengo pavanhu zvichiiia kuti mumwe apiwe mungazi, kukuvara, kurwa navanhu uye mamwe matambudziko.
“Zimutsa bope kudyidzana nembwa.”
It means provoking a fight (if you) eat together with a dog.
Kugaronzwana nomunhu anopenga rimwe zuva unozoguma warohwa naye.
“Zviururwi zvinofara kana kondo afa ziso.”
Small frogs are happy when the hammer-head (bird) has lost one eye.
Vanhu vanogaroshushiva vanofara kana nyakushusha wacho asipo.
“Chiripo chariuraya zizi harifi roga nemhepo.”
Something has killed the owl; it cannot be the wind.
Chinhu choga choga chinotitka kana pane munhu achiita. Hakuna mashura anotitka pasina chikonzero.
“Imbwa inohukura haina ngozi.”
A barking dog is not dangerous.
Munhu anowanzotaurisa anopedzera shungu ipapo asi uya anogara anyerere anotyisa. Munhu wakadai kana akatsamwiswa anogona kungotsividad chiryararire.
“Gonzo nachin’ai zvatosvorana.”
The rat and soot have irritated each other.
Hazviwanzi kuita kuti vanhu vanenge vachiwirirana vatukane. Kana shamwari neshamwari vakatukana ndokurwa, vanhu vanoshamisika nazvo.
“Mharadzano dzakabva munzira.”
Side paths branched off from the main path.
Mukutaurirana zvinhu zvinovaka musha, vanhu vakafanira kudzidzisa ndimi dzavo kutaura mazwi asingagumbusi vamwe. Kutukana kuzhinji kunokonzerwa nokushandisa mazwi asina kururama.
“Chayambuka chaoneka tsiga rakasiya mbare pagumbo.”
What crosses over bids farewell; the burning log has left scorch marks on the leg.
Kuitira munhu chakaipa kunyangwe zwake asina simba rokudzorera, anoitavo chimwe chinhu kana kutaura shoko zvaro rinosara richikurwadza mwoyo kwenguva refu.
“Tsvaru anodana tivhu.”
A light stroke invites a heavy blow.
Zviri nani kurega kutadzira munhu nyangwe napadoko nokuti zvinokonzera kuzotsividza kwake kukuru. Kana ukadenha munhu iye anokudzorera nokurwadzisa kwakarayanya.
“Kufa ndikamwe kuora mazuva matatu.”
(You) die once and rot in three days.
Kuitika kwechinhu kunotora nguva pfupi asi kuzopera kwenyaya yacho kunotora nguva huru. Kana munhu akapara mhosva zvinotora nguva refu kuti mhosva yacho ienzaniswe.
“Kutamba ngoma matsive.”
Feasts with drums are held in turns.
Kuti chinhu chose chibudirire, kusanganisa nemitambo yemifaro, zvakafanira kuitwa mukubatira pamwe zvekare zvinofanira kuitwa mumajana. Kuti zvibude zvakanaka ndisko kuti nhasi zviri pako mangwana zvava pamumwe.
“Chinokanganwa idemo chitsiga hachikanganwe.”
The axe forgets but the (cut) log does not.
Munhu anotsamwisa mumwe anokurumidza kukanganwa mhosho yake asi uya anenge atadzinwa acharwadziva mwoyo kwenguva yakareba.
“Vayanani ndivo varwi.”
Friends are (also) fighters.
Paupenyu hwavanhu zvinolitika kuti vanhu vanonzwanana chaizyo vambopesana nokutukanavo. Zvichidaro, vanhu vanombotanga varwa ndivo vanozopedzisira dzave shamwari.
“Samwoyochena ndiye nyamutsvirwa nemba.”
The kind-hearted has his house burnt down.
Rushoma kuti munhu ane mwoyo wakanaka atendwe navanhu vose. Munhu wakadai kazhinji ndiye anowanzotsindikwa pamusana pamabasa ake akanaka:
“Kutsenga muriwo hudzidzisana.”
You learn from others how to (chew) squander relish.
Kuzoti munhu atirre vamwe zvakanaka kana kuti zvakaipa kunge iye aona vachitta saizvozyo.
“Kuroorera mukarabwe muchema waisa udyi mumba.”
To marry a girl of poor parents means to feed more people.
Kuita ushamwari nomurombo unozozvidemba wava kuruza zvinhu zvako. Shamwari yomurombo inogara ichikukumbira zvinhu iye uchimupa nemhosva yokumunyara.
“Potsi haarwiwi tinorwira piri.”
Number One is not fought over, he who is fought over is Number Two.
Kana munhu akatadza kekutanga akafanira kuregererwa asi kana akazopamhazye kuita mhosva iyeyo angazotongwa.
“Mhembwe urombo ndohwayo haisweri musyo rimwe nembudzi.”
The duiker is to be pitied (because) it cannot (even) spend a day together with goats.
Kunyange munhu akashayiva munhu wokutamba naye, ha-azoendi kundotamba nomuvengi wake.
“Meso asangana hwava ukama.”
Eyes which have met have (established) relationship.
Vanhu vakamboonana kana vakazosangana kune imwe nzvimbo neimwe nguva iri kure vanoziyana.
“Hukwana inodya ndeiri pana mai.”
The chicken that feeds (best) is the one close to its mother.
Kana vanhu vakakumbira zvinhu kumukuru, uya anozivikanwa zvakanyanya ndiye anopiwa zvizhinji zvakare ndiye anotanga kupiwa.
“Imbwa payadyira haipakanganwi.”
The place where a dog has fed it does not forget.
Munhu kana ava nenhamo anodzoka panzvimbo iya yaakambobatsirwa. Anenge ava kuziva kuti ipapo ndipo pane vanhu vane mwoyo yokuda kubatsira.
“Manenji kuona mukadzi ane mhanza.”
It is astounding to see a woman with a bald head.
Kana munhu akaona chinhu chisina kumboitika paupenyu hwavanhu anoti aona mashura nokudaro anofungidzira kuti kune chimwe chinhu chingangoitika paupenyu hwake.
“Vari pachavo vanokwenyana.”
People on their own scratch one another.
Munhu ndowokugara aine shamwari kuti kana yangosvika nguva yenhamo vonunudzana; kana yasvika nguva yomufaro vofara vose. Nguva dzose vanhu vari pamwe vanoyambirana.
“Musi mavi ndiwo muuya.”
A bad day (can become) a good day.
Zuva renjodzi kana kuti zuva rine kushuwa mukati rinogona kuyisavo zvimwe zvinhu zvakanaka. Sokuti kana kuka- fa munhu, vanhu vanotiirana tsitsi vachikanganwa kuve- ngana kwavo zuva irero.
“Afirwa haaringwi kumeso.”
A bereaved person is not looked in the face.
Kuita kwomunhu anenge akanganisirwa hakuwanzi kuva mugwara. Munhu atadzinwa kana kufirwa haakwanisi kufunga zvakanaka. Hatifaniri kushusha munhu wakadai kana kutarisira kuti aite zvinhu namazyo semisi yose.
“Akweva sanzu akweva namarara aro.”
One who has pulled a branch along also drags along its leaves.
Kana ukatora ndokuchengeta munhu ane vamwe pasi pake vaanoriritira ibva waziya kuti ndiwe wava kuvachengeta vose. Pachivanhu, murume anoroora mwana ine mwana wayo zvinoreva kuti anofanira kuchengeta vose mai nomwana.
“Chirume kufumira pachimwe kunuromo chakatakura.”
A man visiting another early in the morning must be (eager) to talk.
Zviri pachena kuti kana munhu womurume akafumira pamba yomumwe murume anenge aine chamusimudza chamoda kutaura. Hapana munhu angafumogugudza pamba pomuvakidzani asina mazwi aainavo.
“Ashunya arwa.”
He who has pinched has fought.
Kana munhu akakubatsira pane chaunenge uchida akuyamura. Hazvirevi kuti anofanira kukupa ruyamuro ruzere asi kuti paanenge akwanisa ipapo aita.
“Chomungazva chinodyiwa nowabata mwana.”
What belongs to a woman who has recently given birth is eaten by the one who cuddles the child.
Munhu akasvikotaridza rudo netsika dzechivanhu paanenge asvika anopiwa kudya kwanga kwakavanda. Munhurume akabatsira nebasa kana vobwo vodya iye anopiwawo.
“Chawawana idya nehama mutorwa ane hanganwa.”
Whatever you have secured eat with relatives; a stranger forgets.
Munhu garoziva kuyamura nokubatsira voukama hwako nokuti ndiwo vanozokubatsira panguva yenjodzi.
“Chinoziva ivhu kuti mwana wembeva anorwara.”
(Only) the soil knows that the young of a mouse is sick.
Hakuna munhu angaziva zviri muhana yomumwe munhu kunze kwaiye munhu wacho. Munhu oga oga ane zvinomunetsa mumwoyo make zvisingazivikamwi navamwe vanhu.
“Vaviri-vaviri wechitatu muzvinaguhwa.”
Two are two; a third party means gossip.
Nguva dzose vanhu vaviri ndivo vanotaurirana vachinzwana. Pakazenge pava nowechitatu panobuda makuhwa nokupokana.
“Kuvengana hakupi chiro nyama inodyiwa yaswera pachoto.”
Hatred brings no reward; meat is eaten after it has spent a day on the fire.
Kusawirirana kwayanhu uye ruvengo hakuna zvakunovaka. Vanhu vakafanira kabata hana dzavo vachiedza kuenzanisa bopoto ripi neripi nyange zvichivatorera muswere wose wezuva.
“Shungu neganyu zvinodzimba wotandadza asi chido chinomusimbisa.”
Grief and sighing hurt a person in agony while loving compassion strengthens him.
Kana mumwe wako atsamwa zviri nani kumupindura namanzwi akapfava uye ane rudo kuti iye agopora pashungu dzake. Kwete kumutaurira zvingamuwedzera kutsamwa.
“Chirungurira ndechowadya maradzwa chowerinopisa isvoto.”
Indigestion attacks the one who has eaten left-overs, but the one who has eaten hot food feels nausea.
Munhu kana akakanganisirwa zvishoma anotsamwa zviri pakati napakati. Asi kana akadenhwa anozorwisawo.
“Maronda asiri ako anonhuhwa.”
Wounds other than yours stink.
Munhu haangazvioni kuipa kwake asi kwevamwe.
“Chikomo shata divi rimwe ritambire pwere.”
Little mountain, be difficult on one side so that children may play on the other.
Kana munhu aipa, ngaavewo nedzimwe tsika dzakanaka kuti agowana vamwe vanhu vanomuda.
“Wavengwa anhuhwa.”
One who is hated stinks.
Munhu oga oga kana akavengwa navanhu anobva angomekwa sechinhu chinosemesa.
“Mutumwa haana mbonje.”
A messenger should not be injured.
Munhu anenge atumwa neshoko haana mhosva. Mutumwa haafanirwi kurwiswa nokuti haasiri iye muridzi weshoko racho.
“Ngoma muridzi wayo.”
The (sound of the) drum depends on the drummer.
Chinhu chose chinonyatsozivikanwa nokushandiswa nomuridzi wacho.
“Kuroora mukadzi roora muroyi unofuma wowana chinokurwisira daka.”
When you marry, marry a witch; (then) you will have somebody fighting on your behalf against a grudge.
Dzimwe nguva chinhu chinovengwa novoruzhinji naicho chinoyamura. Zvinobatsira kuchengeta nyangwe chinhu chinonzi chakaipa, pamwe chingangozokurwira mumatanbudziko.
“Kutanda imbwa yomukuwasha kudzinga muridzi wayo.”
To drive away the dog of a son-in-law (means) to chase its owner.
Kana munhu akaona zvinhu zvake zvichivengwa anoziwa kuti kana iye haasiri kudiwawo. Vamwe vanhu havaratidzi ruvengo rwavo pachena asi vanorutaridza kuzvinhu zvaomuridzi.
“Muromo itsvimbo unozvidzivirira.”
A mouth is like a knobkerrie; it defends itself.
Muromo unogona kuzvidzivirira pamhosva nokuda kwokutaura. Nyangwe paine idi rinozivikanwa nomwoyo, rinototi riburitswe nomuromo.
“Ushamwari hwechikweyakweya mangwana tichanzwa zvipini zvorira.”
Too intimate a friendship will end with hoe handles cracking tomorrow.
Ushamwari hunotanga huchinyanyisa hunowanzoparara vanhu vasisanzwanani. Rudo runotanga nokupisa mwoyo harutani kupera zvekare runowanzoguma rava bopoto.
“Kureva donga rimwe riripo rinonyumwa.”
Talking ill of a muTonga in the presence of another (muTonga) will make the latter (feel) uneasy.
Kutaura pamusoro pechinono chomunhu iye asiripo, zvichidaro mumwe wake aripo, zvinogona kugumbusa uya aripo. Mbavha naiyo, haifariri kunzwa kusvorwa kweimwe mbavha.
“Musachema muzvere afirwa nomwana muchisiya uyo afa nomwana wake.”
Do not mourn a woman whose newly born baby has died, and forget one who has died together with her baby.
Kazhinji vanhu vanonzwira tsitsi uya ane nhamo diki kupinda uya ane nhamo huru. Zvinotitika kuti munhu wekumba huru anzwiwe urombo nokubatsirwa asi murombo chaive anokodzerwa nebatsiro achishaya.
“Mhandakadzi ihonza varanda.”
A querulous woman makes the servants lose weight.
Kupopotedzana kwayanhukadzi hakutevedzerwi, kana munhu akada kukutevedzera, anoguma asisina wokunzwana naye. Munhukadzi, zvikuru kana vari mai vemba, vakagaropopota nguva dzose vanoshayisa mhuri yose mujaro.