"A womens beauty is not hidden in her face. Check out the videos below which feature a range of famous Swahili proverbs and well-known Swahili quotes and sayings. Wisdom is not like money to be tied up and hidden ~ Akan Proverb Methali: ASIYE NA MENGI ANA MACHACHE. "The big game often appears when the hunter has given up the hunt for the day. Kiroboto kwa kimoja chanja, bila kucha kuwezi kuvunja. ", 144. - Ben Okri, 'Magical Ben Okri casts a spell on his readers,' Interview with Nima Elbagir, CNN, 2011. Methali: BABA WA KAMBO SI BABA "Do not call to a dog with a whip in your hand. Among the oldest Swahili Proverbs this adage is simple and to the point. Mmoja hashui chombo. The old person needs a stick for walking and the rhythm of walking with the stick is like a play. "When sleeping women wake, they move mountains!". Application: Three can keep a secret, if two are dead. "Don't call the forest that shelters you a jungle. EM v2. ~ Congolese proverb, A single stick may smoke, but it will not burn. If the cockroach wants to rule over the chicken, then it must hire the fox as a body-guard. ", 48. Swahili people, Kenya. Requires a leader or helper. Cross the river in a crowd and the crocodile won't eat you African proverb. ", 105. Cf. No man can know where he is going unless he knows exactly where he has been and exactly how he arrived at his present place.". MA 254. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. It is also used to advise a person to have different ways of making a living; e.g., having different crops in the field - MARA. The poles of the roof support each other - RSP. 1299. ", 165. Those narrow footpaths covered with overhanging tall wet grass are cold and very unpleasant. "A low-class man will just talk; deeds are the hallmark of a gentleman. Application: It is important to take advice in life. Mfa maji haachi kutapatapa. These can be seen adorning kangas, the local fabric wraps worn by women throughout Tanzania and Africa more broadly. Meaning: He who does not listen to elders advice gets his leg broken. Coming events cast their shadows before. and you yourself [stay] back. "An old woman is always uneasy when dry bones are mentioned in a proverb. Cf. ", 92. Wise elders bring unity and stability to a community in times of difficulty and strife. One needs capital, know how, friends. Cf. EM s6. ", 135. Jambo (Hello)! RECH 190; ZO p.243; KS kilo. Help the person who helps you. 440 Swahili Proverbs 1. 1296. ", 50. Two people are needed to plow with oxen, one guides with a rope, the other holds the plow. "It is the duty of children to wait on elders and not the elders on children. Two eyes see more than one eye. Hold him! Aliyekufaa ana cheo chake. Many in politics, as it seems to be . Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, 1270. RECH 396; MARA 3. ~ African proverb. Ashanti, A real family eats the same cornmeal. Bayombe, Money is not the medicine against death. Ghana, Hold a true friend with both hands. African proverb, A mans wealth may be superior to him. Cameroon, The wealth which enslaves the owner isnt wealth. Yoruba, He who receives a gift does not measure. Africa, What you give you get, ten times over. Yoruba, Wealth diminishes with usage; learning increases with use. Nigeria, Having a good discussion is like having riches. Kenya, The friends of our friends are our friends. Congolese proverb, A small house will hold a hundred friends. African proverb, A close friend can become a close enemy. African proverb, Make some money but dont let money make you. Tanzania, A friend is someone you share the path with. African proverb, Bad friends will prevent you from having good friends. Gabon proverb, It is no shame at all to work for money. Africa, You must act as if it is impossible to fail. Ashanti, To be without a friend is to be poor indeed. Tanzanian proverb, Between true friends even water drunk together is sweet enough. African proverb, The poor man and the rich man do not play together. Ashanti, Money cant talk, yet it can make lies look true. South Africa, You become wise when you begin to run out of money. Ghana, You should not hoard your money and die of hunger. Patience can cook a stone. "If you marry a monkey for his money, the money will go away and the monkey will stay the same. These famous African proverbs about life are both profound and inspiring. It is used to teach someone to take appropriate actions to get what they want. Nahodha wengi, chombo (or jahazi) huenda mrama. If there are many of the same opinion, don't be obstinate. If somebody is getting involved with something, it is clear that that person thinks it is worthwhile. ", 124. NGU. ", 12. "If love is a sickness, patience is the remedy." Cameroonian Proverb "The laughter of a child lights up the house." Swahili Proverb "Even the best dancer on the stage must retire sometime. Check your inbox for your latest news from us. When you row your friend across, you also cross. It is important to keep family ties/family ties last forever. These are used often in day to day life. Methali: DALILI YA MVUA NI MAWINGU 1325. . These are used often in day to day life. "He who beats the drum for the mad man to dance is no better than the mad man himself. "Afya ni bora kuliko mali - Health is better than wealth.". ~Ashanti Proverb. 681. Unity is strength, division is weakness. 161. "He who burns down his house is aware why ashes cost a fortune. Ambition. This Swahili proverb teaches us to be proactive. Agreeing without liking it. These quotes are African proverbs about children and their growth. Cf. "In a family, if you have somebody who is troublesome it is the family members who are more worried than the troublesome member. FSM 37. F 35.159; AL 1054. 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. ", 100. This means that for a person to be successful, assistance of others is needed. One hand does not kill a louse. ", 49. ", 26. This proverb helped to communicate the brand's values of inclusivity, diversity, and body positivity, and helped to create a deeper emotional connection with customers. "Madness does not govern a country; discussion does. If you want to go far, go together. If this is being rubbed with liwa wood [to make a bride's skin smooth] I prefer my own skin-dirt - JKP. ~ Bantu proverb. T 640A. 1264. 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. - Buganda proverb. - Swahili Proverb. ~ Swahili proverb; Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable. ~ 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. A real family eats from the same cornmeal. ", 157. 1271. Refers to assistance and cooperation and has many applications. Things in turn. Afya ni bora kuliko mali - Health is better than wealth. "The king who shuts his eyes during famine in the land will soon see ancestors. SWAHILI PROVERBS: METHALI ZA KISWAHILI. meaning) 2. "No matter how tall your grandfather was, you have to do your own growing. "The young bird does not crow until it hears the old ones. One cannot cut a tree with one stroke - V. Mkono mmoja hauvunji chawa. Essay, Pages 4 (856 words) Views. ~ African proverb. Neighbors help one another. Swahili Proverb. Kila mtu kwa shauri lake. "No person is born great; great people become great when others are sleeping. ~ Akan (Ghana, Ivory Coast) proverb, When brothers fight to the death, a stranger inherits their fathers estate. "A single bracelet does not jingle." Congolese proverb. Cf. Application: Every person has his/her shortfalls. The flaw of the armpit is that it . "If you want to go fast, go alone. "Ahadi ni deni - A promise is a debt.". ~ African proverb. "A flea can trouble a lion much more than a lion can trouble a flea. ", 129. Kamba haipandi bila mti. 3508. 20. With more than 2 to 15 million native speakers, here are some great Swahili sayings to inspire you. 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. But, as the saying goes, 'Knowledge without wisdom is like water in the sand'. 1272a. September 18, 2015, 4:09 pm, Your email address will not be published. ", 190. Big people prefer possessions, while small ones prefer sharing possessions. Imekuwa vuta nikuvute. "Unity is strength, division is weakness."- Swahili Proverb. One single pillar is not sufficient to build a house. - Mattie Stepanek ", 155. A person assisted by another must also help - F. It will make the effort of others easier - AL. "Between true friends, even water drunk together is sweet enough. Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly quotes for everyone to enjoy! He who learns, teaches. ", 101. - Malcolm X, Speech at Ford Auditorium, 1965. "A doctor who invoked a storm on his people cannot prevent his own house from destruction. 6. Don't expect that someone with trouble will cater for yours. Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable. ", 69. 1321. Meaning: Don't break your promise! Women are the cornerstone of society and African proverbs celebrate women as an important part of the family. NGU. Application: Morning shows the day as childhood shows the man. AL 1050, 1088. If you want change, you have to initiate change. 1322. Meaning: He who does not listen to elder's advice gets his leg broken. ", 103. Bamba na waume. It has become "pull me and I'll pull you.". - Miriam Makeba, 'Makeba: My Story,' 1988. If a river is high, it is because other rivers have joined. 1261. ~Haya (Tanzania) proverb, Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. Meaning: Even he who has not many troubles has a few. 1244. A friend is someone who walks by your side. B 1.32; A 72; T 139; African Quotes on Unity and Community. 1248, 1256. For he will go on loving but he will hate you. Take a look at this list of inspiring African quotes below. "Dine with a stranger but save your love for your family. ", 46. Kumbi : "The plaited coconut leaves used for thatching the cottages" - Krapf. "A bird does not change its feathers because the weather is bad. This famous Swahili saying means that you should not fight those who are stronger than you. 1241. ", 67. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. MEM 17. 1306. ~ African proverb. . "If you are filled with pride, then you will have no room for wisdom. Nyerere, P resi dent of Tanzani a, proverbi al schol ar and st at esman. By trying often, the monkey learns to jump from the tree. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Take a look at these African sayings on children. JKP. "If love is a sickness, patience is the remedy. EM u22. Mikono miwili ni kuoshana. Unity is strength, division is weakness Swahili proverb. A ship with many captains is liable to sink. Beehives are put up high in trees . 1295. Unity is strength, division is weakness. Two people in accord are stronger than eight who disagree. 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. creative tips and more. "Judge not your beauty by the number of people who look at you, but rather by the number of people who smile at you.". The play of the little stick is my good fortune. A barber does not shave himself. ", 168. "Birds sing not because they have answers but because they have songs. With more than 2 to 15 million native speakers, here are some great Swahili sayings to inspire you. - African proverb. ", 81. Tell people early about your plans if you want them to join you. Stay united." Bill Bailey. - African proverb. Indian follower of Brahma, i.e., neither a Christian nor a Muslim. Thanks for reading this post on the best Swahili quotes about life, famous Swahili sayings and fascinating Swahili proverbs. Cooperation makes things easier. Move, let us go! ", 41. Famous Swahili Proverbs & Swahili Sayings, Beautiful Swahili Quotes & More Swahili Proverbs, Best Swahili Idioms & Swahili Expressions, How To Say I Love You In Swahili + Other Romantic Phrases, How To Say How Are You? In Swahili & Common Responses, 17 Tongan Proverbs, Quotes & Sayings + Their Meanings. 1163, 1241. "A great leader is an ordinary person with extraordinary wisdom. ", 76. 1295. Unity is strength, division is weakness. If it is not cultivated, it cannot be harvested. Mwewe hana mihadi na kuku. "Rain does not fall on one roof alone. An empty sack can't stand upright. Money helps to solve problems. 1279. ", 74. ~ Sierra Leone proverb; African Quotes on Unity and Community. KSshingo. ", 170. - Nigerian Proverb. Mafiga mawili hayaivishi chungu. Meaning: Clouds are the sign of rain. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. The App is specially designed to find the wisdom hidden in Swahili Proverbs and idioms. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. "Return to old watering holes for more than water; friends and dreams are there to meet you. The trouble of a relative is solved by a relative. Saving Money Quotes! "A stranger does not skin a sheep that is paid as a fine at a chief's court. ~African proverb, Cross the river in a crowd and the crocodile wont eat you. ", 71. ~ African proverb. A fool is like a wanderer lost on a path. 158. Those who made mutual agreements don't call each other. ~ African proverb, If relatives help each other, what evil can hurt them? If you want to go far, go together. when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved. 1297. ", 143. Umvushapo mwenzio nawe unavuka. by The sources of data for the Swahili proverbs are King'ei and Ndalu (2009) and Wamitila (2010) and those for the Akan proverbs are Appiah et al. 1266. 197. Asiye mkoma hujikoma mwenyewe. "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. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. ", 57. 159. African proverbs and meanings have helped many people all over the world in many different situations. 1239. "The most beautiful fig may contain a worm. Walioagana hawaitani. Wengi wape au watajichukulia. Jicho la moyo linaona mengi - The heart's eye sees many things. when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved." -Mattie Stepanek Mkoma: 1. The one who refuses to join in an enterprise is a witch. "If you pick up one end of a stick, you also pick up the other. ", 111. Kusaidiana ni mali. 156. "Beautiful discourse is rarer than emerald, yet it can be found among the servant girls at the grindstones. ", 79. EM; H 32. Unity is strength, division is weakness. 1313. ~ Swahili proverb; Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable. KB 343. "When the rhythm of the drumbeat changes, the dance steps must adapt. "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.". ~ African proverb. We have listed some of the best African proverbs and sayings that will make you think and inspire you. T 244; KB gwia; SACL 259; V 68. Cen ter fo r Afri can S tu d i es . The latter needs the skilled craftsman" - JKP. If you educate a woman, you educate a whole family. - African proverb. "One may have two legs, but that does not mean one can climb two trees at the same time. Its used to tell somebody to mind their own business. 1311. One stone will not support a cooking pot. If you want to go far, go together.". Later you will come and ask me a remedy for [your] child. Maji ya nazi yataka (or yatafuta) mvugulio. Subira huvuta heri. Unknown. No smoke without fire. Its similar to the English phrase in for a penny, in for a pound. MA 216. EM i6. 196. This famous Swahili saying teaches us that it isnt stupid to ask questions. Thanks to God for the neighbor, even if he/she be a Banyan. . Often the words majembe,vyungu, (hoes, pots) are used instead of vikombe. "Make some money but dont let money make you. By doing a service to someone, you teach indirectly to give Nia zikiwa moja, kilicho mbali huja. 1248, 1256. A vessel of a single person cannot sail near the wind. 1289. Unity is strength, division is weakness. ", 65. Below Ive listed famous Swahili quotes, inspiring Swahili sayings and common Swahili proverbs. You are lifted. Below Ive listed the most well-known Swahili idioms and expressions. "Ears that do not listen to advice, accompany the head when it is chopped off. - Kenyan Proverb. "By crawling a child learns to stand. "Africa has her mysteries, and even a wise man cannot understand them. KB 164. "Those who end up accomplishing great things pay attention to little ones. KB 186. swahili proverbs about unity decatur, il high schools. "Despite the beauty of the moon, sun, and the stars, the sky also has a threatening thunder and striking lightning. ", 61. This Swahili idiom literally means to live much is to see a lot. There is strength in numbers. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. "The laughter of a child lights up the house. 1316. ", 64. Enjoy our list of Swahili proverbs, Swahili phrases and Swahili sayings. Walk like you have 3000 ancestors walking behind you. ", 136. This Swahili quote about life means that there is a correct way of doing things. Application: It is important to keep family ties/family ties last forever. Below I've listed the most famous Swahili proverbs as well as some common Swahili sayings. Cf. Mti pekee haujengi. "The best way to eat an elephant in your path is to cut him up into little pieces. Those who have become successful and have collected much prefer to hold on to that position, but those who have little prefer co-operating in fighting against the environment which has made their situation so low, with the hope that it will improve not for some individuals only, but for the whole group - EM. Cf. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. Check out these proverbs and quotes below to gain some insight into African beliefs and ways of thinking. Penye nia ipo njia. A big heart is better than a big brain. Hold hands when crossing a river. The branches of a coconut tree squeezed together make a roof. JKP. 1245. 1280. Kifo cha wengi arusi. A tree without a fork [branches] is difficult to climb. One who stops, comes to an end; 2. a kind of palm tree; 3. a leper; 4. one who 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. Kama kusingwa ni huku, naradhiwa taka zangu. To a lot of people, as to myself, it is just home.". Penye wengi adui hufa. Kenyan Proverb. I enjoy researching on a range of subjects science, psychology, and technology. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. "Unity is a strength, a division is a weakness . ~ Swahili proverb. "Where there are many, nothing goes wrong . ~Haya (Tanzania) proverb, Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. 1287. ", 163. Jifya, figa, cooking stone to support a pot. To get a difficult cause moving, many little efforts are needed. ", 16. ", 149. Firebrand on firebrand, then the fire burns. ", 56. Swahili proverbs address subjects such as unity and cooperation, responsibility, conflict, obedience and disobedience, good, evil, and acting foolishly. "The skin of the leopard is beautiful, but not his heart. Swahili African Proverbs. Family relations are important to many different tribes in Africa. . ~ Swahili proverb. 199. Vibuyu kapuni havikosi kugongana. In addition to these, three proverbs, two for Swahili and one for Akan, respectively, are from the authors' native speakers' competence. Difficult things become possible. This Swahili proverb means that during a festival everyone is on their best behavior and you cant judge a persons true character. - African proverb. Help is needed. ~African proverb, Many hands make light work. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents. If you want to go far, go together. Members help each other through difficult times . AL 1482. "Knowledge without wisdom is just like water in the sand. Language and culture are inherently connected, forever entwined. If you love a pumpkin also love its flower. Juu ufike mzinga, sharti uvutwe kwa kamba. 62. Could also be applied to bribery: "One who greases thewheels helps his oxen.". "You do not teach the paths of the forest to an old gorilla. 1. Rise up, let's go! The lamentations [at the death of the bird] caused the eggs to spoil. When you row your friend across, you also cross. Its similar to the English version dont judge a book by its cover. There is much beauty in Africa and these proverbs reflect just that. Nguvu ni kusaidiana. A child's lie is like a dead fish in a pond that in the end, always comes to the surface, explains his mother. Asiyenitua kwa hili langu, akiwa na lake n'asitumai. The inconveniences of life are best when shared. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. 1327. It is interesting to see the themes of motherhood, unity, and knowing where you come from echoed throughout these proverbs. Adui wa mtu, ni mtu The enemy of man is man., Afya ni bora kuliko mali Health is better than wealth., Akili nyingi huondoa maarifa Too many ideas drive wisdom away., Baada ya dhiki faraja After hardship comes relief., Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu The evil spirit of a man is a man., Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza A good thing sells, a bad thing advertises., Daima bidii, kamba hukata jiwe Forever persist, a rope cuts stone., Dalili ya mvua mawingu Clouds are the sign of rain., Damu nzito kuliko maji Blood is thicker than water., Debe tupu haliachi kuvuma An empty pot makes the loudest noise., Elfu huanzia moja A thousand begins with one., Elimu haina mwisho Education never ends., Haba na haba hujaza kibaba Little by little fills up the measure., Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho There is no distance that has no end., Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo It is better to lose your eyes than to lose your heart., Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi Better to stumble with toe than toungue., Hiari ya shinda utumwa Voluntary is better than force., Jina jema hungara gizani A good name shines in the dark., Jitihadi haiondoi kudura Effort will not counter faith., Kila chombo kwa wimblile Every vessel has its own waves., Kinywa ni jumba la maneno Mouth is the home of words., Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi To live long is to see much., Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia To get lost is to learn the way., Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri Charity is the matter of the heart not of the pocket., Lipitalo, hupishwa Things dont just happen by accidents., Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo Big houses conceal a lot., Mchezea zuri, baya humfika He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil., Mchimba kisima hungia mwenyewe He who digs a pit will fall into it himself., Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali One who follows bees will never fail to get honey., Msema pweke hakosi One who talks to himself cannot be wrong., Mwamini Mungu si mtovu He who trusts in God lacks nothing., Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu He who nurses vegeance is not called wise., Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala when the cat goes away, mice reign., Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba Not all that have claws are lions., Taratibu ndiyo mwendo Slowly is indeed the way to walk., Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao What beats you is what teaches you., Wapingapo fahali wawili, ziumiazo ni nyasi When two bulls fight, it is the grass that suffers., send our content editing team a message here, 50 Most Asked Nursing Interview Questions with Answers, 20 Best Answers to Why Do You Want to Leave Your Current Job, 10 Best Answers to Why Do You Want to Be a Manager, 11 Best Answers to What Does Leadership Mean to You Interview Question, 50 Most Asked Front Desk Interview Questions with Answers, 10 Best Ways to Answer Sell Me This Pen in an Interview, 10 Most Asked Integrity Interview Questions with Answers, 25 Most Asked Confidentiality Interview Questions with Answers, 50 Most Asked Phone Interview Questions with Answers, 10 Best Answers to What Are Your Interests and Hobbies.