Zviera zvavaShona.

Things not done, and the reason given for each.

Safety

Usagare mugwagwa uchaiita mota.

Do not sit or play in the road, or you will turn into a car.

Chierwa ichi chinodzivirira vana kuti varege kukuvadzwa nemota dzinofamba mumugwagwa.

This taboo protects children from being struck and injured by vehicles on the road.

Mitupo

Ukadya mutupo unodoona mazino.

Do not eat your totem animal, or you will suffer for it.

Chierwa ichi chinochengetedza ukama hwedzinza nemhuka yaro yemutupo, uye chinoratidza rukudzo kumadzitateguru.

This taboo preserves the sacred bond between a clan and its totem animal, and shows respect for one's ancestry.

Conduct

Ukadongorera unoita showhera.

Do not peep or spy on others, or you will be afflicted for it.

Chierwa ichi chinodzidzisa kuremekedza zvakavanzika zvevamwe uye kusapinda muzvinhu zvisiri zvako.

This taboo teaches respect for others' privacy and discourages prying into matters that are not one's business.

Household

Ukatsvaira nemutsvairo hauroorwe.

Sweep carelessly with a broom, and you will never get married.

Chierwa ichi chinodzidzisa vasikana tsika dzakanaka uye kungwarira pakuita mabasa epamba.

This taboo teaches girls good household conduct and care in carrying out domestic chores.

Everything here, offline, in your pocket.

The full dictionary, every proverb, all sixty totems and the riddles. No data, no ads, no account.