161. If you help your fellow men, you will also help yourself in the process - EM. If you want change, you have to initiate change. ~Haya (Tanzania) proverb, Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. FSM ll9. REK. This Swahili idiom literally means one who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Kifo, death, dying; but here "hard working.". "Madness does not govern a country; discussion does. Mgongo haupakwi mafuta. 1290. - Baha'U'Llah. ", 61. "No one became wealthy because they broke a holiday and no one who gained weight because they broke a fast. The Swahili people originate from Bantu inhabitants of the coast of Southeast Africa, in Kenya, Tanzania . Wawili hula ng'ombe. NGU. "Once you have been tossed by a buffalo, a black ox looks like a buffalo. - Mattie Stepanek Or: Do not waste your energy on useless arguments - MM. An orphan depends on a benefactor. "A wise man who knows the proverbs of the land reconciles difficulties. 11. Ongoing Admissions and Recruitments within Ghana 2022, Akome Senior High Technical School Akostec, TSC Imprest Application Form Pdf Download, TSC Next of Kin secretariat Form BBF Pdf Download, TSC Performance Appraisal Form Pdf Download, Wesley College Of Education Contact | Address, University for Development Studies UDS Medical School Fee Paying, When Will The GAF Forms Be Released 2022/2023, Royal Ann College of Health RACOH School Fees 2022, Kintampo College of Health and Well Being Courses, Unity is strength, division is weakness. THEME OF UNITY: Swahili translation UMOJA! Afungaye kibwebwe si bure ana mchezo. One who is carried [on the back] must cling on. 1272a. "The king who shuts his eyes during famine in the land will soon see ancestors. One knee doesn't bring up a child. These can be seen adorning kangas, the local fabric wraps worn by women throughout Tanzania and Africa more broadly. The basket is made of the same material. Moumita has worked with many soccer teams and produced match reports, and sports is her primary passion. Along with the video is a word-for-word transcription of the skit, a glossary for difficult words or phrases, and a . If you are carried don't slacken your legs. Required fields are marked *. It takes a village to raise a child African quote. Vikombe vikikaa pamoja havina budi kugongana. T 434; V 8; MS 61. 1251. A fool is like a wanderer lost on a path. - Nigerian Proverb. They serve as the two official working languages. ~ Congolese proverb, A single stick may smoke, but it will not burn. "We desire to bequeath two things to our children; the first one is roots, the other one is wings. The cries of a goat do not prevent it from reaching the market. 66. It takes a village to raise a child. Mkoma: 1. You can't have unity without diversity. 158. Unity is strength, division is weakness. Also used for familial and social break-ups. ", 95. Kukubali shingo upande. ", 7. Reading and writing is always a pleasure. Application: Every person has his/her shortfalls. The inconveniences of life are best when shared. Subira huvuta heri. "Birds sing not because they have answers but because they have songs. ", 32. For many whistles the dog is lost. The two hands wash each other. Meaning: Unity is Strength. ", 150. EM s6. 1. ", 22. This famous quote in Swahili means that violence and force do not fix bad behavior. Ukibebwa usilevye-levye miguu. 1246. 1324. 199. ", 21. F 50.1; KA; KB 335; V in Desturi za Wasuaheli, 1903. "It takes a village to raise a child. 440 Swahili Proverbs 1. "When the village chief himself goes around inviting people to a meeting, know there is something wrong with the system. This Swahili idiom literally means to live much is to see a lot. ", 162. Jito likinenepa ni sababu ya mito mingine. "Rain beats the leopard's skin but it does not wash out the spots. "Milk and honey have different colors, but they share the same house peacefully." - African Proverb. 1. Swahili Proverbs. "One who has to yet learn to walk cannot climb a ladder. "The big game often appears when the hunter has given up the hunt for the day. The honest one will be exploited. Unity is strength, division is weakness. 1305. Two can manage an ox. Cf. To see this page as it is meant to appear, please enable your Javascript! Ethiopian Proverb. One needs capital, know how, friends. ", 6. Manahodha wengi hukiangamiza chombo. 1245. One hand does not kill a louse. ", 100. Meaning: Don't break your promise! Unity is strength, separation weakness. PM 303.14. If there are many of the same opinion, don't be obstinate. "He who's destined for power does not have to fight for it. A bird that imitates others does not get used to a place. 1272. 5. This does not influence our choices. - Swahili Proverb. "Unity is strength, division is weakness. ", 11. Mmoja hashui chombo. . Ala Ala, exclamation of surprise. ", 148. "Between true friends, even water drunk together is sweet enough. "Adults are considered to be wise, so they will not need the use of force before coming to a reasonable agreement" - JKP. Many captains and the vessel [dhow)]rolls. If you help me today, tomorrow I may be able to help you. ", 52. Mfa maji haachi kutapatapa. These are used often in day to day life. Meaning: Follow bees that you may eat honey. Mti hauendi ila kwa mwao. "A diamond does not lose its value due to lack of admiration. Eleka or beba, to carry. "If you damage the character of another, you damage your own. Kazi ya kugawanywa haziishii katikati. Big people prefer possessions, while small ones prefer sharing possessions. JKP. Many hands make light work. AL 104. KB 186. Everyone who knocks at the door gets an answer. T 152; J kinga; A 179; B 4.30; RECH 208; V 5: KB 107; SACL 384; FSM 72; MS 38,ukawaka; MARA 2; KS kinga. KS mkoma. "When sleeping women wake, they move mountains!". KA; SM. When minds are one, what is far comes near. Cooperation makes things easier. Ukitemewa mate na wengi utaloana. It follows its nature. Below I've listed the most famous Swahili proverbs as well as some common Swahili sayings. Where there are experts there will be no lack of learners. "If you offend, then ask for a pardon; if offended forgive. If you want to go far, go together. Strength is helping each other. Luo Proverbs of Kenya. Methali: UMOJA NI NGUVU 1323. That means it is difficult to solve a difficult problem without assistance - EM. Unity is strength, division is weakness. Mwenye lake usimngoje na lako. African quotes and African sayings have wisdom and inspiration in them! 1297. MA 254. ~ African proverb, If I am in harmony with my family, thats success. MEM 17. Marriage is no easy matter for a woman, and although girls are supposed to look forward to it, they will find little but hardship in it. NGU. 20. LE3 227.17. 3508. Nguzo moja haijengi nyumba. Many hands make light work. A bad job is not as wothless as a good game. - Ethiopian proverb. No smoke without fire. Two people are needed to plow with oxen, one guides with a rope, the other holds the plow. "Unity is strength, division is weakness."- Swahili Proverb. African quotes about love and African proverbs on love might just be what you need. JKP. A Collection of 40 Wise Swahili Phrases and Sayings. Ada ya mja hunena, muungwana ni kitendo - It is customary for man to talk, and gentlemen to act (actions speak louder than words). "One who is willing to bathe with cold water doesnt feel the cold. Members help each other through difficult times . Kiroboto kwa kimoja chanja, bila kucha kuwezi kuvunja. These quotes are African proverbs about children and their growth. Much work can only be done together" - JKP. This Swahili proverb about life teaches us to help an enemy who is in trouble as it may make you a friend. ~ Baganda proverb; A family tie is like a tree, it can bend but it cannot break. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. When you row your friend across, you also cross. 2660. EM m16. 1249. There is a section called the favorite, so while you are . 1279. Hurry, hurry has no blessings. Meaning: After hardship comes relief. ", 174. ", 97. ", 27. - Malcolm X, Speech at Ford Auditorium, 1965. - Beryl Markham, "West With The Night,' 1942. "If you think you are too small to make a difference, you haven't spent the night with a mosquito. People were told "Come and live together," they were not told "Come and compete with one another." ", 128. "If you heal the leg of a person, do not be surprised if they use it to run away. Used if somebody jumps into others' conversation. ", 47. Cf. ", 82. Cf. 1270. Could also be applied to bribery: "One who greases thewheels helps his oxen.". "Even the best dancer on the stage must retire sometime. 1288. Jicho la moyo linaona mengi - The heart's eye sees many things. The meaning is that wherever people live and work together trivial clashes occur. 1271. ", 163. We may also use affiliate links for other programmes. ", 178. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. "No medicine exists that can cure hatred.". Dead coals don't cure meat. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. By Pride Team on February 5, 2015 Proverbs. Two eyes see more than one eye. Ukurasa (Page): wa Kwanza (1) wa Pili (2) wa Tatu (3) wa Nne (4) Methali: ASIYESIKIA LA MKUU HUONA MAKUU. ~ African proverb, Home affairs are not talked about on the public square. November 21, 2020 No Comments. Meaning: Follow bees that you may eat honey. F 22.14; AL 1970 kikoa; Nestor p.77. This application gives you over 2150 Swahili proverbs and their meanings, 1180 riddles, close to 700 idioms and their meanings, and over 100 sayings. One looks to one's friend in adversity. 195. 91. ", 90. EM m18. Telling a secret to an unworthy person is like carrying grain in a bag with a hole in it. ~ African proverb. ", 102. "When the right-hand washes the left-hand and the left-hand washes the right-hand, both hands become clean. Tendegu moja halisimamishi kitanda. This shows that what has been decided is going to be done and what will be done is not known to others. "The one who loves an unsightly person is the one who makes him beautiful. "When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground. ", 46. "Do not spend the evening in a house where you cannot spend the night. These thought-provoking proverbs are rich in wisdom. African Quotes on Unity and Community. Wisdom is wealth ~ Swahili Proverb. Proverbs are sprinkled into conversation in Africa too. June 22, 2022 . The Swahili people are known for their imagery and complexity of proverbs. KB 164. The Zanzibari people speak Swahili, an East African Bantu language. Shida ya ndugu humalizwa na ndugu. SWAHILI PROVERBS: METHALI ZA KISWAHILI. KS mrama; H 87; B 2.63; L 79; SWA 53; MS 137; MARA 3. ", 132. Miwili ndiyo pakamao. EM u22. So, if you are filled with pride, then these proverbs will show you the one thing that you need - the correct path! ", 175. "An old woman is always uneasy when dry bones are mentioned in a proverb. ", 134. 1300. Unity is strength, div We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! ", 14. KA; SM; MARA. ~Baganda proverb, A family tie is like a tree, it can bend but it cannot break. ", 94. Translation: A hungry man observes no dietary restrictions. The one who refuses to join in an enterprise is a witch. Ukurasa (Page): wa Kwanza(1) wa Pili(2) wa Tatu(3) wa Nne(4). . A ship with many captains is liable to sink. 1295. This famous Swahili proverb about happiness teaches us that a good deed will not be forgotten. 1. J chombo; B 2.30; KB 43. This Swahili proverb teaches us to not be too demanding. "Anyone who sees beauty and does not look at it will soon be poor. ~ Ibo proverb, Children are the reward of life. 1312. Zamani here means, later (Kingwana dialect). When two people have a common purse, one sings and the other weeps. 1310. "There is no elephant that complains about the weight of its trunk. 1287. 1259. RSP 137. 1278. More things can be achieved if all those involved work together or cooperate. By trying often, the monkey learns to jump from the tree. The necessity of joint action. ", 30. Difficult things become possible. ", 149. "How easy it is to defeat people who do not kindle fire for themselves! Don't expect help to repair your own mistakes. This famous Swahili quote means that if you are too good, people will take advantage of you. ~ Swahili proverb. An idiom: Fanya jambo shingo upanda, Doing something without liking it. ", 140. Language and culture are inherently connected, forever entwined. . ~ African proverb, If relatives help each other, what evil can hurt them? They're not confined to literary use Swahili proverbs are used in daily life. "Acheni nyodo kila mtu na bahati yake.". What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. Kukataa kwa chungu ni kuvuja. "In Unity there is strength; We can move mountains when we're united and enjoy life -Without unity we are victims. "Do not blame God for creating the tiger, just thank Him for not giving it wings. ~ Bondei proverb. A family can develop only with a loving woman as its centre. Affiliate Disclaimer: Lingalot is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. "When a bitter woman takes over the house, the family she rules is doomed. Take a look at these thought-provoking proverbs below. Mfanya na mfanyiwa. ", 49. For each proverb, there is a video containing an improvised skit intended to reflect the meaning of the proverb. Meaning: Where theres a will theres a way. NGU. The family that prays together stays together. ", 73. ED 34; JK 140; AL 1041. It has become "pull me and I'll pull you.". Hold him!" African Proverbs on Unity and Community. Asiye mkoma hujikoma mwenyewe. Too many cooks spoil the rice. "An army of sheep led by a lion can defeat an army of lions led by a sheep. Kwae and Manda are (old) villages of Lamu. Hardships do not last forever. Ulingo wa kwae haulindi manda. "Africa is mystic; it is wild; it is a sweltering inferno; it is a photographers paradise, a hunters Valhalla, an escapists Utopia. ~ Congolese proverb, A single stick may smoke, but it will not burn. ", 131. RECH 396; MARA 3. ", 127. 1281. Adui aangukapo, mnyanyue (muinue) - When the enemy falls, lift him up Adui mpende - love your enemy Afya ni bora kuliko mali - Health is better than wealth Jeanne December 28, 2015 African Proverbs, Kenya, Tribes. EM j23. A creeper [liana] does not climb without a tree. 141. Heavy loads are carried on the head; to put them down, especially when heavy and breakable, as big water pots, help is needed and expected. It is very important to be united in all the situations of life. An empty sack can't stand upright. "Crawling on your hands and knees has never prevented any person from walking upright. 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A drowning man will catch at a straw. Patience can cook a stone. There are many ways to demonstrate the act of togetherness. Hold him! L 64; RECH 642; V 32; SACL 643; KS mti; JK 141. Meaning: Clouds are the sign of rain. Nguvu ni kusaidiana. ", 20. 1300. 1283-85. "Only a fool tests the depth of a river with no feet." 3. With that being said, below are quotes, sayings and proverbs in Swahili about life. The flaw of the armpit is that it . Try to cooperate and make helping you easier. African Quotes on Unity, Family and Community, African Proverbs on Money, Wealth, Riches and Poverty. Unity is strength, disunity is weakness. ", 43. 1282. You shouldn't expect others to do all the work - F. 1308. 3. Paka wengi wangewako, wamewazidisha panya. T 325; SACL 641. Where there are many good men there no child will get sick. Your email address will not be published. This Swahili quote about life means that there is a correct way of doing things. 191. "Beautiful discourse is rarer than emerald, yet it can be found among the servant girls at the grindstones. ", 160. Being thus all things to all authors, it follows, I suppose, that Africa must be all things to all readers.". These women know that they can grow the health, well-being and economic security of their communities when they work together. Here are some African proverbs on finding inspiration when you need it. ~ Ute proverb, It takes a village to raise a child. The patch on the [floor] mat is [cut from] the basket. No elephant is burdened by the weight of its tusks. "Love, like rain, does not choose the grass on which it falls. Many hands make light work. June 14, 2022 . Swahili Proverbs. Mkono mmoja haubebi mtoto. 159. "When brothers fight to the death, a stranger inherits their fathers estate. 681. 2. Maji ya nazi yataka (or yatafuta) mvugulio. 1295. "There is always a winner, even in a monkeys beauty contest. Application: ", 84. One leg cannot support a bed. ", 101. ", 147. 59. ", 2. Swahili Proverbs. Mahatma Gandhi. SPK. ~African proverb, Cross the river in a crowd and the crocodile wont eat you. B 1.32; A 72; T 139; "Though the lion and the antelope happen to live in the same forest, the antelope still has time to grow up. Cf. "Unity is strength, the division is weakness." -Swahili Proverb "Unity is strength. "The African mind has a lot to contribute, not only to world understanding of the arts, but to an understanding of spiritualism. EM; H 32. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, "Where you sit when you are old shows where you stood when you were a youth. Goti moja halimlei mtoto. 1244. Wengi wape. Wise elders bring unity and stability to a community in times of difficulty and strife. "Even the king of the forest, the lion, protects himself against flies. These proverbs also make a statement about some of the values that define Swahili and Tanzanian culture. - African proverb. 70. ", 168. By the time the fool has learned the game, the players have dispersed. Warume for wanaume, Mrima dialect: leader. Gunia tupu halisimami wima. Patience is the mother of a beautiful child. Cf. "He who thinks he is leading and has no one following him is only taking a walk. "If a child washes his hands, he could eat with Kings! ", 92. "Don't call the forest that shelters you a jungle. 1264. This famous proverb in Swahili teaches us that if you forgive then you will defeat the wrongdoer. In addition to these, three proverbs, two for Swahili and one for Akan, respectively, are from the authors' native speakers' competence. 1289. ~ African proverb, Dine with a stranger but save your love for your family. Kila mtu kwa shauri lake. ~African proverb, Cross the river in a crowd and the crocodile wont eat you. SM. T 244; KB gwia; SACL 259; V 68. Everyone should share in the burden. ", 200. It is what you will, and it withstands all interpretations. "Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable." Bondei proverb. Imekuwa vuta nikuvute. 1248, 1256. . ~ African Proverb, A united family eats from the same plate. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Wisdom is not like money to be tied up and hidden ~ Akan Proverb But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. NGU. ~ Swahili proverb; Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable. African proverbs are known for giving important life lessons in simple messages. A patient man will eat ripe fruit. EM w9. 1277. Mapaka wengi hawagwii panya. ", 85. 385. "You must attend to your business with the vendor in the market, and not to the noise of the market. "Those who end up accomplishing great things pay attention to little ones. "Three things cause sorrow to flee; water, green trees, and a beautiful face. If you help your fellow men, you will also help yourself in the process - EM. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. is of people who have a plan. JKP. "A drowning person does not stop thrashing about/around." -A4-. Nyenzo, a roller; from -enda, go. African sayings and proverbs on life should be read by everyone. 27. ", 135. "A family is like a forest, when you are outside it is dense, when you are inside you see that each tree has its place. Those narrow footpaths covered with overhanging tall wet grass are cold and very unpleasant. ", 185. "Despite the beauty of the moon, sun, and the stars, the sky also has a threatening thunder and striking lightning. ~ Swahili proverb, Two ants do not fail to pull one grasshopper. Unity is strength, division is weakness. 1284. 1288. Nahodha wengi, chombo (or jahazi) huenda mrama. Talking to people, learning new experiences, sharing my knowledge through blogs, motivating others are things that I always look forward to. A hasty person misses the sweet things.