Big people prefer possessions, while small ones prefer sharing possessions. Mpera, Be at the mercy of the waves (Kigunya dialect) - Sacl. Nyerere, P resi dent of Tanzani a, proverbi al schol ar and st at esman. If you want to go far, go together. Cf. "If you are filled with pride, then you will have no room for wisdom. "For Africa to me is more than a glamorous fact. ~ African proverb, There is no fool who is disowned by his family. One cannot cut a tree with one stroke - V. Mkono mmoja hauvunji chawa. (2007) and Diabah and Amfo (2015). 440 Swahili Proverbs 1. 1288. To run is not necessarily to arrive. Use them in ant way you wish and if you have some favorites you would like to add to the list please do so at the bottom of the page. Later you will come and ask me a remedy for [your] child. This Swahili idiom literally means to live much is to see a lot. "The water of the river flows on without waiting for the thirsty man. 1305. You shouldn't expect others to do all the work - F. 1308. Ahadi ni deni. Jifya, figa, cooking stone to support a pot. EM w9. Vikombe vikikaa pamoja havina budi kugongana. Unity is strength, disunity is weakness. Aside from that, when there is unity, there is also success. "Examine . "If you are building a house and a nail breaks, do you stop building or do you change the nail? ", 54. Sayings of Swahili origin. If the hours are long enough and the pay is short enough, someone will say it's women's work. ~ African proverb. 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 This language can be found in places such as Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to include some. "Acheni nyodo kila mtu na bahati yake.". Afungaye kibwebwe si bure ana mchezo. Unity is strength, division is weakness. Hi there! If you help me today, tomorrow I may be able to help you. "To agree to have dialogue is the beginning of a peaceful resolution. 1252. Play. 158. SM. The flea [sitting] on a finger without your nails you cannot crush it. 1303. Ukitemewa mate na wengi utaloana. Kila apigaye mlango hupata majibu. "How gently glides the married life away, When she who rules still seems but to obey. It means that if youre going to do something, you might as well go the whole way. ", 7. A tree without a fork [branches] is difficult to climb. For he will go on loving but he will hate you. Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. Rise up, let's go! Yatima humnyonya mcha mungu. Application: If you want to progress, it is important to associate with progress-minded people. An African . A Collection of 40 Wise Swahili Phrases and Sayings. SWAHILI PROVERBS: METHALI ZA KISWAHILI. 1281. 191. 1241. Adhabu ya kaburi aijua maiti - The touture of the grave is only known by the corpse. Inject money where there is a problem. Child upbringing is a communal effort. ~ African proverb, Home affairs are not talked about on the public square. We have listed some of the best African proverbs and sayings that will make you think and inspire you. Swahili Proverbs. "When the roots of a majestic tree begin to decay, it spreads death to the branches. All good things come to those who wait. ~ African proverb ", 182. NGU. - Buganda proverb. "Slander by the stream will be heard by the frogs. 384. Ulingo wa kwae haulindi manda. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. ~ Swahili proverb. 1260. 60. 193. 246. ~ Congolese proverb, A single stick may smoke, but it will not burn. 385. Use iTalki for 1-on-1 lessons in over 150 languages to supercharge your learning! By doing a service to someone, you teach indirectly to give Unity is strength, division is weakness. swahili proverbs about unity. creative tips and more. Many big cats do not catch a rat. ~ Congolese proverb, A single stick may smoke, but it will not burn. "One who has to yet learn to walk cannot climb a ladder. ", 3. ", 159. ~ Ute proverb, Brothers love each other when they are equally rich. ", 81. 25 Accurate Signs Of A Fake Girlfriend (Fake Relationship), 20 Accurate Signs A Co-worker Is Falling In Love With You, 40 Best Presidents Day Quotes From Presidents 2023, Utamaduni Day: Meaning, Quotes, Messages and Wishes 2022, 50+ Best Valentines Day Quotes (Romantic & Funny) 2023. "If a child washes his hands, he could eat with Kings! Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. ", 143. These proverbs carry great wisdom and meaning for us all. So, you should not have a grudge against the hawk. ", 134. Literal translation: A promise is a debt. . ~ Swahili proverb. "Where there are many, nothing goes wrong . ", 160. A friend is someone you share the path with African proverb. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. It is a historical truth. This is said to someone who refuses to render a service, warning that person that help will be denied in future needs. With many captains the ship is at the mercy of the waves. ", 200. Cf. "No one became wealthy because they broke a holiday and no one who gained weight because they broke a fast. And the wide deserts so that he can find his soul. MEM 17. A single hand cannot slaughter a cow. The play of the little stick is my good fortune. "Counsel and advice him, if he refuses to listen, then let adversity teach him. "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. A friend is like a water source for a long journey. Mafiga mawili hayaivishi chungu. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. "Afya ni bora kuliko mali - Health is better than wealth.". "Unity to be real must stand the severest strain without breaking."-Mahatma Gandhi. "Instruction in youth is like engraving in stone.". Wawili hula ng'ombe. This app consists of hundreds of vest Swahili proverbs with its English translation, and the true meaning of the saying, So any non-Kiswahili speaker can understand the wisdom inside the adage. This Swahili proverb teaches us that we should have respect for everyone. Kenya is a multilingual country. ~ African proverb, If you want to go quickly, go alone. Not only is the Swahili language poetic, but it also offers some of the most interesting quotes, sayings and even proverbs. "Make some money but dont let money make you. To teach about a group's culture, proverbs are always a great way to start because they show up in everyday conversation, literature, music, and more! Meaning: Where theres a will theres a way. "God has created lands with lakes and bountiful rivers for man to live. If it is not cultivated, it cannot be harvested. ", 29. Two cooking stones do not bring the cooking pot to a boil. "Where there are many, nothing goes wrong.". 1328. 1306. For each proverb, there is a video containing an improvised skit intended to reflect the meaning of the proverb. Ni (or watu) waaganao. Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable. ~Swahili proverb, Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable. REK. "A stranger does not skin a sheep that is paid as a fine at a chief's court. Umvushapo mwenzio nawe unavuka. Meaning: Blood is thicker than water. Members help each other through difficult times . ", 89. Umoja ni nguvu, utengano ni udhaifu - Unity is strength, division is weakness. Also Read: 65 Best Equality and Diversity Quotes and Sayings. "During times of peace in the country, the chief does not carry a shield. Skip to the bottom to add my favorite Swahili phrases and proverbs Swahili Proverbs, Phrases, Idioms, and Sayings Better to be tossed about than to sink. ", 177. Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly quotes for everyone to enjoy! Tendegu moja halisimamishi kitanda. Pithy statements are used to teach values and to make astute observations about everything from human nature to wise living to the role of women in society. It takes a village to raise a child. Cf. KS hodha. This Swahili proverb teaches us to not be too demanding. 1273. Swahili Proverbs. "If you educate a man, you educate one person. 1243. and you yourself [stay] back. If you are carried don't slacken your legs. Two [hands] are an anointment. ", 27. Where there are experts there will be no lack of learners. Take a look at these thought-provoking proverbs below. This Swahili proverb about life teaches that if you want something, you have to do it. Check out these proverbs and quotes below to gain some insight into African beliefs and ways of thinking. Patience can cook a stone. ~African proverb, Cross the river in a crowd and the crocodile wont eat you. Dead coals don't cure meat. Hard working on a job is like a feast if there are many who give their strength to a common cause. Unity without verity is no better than conspiracy. - Malcolm X, Speech at Ford Auditorium, 1965. ", 79. Money helps to solve problems. If water has been spilt, it cannot be scooped up. Ukuni mmoja hauwaki mekoni. ~ African proverb, He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. "If you marry a monkey for his money, the money will go away and the monkey will stay the same. ", 132. Mkono mmoja hauchinji ng'ombe. Miluzi mingi mbwa hupotea. ", 72. 150 Quotes on Saving Money to Inspire, 400+ Hypocrisy Quotes! Meaning: After hardship comes relief. Cross the river in a crowd and the crocodile won't eat you. Mkono mmoja haubebi mtoto. "When sleeping women wake, they move mountains!". KA. A platform [for a watchman in charge of crops] of the village Kwae, does not protect the village of Manda. ", 76. Agreeing with the neck sideways. A person who has no helper, helps one self [to finish the job]. ", 173. "There is no elephant that complains about the weight of its trunk. We may also use affiliate links for other programmes. ", 150. 71. 1249. ", 187. "When the shepherd comes home in peace, the milk is sweet. Kila mtu kwa shauri lake. Methali za Kiswahili - Swahili Proverbs Kari b u Mg en i - Wel come G uest BACKG RO UND ARRANG E ME NT ACKNO W L E DG E ME NT S A l bert S cheven dedi cat es hi s S wahi l i proverbs col l ect i on t o J. K . Reading and writing is always a pleasure. There are many ways to demonstrate the act of togetherness. Could also be applied to bribery: "One who greases thewheels helps his oxen.". "A bird that flies off the Earth and lands on an anthill is still on the ground.". "If men swear that they want to harm you when you are asleep, you can go to sleep. Wisdom is not like money to be tied up and hidden ~ Akan Proverb 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 minds are one, what is far comes near. ", 53. ", 68. "If you want to go fast, go alone. 1282. The Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs (Speake 2015) defines a proverb as 'a traditional saying which offers advice or presents a moral in a short and pithy manner defines it as 'a concise statement of an apparent truth which has, had, or will have currency among the people. African quotes about love and African proverbs on love might just be what you need. "Even the best dancer on the stage must retire sometime. "She is beautiful; she has love, understands; she respects herself and others; everyone likes loves, and honors her; she is a goddess. African Quotes on Unity and Community. We all will share prior to our arrival at heaven. The back is not rubbed with oil. 1257. African proverbs on Patience. 1287. ", 2. 59. "Many hands make light work." Haya (Tanzania) proverb. 9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. ", 185. 29. "No person is born great; great people become great when others are sleeping. These women know that they can grow the health, well-being and economic security of their communities when they work together. 1292. "Rain beats the leopard's skin but it does not wash out the spots. Practicing Buddhism, I believe in the law of cause and effect. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! NGU. War among grasshoppers . Swahili Proverb. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so its important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. Meaning: He who does not listen to elder's advice gets his leg broken. EM m18. June 14, 2022 . ", 186. If you help your fellow men, you will also help yourself in the process - EM. Meaning: Where theres a will theres a way. If you liked our suggestions for African Quotes and Proverbs, then why not take a look at civil rights quotes, or women's history quotes. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. There is much beauty in Africa and these proverbs reflect just that. ", 65. ~ Swahili proverb, Two ants do not fail to pull one grasshopper. One single pillar is not sufficient to build a house. A patient man will eat ripe fruit. ~ African proverb. "You always learn a lot more when you lose than when you win. ~ African proverb, If I am in harmony with my family, thats success. 615, 748, 1273, 1624. However big an ordeal, sharing it with many people Out of whatever pit, unbound from whatever tie, released from whatever fear. Mkoma: 1. ", 122. "However far the stream flows, it never forgets its source. "Patience pulls (i.e. "Unity is a strength, a division is a weakness . ", 170. ", 153. Ondoka (or amka or inuka) twende! . ", 78. "Advice is like a stranger; if hes welcome he stays for the night; if not, he leaves the same day. "No matter how hot your anger is it cannot cook yams. ~ African proverb. Cf. Return to old watering holes for more than water; friends and dreams are there to meet you. 3. A log cannot be pushed along except by another log. "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. Asiye na mtoto (or mwana), na abebe (or aeleke) jiwe. Your email address will not be published. "Try this bracelet: if it fits you wear it; but if it hurts you, throw it away no matter how much it sparkles. ", 110. Cf. Meaning: He who does not listen to elders advice gets his leg broken. ", 172. Chombo cha manahodha wengi huzama. ", 145. F 27.71; FSM 119. She's good at writing about sports and sporting heroes. "No medicine exists that can cure hatred.". "We desire to bequeath two things to our children; the first one is roots, the other one is wings. Sayings about Hypocrites & Fake, 150 Best Strong Women Quotes - Inspiring Quotes on Strong, 400 Eagle Quotes, Sayings On Flying Like an Eagle to Inspire, 150 Best Rap Quotes, Lyrics & Sayings from Rapper on Life,, 245 Quotes on Manipulation and Deceit - Inspire Quotes, Quotes about Killing & Killing Someone Sayings Inspire Quotes, Revenge Quotes & Sayings about Revenge Thatll Make You Think, Wisdom does not come overnight. Somali proverb, The fool speaks, the wise man listens. Ethiopian proverb, A wise person will always find a way. Tanzanian proverb, Only a wise person can solve a difficult problem. Akan proverb, Knowledge without wisdom is like water in the sand. Guinean proverb, A man who uses force is afraid of reasoning. Kenyan proverb, Wisdom is like fire. 1302. This Swahili quote about life means that there is a correct way of doing things. Beehives are put up high in trees . Vikombe vikikaa pamoja havina budi kugongana. This does not influence our choices. 1309. 1266. These African proverbs providing wisdom about your closest family and friends are surely the one thing you need to keep them close. ", 166. Bamba: counsel, case; iron sheet. means that people have decided to do something. "Return to old watering holes for more than water; friends and dreams are there to meet you. To many give it up or they will take it themselves. But, as the saying goes, 'Knowledge without wisdom is like water in the sand'. No smoke without fire. 62. In the moment of crisis, the wise build bridges, and the foolish build dams ~ Nigerian Proverb. 7. Unity is strength. Pakamao from paka, rub, apply oil, etc. FSM 128. - Miriam Makeba, 'Makeba: My Story,' 1988. KB 164. . "When I think of the others' misfortunes, I forget mine. If you dont know something, ask! Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. It follows its nature. JGH. 1240. A log cannot be moved except "properly," i.e., by under-supports - T. Cf. "Akili ni mali - Knowledge is wealth.". If you are filled with pride then you have no room for wisdom ~ African Proverb. . Mutual help is wealth. "Why is it you can never hope to describe the emotion Africa creates? Your email address will not be published. ", 162. Unity is strength, division is weakness. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. EM u22. 2486. ", 188. T 35; SACL 909; AL 1100. In addition, it offers an audio clip for every proverb that is meant to make the app more enjoyable and as well help . ~ Ethiopian proverb, 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. ", 131. Manahodha wengi chombo huenda pera. EM; H 32. It is important to keep family ties/family ties last forever. EM u22. Craftsman and customer. Requires a leader or helper. KA; SM; MARA. ", 4. If you close your eyes to facts, you will learn through accidents. 63. "Don't procrastinate or you will be left in between doing something, having something and being nothing", 10. Kidole kimoja hakivunji (or hakiui) chawa. ", 148. This Swahili proverb teaches us to always keep a promise. No elephant is burdened by the weight of its tusks. ~ Tanzanian proverb, A single bracelet does not jingle. "Despite the beauty of the moon, sun, and the stars, the sky also has a threatening thunder and striking lightning. "Love is like a baby: it needs to be treated tenderly. ", 107. ~Bondei proverb, A family tie is like a tree, it can bend but it cannot break. One leg cannot support a bed. ~ African proverb, If you want to go quickly, go alone.