Kwae and Manda are (old) villages of Lamu. These proverbs carry great wisdom and meaning for us all. 1264. Ukurasa (Page): wa Kwanza (1) wa Pili (2) wa Tatu (3) wa Nne (4) Methali: ASIYESIKIA LA MKUU HUONA MAKUU. If the cockroach wants to rule over the chicken, then it must hire the fox as a body-guard. 2. ~ Bondei proverb; 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. "The young bird does not crow until it hears the old ones. "You do not teach the paths of the forest to an old gorilla. Here is the list of the best life sayings and quotes in Swahili and their translation in English. With more than 2 to 15 million native speakers, here are some great Swahili sayings to inspire you. "Africa is mystic; it is wild; it is a sweltering inferno; it is a photographers paradise, a hunters Valhalla, an escapists Utopia. That means it is difficult to solve a difficult problem without assistance - EM. It means that you shouldnt rush things. Every person with his/her own problem. "There is a limit to the help we can give others" - JKP. KA. This application gives you over 2150 Swahili proverbs and their meanings, 1180 riddles, close to 700 idioms and their meanings, and over 100 sayings. 141. 1290. "If a child washes his hands, he could eat with Kings! Application: It is important to take advice in life. ", 104. "So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth."-Baha'U'Llah. 6. know which way to go. NGU. Afya ni bora kuliko mali - Health is better than wealth. 1316. Hold him! "He who burns down his house is aware why ashes cost a fortune. Stand upright, pillar, with your brothers. ~ Swahili proverb. Kushulika from shua, to launch a boat. ~Bondei proverb, It takes a village to raise a child. - Swahili Proverb. Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, and the DRC are nations where this language is spoken.Swahili has a lot of basic Swahili phrases inspired from people speaking the language, between 2 and 15 million.. Swahili Phrases Tanzania Has That are a Must Know -Swahili Proverb. "No person is born great; great people become great when others are sleeping. "There are no shortcuts to the top of the palm tree. "Try this bracelet: if it fits you wear it; but if it hurts you, throw it away no matter how much it sparkles. "Do not spend the evening in a house where you cannot spend the night. To study a language is to study the culture as well. MA 254. If cups are [put] in one place, they are bound to clatter - F. The use of this proverb is quite common in East Africa. "A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words." - Kenyan Proverb. ", 137. is of people who have a plan. A drowning man will catch at a straw. Ukurasa (Page): wa Kwanza(1) wa Pili(2) wa Tatu(3) wa Nne(4). 1305. Practicing Buddhism, I believe in the law of cause and effect. Umvushapo mwenzio nawe unavuka. Affiliate Disclaimer: Lingalot is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. The flea [sitting] on a finger without your nails you cannot crush it. "Three things cause sorrow to flee; water, green trees, and a beautiful face. Destroy your house, but build it up yourself. ", 134. "A quarrelsome chief does not hold a village together. If women say so, stay awake. ", 188. ", 38. 1244. meaning) 2. So, let's look at these African proverbs. F 27.72. Kwenye makaa bila moto hakukauki nyama. Cf. Your email address will not be published. An idiom: Fanya jambo shingo upanda, Doing something without liking it. ~ African proverb. J ng'ombe; RECH 404; NS 33; V 85; KB 342. By Pride Team on February 5, 2015 Proverbs. 5 Swahili Proverbs That Sum Up the Current Political Scene in Africa. - Annang proverb. These Swahili proverbs and sayings give you a brief overview of what the culture in East Africa is like, but it is also a great way to connect with the native . Chombo hakiendi ila kwa nyenzo. Wengi wape au watajichukulia. "A mother cannot give birth to something bigger than herself. "Adults are considered to be wise, so they will not need the use of force before coming to a reasonable agreement" - JKP. Mikono miwili ni kuoshana. Agreeing with the neck sideways. ", 135. This proverb is used to bring people to cooperate. So, you should not have a grudge against the hawk. Richard Twiss. Two people in accord are stronger than eight who disagree. Application: It is important to take advice in life. "It is the crooked wood that can show the best sculptor. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. These are used often in day to day life. "A leader in the community without a pot belly is a stingy man. "In the moment of crisis, the wise build bridges and foolish build dams.". "If you heal the leg of a person, do not be surprised if they use it to run away. Jambo (Hello)! However big an ordeal, sharing it with many people "Unity without verity is no better than conspiracy."-John Trapp. F 52.10. Shared works don't stop halfway. AL 1482. The necessity of joint action. ", 127. 1260. - Beryl Markham, 'West With The Night,'1942. 1. November 21, 2020 No Comments. ~ African proverb, He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. 1295. ~ African proverb, If I am in harmony with my family, thats success. 181. A friend is someone who walks by your side. "If there is cause to someone, the cause to love has just begun. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. ", 71. F 27.71; FSM 119. "A spiders cobweb isnt only its sleeping spring but also its food trap. It is interesting to see the themes of motherhood, unity, and knowing where you come from echoed throughout these proverbs. 1242. "Only a fool tests the depth of a river with no feet." 3. She has a PostGraduate Diploma in sports management, which enhanced her sports journalism skills, as well as a degree in journalism and mass communication. ~ Baganda proverb; A family tie is like a tree, it can bend but it cannot break. Confidential information should not be shared. Those narrow footpaths covered with overhanging tall wet grass are cold and very unpleasant. Zamani here means, later (Kingwana dialect). A vessel of a single person cannot sail near the wind. None but a fool denies his family. ~ African Proverb, A united family eats from the same plate. A council of adults is not a council of force. 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. When two people have a common purse, one sings and the other weeps. Though there are many cats, they have allowed the rats to multiply. "One who possesses much wisdom has it in the heart, not on the lips. A Collection of 40 Wise Swahili Phrases and Sayings. These quotes & sayings in Swahili give an interesting insight into the Swahili language. Cf. "If love is a sickness, patience is the remedy." Cameroonian Proverb "The laughter of a child lights up the house." Swahili Proverb Death is blind. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Penye nia ipo njia. The Swahili people originate from Bantu inhabitants of the coast of Southeast Africa, in Kenya, Tanzania . An orphan is nurtured by a God-fearing person. "When a needle falls into a well, many people will look into the well, but only a few will be ready to go down after it. Mnazi mpata vyote, ila chujio iliukosa. A creeper [liana] does not climb without a tree. ", 67. Famous Swahili Proverbs & Swahili Sayings. ~African proverb, Many hands make light work. "The only time you will see a quiet snake is when it has swallowed another snake. There is much beauty in Africa and these proverbs reflect just that. 1250. "Do not blame God for creating the tiger, just thank Him for not giving it wings. Application: Determination pays/leads to success. 1244. "Although the snake does not fly it has caught the bird whose home is in the sky. A friend is someone you share the path with African proverb. "Forget about effort, each person has his or her luck.". "He who beats the drum for the mad man to dance is no better than the mad man himself. Take a look at our list of proverbs from Africa below. A friend is like a water source for a long journey. ", 111. Talking to people, learning new experiences, sharing my knowledge through blogs, motivating others are things that I always look forward to. ", 16. ", 20. Another understanding of this proverb: It's no use fighting against impossible odds - V 85. If water has been spilt, it cannot be scooped up. Swahili people, Kenya. Don't expect help to repair your own mistakes. Kama kusingwa ni huku, naradhiwa taka zangu. Work done together will be successfully finished. ", 97. ~ Swahili proverb. "One should punish a child the first time he comes home with a stolen egg. Hold hands when crossing a river. ", 47. Any information you provide to us via this website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside the EU if you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. states that proverbs are 'based on accumulated experience and transmitted . Ada ya mja hunena, muungwana ni kitendo - It is customary for man to talk, and gentlemen to act (actions speak louder than words). ", 17. One hand does not kill a louse. Cf. ", 69. 1300. "Despite the beauty of the moon, sun, and the stars, the sky also has a threatening thunder and striking lightning. Play. Nyonya, suck milk; live off somebody else. 1294. NGU. You'll hear these a lot, even in the beginning stages of your . ", 41. "He that has never traveled thinks that his mother is the only good cook in the world. ~ Haya (Tanzania) proverb. ", 160. 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As we practice togetherness, we can begin to see how these skills can be beneficial to our lives as well. Ukuti kukazana ni kumbi. When people are faced with danger, they should cooperate in dealing with it. AL 1506. 1. EM w15; KA; SPK. SWAHILI PROVERBS: METHALI ZA KISWAHILI. Ukibebwa usilevye-levye miguu. Below Ive listed the most famous Swahili proverbs as well as some common Swahili sayings. To run is not necessarily to arrive. ", 13. "Ears that do not listen to advice, accompany the head when it is chopped off. If you give to others, you should also accept their help, when they give it, otherwise people think that you despise their help or that you don't want to bother helping them. Mmoja hashui chombo. Ambition. Child upbringing is a communal effort. Mti haushuliki ila kwa mti mwingine. ~Haya (Tanzania) proverb, Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. Cf. "Akili ni mali - Knowledge is wealth.". "During times of peace in the country, the chief does not carry a shield. 1248, 1256. Methali: BABA WA KAMBO SI BABA 158. Translation: When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. "If your only tool is a hammer, you will see every problem as a nail. The Best Unity Quotes That Will Lift Your Spirits. The flaw of the armpit is that it . If it is not cultivated, it cannot be harvested. Mkoma: 1. The inconveniences of life are best when shared. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. Bamba la warume, si bamba na maguvu. Im just a normal person enjoying the process of life. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. ", 70. The meaning is that wherever people live and work together trivial clashes occur. This Swahili idiom literally means one who follows bees will never fail to get honey. "Other people's wisdom prevents the king from being called a fool. "The old woman looks after the child to grow its teeth and the young one, in turn, looks after the old woman when she loses her teeth. ", 177. Mutual help is wealth. Methali: ASIYE NA MENGI ANA MACHACHE Ahadi ni deni - A promise is a debt. Its similar to the English phrase in for a penny, in for a pound. One looks to one's friend in adversity. 1279. ", 151. Many hands make light work. "You cant hate the roots of a tree and not hate the tree. Inject money where there is a problem. Mti ukigwa huegemea mti wenziwe. SPK. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. In summary, African . Try to cooperate and make helping you easier. F 14.12; Rech 50; MARA 27; NS 27; V 16; KB 94; FSM l9; MS 34; J chawa; KS chawa. The Kanga (Leso) has deep cultural, historical and economic significance throughout the Indian Ocean region and, for more than 100 years, it has remained one of the most popular of all cultural items across East Africa.Within Kenya, the Kanga is a common thread that links and unites cultures - the young and older people, men and women, rich and . In addition, it offers an audio clip for every proverb that is meant to make the app more enjoyable and as well help . Jifya moja haliinjiki chungu. Swahili is a language that's rich in proverbs (or sayings) that are really common. "There is no beauty but the beauty of action. 1313. This Swahili quote means that you should avoid making important decisions in a hurry. "When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground. "Milk and honey have different colors, but they share the same house peacefully. Jifya, figa, cooking stone to support a pot. "If you pick up one end of a stick, you also pick up the other. The family that prays together stays together. Below Ive listed the most well-known Swahili idioms and expressions. ", 189. A man who uses force is afraid of reasoning ~ Kenyan Proverb. ", 75. Instead of pilau also the words mchuzi, gravy and nyama, meat are used. People were told "Come and live together," they were not told "Come and compete with one another." ~ Tanzanian proverb, A single bracelet does not jingle. So, don't get in that situation. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Mkono mmoja hauchinji ng'ombe. "If you are filled with pride, then you will have no room for wisdom. ", 184. African Quotes on Unity and Community. REK. "He who knows not one thing knows another. 1327. "When spiders unite, they can tie down a lion." Ethiopian Proverb. . ~African proverb, Many hands make light work. EM p.18. ", 23. ", 123. Meaning: A secret is no secret when shared by two people. "A home without a woman is like a barn without cattle. 1314. A patient man will eat ripe fruit. FSM ll9. Methali: DAMU NI NZITO KULIKO MAJI 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. "I dream of the realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent. "A great leader is an ordinary person with extraordinary wisdom. The old person needs a stick for walking and the rhythm of walking with the stick is like a play. NGU. ", 126. He who learns, teaches. 1259. ", 136. ~ Akan (Ghana, Ivory Coast) proverb, When brothers fight to the death, a stranger inherits their fathers estate. Unity is strength, disunity is weakness. You shouldn't expect others to do all the work - F. 1308. Wakubwa hupendelea ubinafsi; wadogo hupendeka ujamaa. 1291. "If you damage the character of another, you damage your own. A single hand cannot slaughter a cow. ", 82. ", 128. Too many cooks spoil the rice. ", 92. A person assisted by another must also help - F. It will make the effort of others easier - AL. These women know that they can grow the health, well-being and economic security of their communities when they work together. ", 95. ~ African proverb. ", 153. One knee doesn't bring up a child. This wise Swahili saying entails that with unity it is possible to have a formidable front and achieve great things in the process. 1247. ~ African Proverb; A united family eats from the same plate. A bird that imitates others does not get used to a place. "To agree to have dialogue is the beginning of a peaceful resolution. Ni (or watu) waaganao. African Quotes on Unity, Family and Community, African Proverbs on Money, Wealth, Riches and Poverty. Despite being simply manifested in the Swahili Proverb "unity is strength, the division is weakness," the central facet of human culture towards purposeful collectivity remains mystifying. 7. 384. A family can develop only with a loving woman as its centre. ", 56. EM p17. The body needs rubbing with oil from time to time, and two hands (of wife and husband) are needed for that purpose - JK. swahili proverbs about unity. Move, let us go! 197. Three stones form a firm platform for the pot. "The most beautiful fig may contain a worm. This Swahili proverb means that during a festival everyone is on their best behavior and you cant judge a persons true character. Imekuwa vuta nikuvute. Beehives are put up high in trees . "Birds sing not because they have answers but because they have songs. ~ Bondei proverb. KA; SM. F 43.3; B 4.79. SACL 101; V beba; KA; NGU; K seleke;AL mtoto; SPK. ~ African proverb, Home affairs are not talked about on the public square. One stone will not support a cooking pot. ", 182. One piece of wood does not burn brightly in the kitchen. If near [a relative] has nothing, I don't regard it as near. Application: It is important to keep family ties/family ties last forever. Wawili wenye shauri moja washinda wanane wenye kubishana. ", 89. Post author: Post published: junho 10, 2022 Post category: staten island advance sports archives Post comments: crawley magistrates' court results december 2020 crawley magistrates' court results december 2020 Thanks for reading this post on the best Swahili quotes about life, famous Swahili sayings and fascinating Swahili proverbs. If you want change, you have to initiate change. Return to old watering holes for more than water; friends and dreams are there to meet you. 1311. This Swahili proverb teaches us to be proactive. Share on: Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window) Cross the river in a crowd and the crocodile won't eat you. Foolishness precedes cleverness, cleverness follows. "The rainmaker who doesn't know what he's doing will be found out by the lack of clouds.". "Relatives are supposed to help each other mutually in times of need, if they do not, are they really relatives?" "Few can sojourn long within the unspoilt wilderness of a game sanctuary, surrounded on all sides by its confiding animals, without absorbing its atmosphere; the Spirit of the Wild is quick to assert supremacy, and no man of any sensibility can resist her.". We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! ", 77. Swahili speakers use a lot of sayings and expressions in daily life which offer advice and even sometimes have hidden meanings. (An excerpt from Wikipedia) More Kenyan Proverbs & Sayings. 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. ", 24. "A healthy person who keeps begging for food is an insult to a generous farmer. If you educate a woman, you educate a whole family. Many captains destroy a ship. Two can manage to eat a cow. ", 19. ", 175. If you want to go far, go together. When a tree falls it leans on its neighbor. - 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. Too many instructions will confuse a person. Mwenye lake usimngoje na lako. As an Amazon Associate this site earns from qualifying purchases. 1320. Your email address will not be published. "One who has to yet learn to walk cannot climb a ladder. and you yourself [stay] back. An orphan depends on a benefactor. "Those who end up accomplishing great things pay attention to little ones. ", 169. 1241. ", 74. Among the oldest Swahili Proverbs this adage is simple and to the point. ~ Swahili proverb; Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable. In the language of a well-known Swahili proverb, "unity is strength, division is weakness.". "If you want to go fast, go alone. Kiswahili Proverbs Description. Those who made mutual agreements don't call each other. It is used to teach someone to take appropriate actions to get what they want. EM u22. ~ African proverb, 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. Shida ya ndugu humalizwa na ndugu. "A baby cannot be heard crying in his mothers womb. ~ African proverb. 1163, 1241. SM. 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. Pakamao from paka, rub, apply oil, etc. 11. To many, give! Access a variety of Swahili proverbs and riddles and their meanings explained. The mnazi or mchikichi palm has many uses: the branches and leaves are used in house building and mat making; the nuts have oil, the flowers are salty; the sap becomes palm wine. All good things come to those who wait. This saying was used in a proclamation where everybody had to turn up - V. Refers to the cruelty of life - SPK The two hands wash each other. Eleka or beba, to carry. . "If you marry a monkey for his money, the money will go away and the monkey will stay the same. If you are carried don't slacken your legs. 195. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. I enjoy photography, music and watching comedy videos. 1293. 1269. African proverbs on Patience. To many give it up or they will take it themselves. KB 186. ", 28. Mwewe hana mihadi na kuku. 13. "Make some money but dont let money make you. The App is specially designed to find the wisdom hidden in Swahili Proverbs and idioms. "To love someone who does not love you is like shaking a tree to make the dew drops fall. T 640A. SWAHILI PROVERBS: METHALI ZA KISWAHILI. A world of love ensuring the unity and the peace. That is the contribution Africa will make to the world of the future - an injection of sanity into the environment of the universe itself. Mti hauendi ila kwa mwao. "Acha kukuna makovu ya mende.". Often the words majembe,vyungu, (hoes, pots) are used instead of vikombe. Much work can only be done together" - JKP. It takes a village to raise a child. Swahili Proverbs. Kata zamani utafika kwangu kuomba dawa ya mtoto. 106. "For Africa to me is more than a glamorous fact. 1236. A real family eats from the same cornmeal. RSP 137. - Baha'U'Llah. KA; SM. They're not confined to literary use Swahili proverbs are used in daily life. It is important to have hope when faced with challenges. 'Shika shika' (or shike, shike) na mwenyewe nyuma.

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