Nyenzo, a roller; from -enda, go. ", 186. PM 303.14. Many hands make light work. ~ Ute proverb, Brothers love each other when they are equally rich. You are lifted. 1238. Kifimbo cheza ni mali yangu. 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 . - African proverb. "If you marry a monkey for his money, the money will go away and the monkey will stay the same. Here is the list of the best life sayings and quotes in Swahili and their translation in English. "Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.". ~Bondei proverb, It takes a village to raise a child. We hear these all the time, sometimes prompted by a word we use (like haraka will prompt the first one below). KA; MARA 2; SM;T 446. ", 151. Cf. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. "When spiders unite, they can tie down a lion." Ethiopian Proverb. ", 107. 4. This proverb is used to bring people to cooperate. The lamentations [at the death of the bird] caused the eggs to spoil. "If love is a sickness, patience is the remedy. ", 144. The back is not rubbed with oil. REK. They just go and do what they promised. Instead of pilau also the words mchuzi, gravy and nyama, meat are used. Two cooking stones do not bring the cooking pot to a boil. "Try this bracelet: if it fits you wear it; but if it hurts you, throw it away no matter how much it sparkles. REK. If you want to go far, go together. 181. . 2. ~ Akan (Ghana, Ivory Coast) proverb, When brothers fight to the death, a stranger inherits their fathers estate. Along with the video is a word-for-word transcription of the skit, a glossary for difficult words or phrases, and a . - African proverb. Kiroboto kwa kimoja chanja, bila kucha kuwezi kuvunja. Unity is strength, division is weakness. One pole cannot support a house. Translation: When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. Two people are needed to plow with oxen, one guides with a rope, the other holds the plow. Cf. A patient man will eat ripe fruit. ", 81. ", 56. Shikaneni mikono mvukapo mto. "A flea can trouble a lion much more than a lion can trouble a flea. Below Ive listed a range of famous and inspirational Swahili quotes and some more thought provoking proverbs in Swahili. 1243. 1316. ", 164. ", 32. Ndovu Wawili Wakigombana Ziumiazo Ni Nyasi. service in turn. swahili proverbs about unity. MA 254. Meaning: Even he who has not many troubles has a few. Im just a normal person enjoying the process of life. 161. 1295. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. ", 113. 71. Beautiful African Quotes. When you row your friend across, you also cross. Three stones form a firm platform for the pot. "No matter how hot your anger is it cannot cook yams. Unity without verity is no better than conspiracy. Application: Morning shows the day as childhood shows the man. J ng'ombe; RECH 404; NS 33; V 85; KB 342. You are at: Home Health Proverbs Swahili Proverb on Unity. 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. "So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth."-Baha'U'Llah. Eid is a Muslim festival. Cf. (An excerpt from Wikipedia) More Kenyan Proverbs & Sayings. This Swahili proverb teaches us that we should have respect for everyone. ", 122. 681. A vessel does not move without a roller. "A bird does not change its feathers because the weather is bad. -Swahili Proverb. ", 38. NGU. Meaning: Follow bees that you may eat honey. Cf. "Return to old watering holes for more than water; friends and dreams are there to meet you. To study a language is to study the culture as well. Mikono mingi kazi haba. 157. 1. ~ Sierra Leone proverb; African Quotes on Unity and Community. At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. ~Ethiopian proverb, There is no fool who is disowned by his family. 1322. ", 37. B 4.4; F 12.2; MARA 2; KB 49. 1272. ", 89. Adhabu ya kaburi aijua maiti - The touture of the grave is only known by the corpse. Kila mtu kwa shauri lake. "Acheni nyodo kila mtu na bahati yake.". ~ Akan (Ghana, Ivory Coast) proverb, When brothers fight to the death, a stranger inherits their fathers estate. "A town can only If water has been spilt, it cannot be scooped up. Eleka or beba, to carry. It is used to teach someone to take appropriate actions to get what they want. NGU. "She is beautiful; she has love, understands; she respects herself and others; everyone likes loves, and honors her; she is a goddess. ", 35. People who tend to go . Singa: rub or massage with perfume: e.g., singa mwili kwa sandali, rub the body with perfume of sandalwood -J; to rub off dirt - Krapf. Watu waliambiwa "kakaeni," hawakuambiwa "kashindaneni." 1241. "To love someone who does not love you is like shaking a tree to make the dew drops fall. "He who beats the drum for the mad man to dance is no better than the mad man himself. Unity is strength, separation weakness. Being thus all things to all authors, it follows, I suppose, that Africa must be all things to all readers.". "A home without a woman is like a barn without cattle. ", 140. African proverbs are known for giving important life lessons in simple messages. "Although the snake does not fly it has caught the bird whose home is in the sky. - Beryl Markham, 'West With The Night,'1942. Not only is the Swahili language poetic, but it also offers some of the most interesting quotes, sayings and even proverbs. Unity is strength, disunity is weakness. 14 . Check out the videos below which feature a range of famous Swahili proverbs and well-known Swahili quotes and sayings. These famous African proverbs about life are both profound and inspiring. Take a look at these African sayings on children. "Do not look where you fell, but where you slipped. 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. 1244. - Baha'U'Llah. "If there is no enemy within, the enemy outside can do us no harm. "A leader in the community without a pot belly is a stingy man. Mkoma: 1. This Swahili proverb teaches us to always keep a promise. It really means that experience comes with age. ~ African proverb 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. "To be without a friend is to be poor indeed. Mmoja hashui chombo. "Adui wa mtu, ni mtu - The enemy of man is man.". 1265. She's good at writing about sports and sporting heroes. ", 182. ", 73. "The day before yesterday and yesterday aren't the same as today. "Instruction in youth is like engraving in stone.". ", 119. Topics: Democracy In America. NGU. "Examine . ", 8. "If you want to go fast, go alone. "A quarrelsome chief does not hold a village together. Wakubwa hupendelea ubinafsi; wadogo hupendeka ujamaa. If you want to go far, go together.". SPK. "There are as many Africas as there are books about Africa -- and as many books about it as you could read in a leisurely lifetime. Macho mawili huona zaidi kuliko jicho moja. The one who is useful to you has a title [price]. 1320. 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 . 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. 1314. Vunja nyumba, lakini ujenge wenyewe. Cf. Jambo (Hello)! ", 46. If the family is together, the soul is in the right place. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. "If you think you are too small to make a difference, you haven't spent the night with a mosquito. Inject money where there is a problem. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. 62. Coming events cast their shadows before. REK. "You must attend to your business with the vendor in the market, and not to the noise of the market. ", 128. This famous quote in Swahili teaches people the importance of being patient and that good things will come to people who are patient. ", 167. . 1299. One good turn deserves another; you help me in my difficulties, I help you in yours - F. 1274. ~Swahili proverb, Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable. Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. 1288. Affiliate Disclaimer: Lingalot is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. With more than 2 to 15 million native speakers, here are some great Swahili sayings to inspire you. Also: Persistent stoking will cause rebellion - SPK. Unity is strength, div "I dream of the realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent. "Until the lions have their historians, tales of the hunt shall always glorify the hunter. To run is not necessarily to arrive. T 325; SACL 641. A friend is like a water source for a long journey. 1240. ~ African proverb. - Nigerian Proverb. A girl must not have lovers that give the house a bad name - JKP. B 3.67. Things in turn. Big people prefer possessions, while small ones prefer sharing possessions. 60. Mikono miwili ni kuoshana. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Everyone who knocks at the door gets an answer. 1250. 440 Swahili Proverbs 1. Kazi ya kugawanywa haziishii katikati. 1309. Also used for familial and social break-ups. 1301. 1282. ~ Tanzanian proverb, A single bracelet does not jingle. ~ Swahili proverb; Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable. 1254. KB 164. 1326. ", 72. "If you educate a man, you educate one person. Its similar to the English phrase in for a penny, in for a pound. ~ Ute proverb, It takes a village to raise a child. "Rain beats the leopard's skin but it does not wash out the spots. 1288. ", 33. The necessity of joint action. This famous proverb in Swahili teaches us that if you forgive then you will defeat the wrongdoer. 91. . "A bird that flies off the Earth and lands on an anthill is still on the ground.". ", 78. NGU. ", 155. "A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words. ", 121. 7. EM i6. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! Published January 20, 2023, Top 10 Largest Cities In The World (By Land Area) 2022, Indian Institute of Hardware Technology (IIHT) Application Form 2023, Top 30 Best Private Primary Schools In Nairobi and Their Locations, Best Music Producers In Tanzania (2022 Top List). KA; SM; MARA. ", 179. Family relations are important to many different tribes in Africa. Chombo hakiendi ikiwa kila mtu anapiga makasia yake. 1264. African Quotes on Unity and Community. 1319. 1271. Afya ni bora kuliko mali - Health is better than wealth. ", 67. If you close your eyes to facts, you will learn through accidents. It has become "pull me and I'll pull you.". "A healthy person who keeps begging for food is an insult to a generous farmer. One leg cannot support a bed. 2660. ", 118. "The skin of the leopard is beautiful, but not his heart. "God has created lands with lakes and bountiful rivers for man to live. Stand upright, pillar, with your brothers. (See full affiliate disclosure.). 1290. Unity is strength, division is weakness. - Ethiopian proverb. 1303. Baha'U'Llah. Kata zamani utafika kwangu kuomba dawa ya mtoto. Cross the river in a crowd and the crocodile won't eat you. "Beautiful discourse is rarer than emerald, yet it can be found among the servant girls at the grindstones. ", 157. "Telling a secret to an unworthy person is like carrying grain in a bag with a hole in it. 1270. ", 45. If you educate a woman, you educate a whole family. EM p17. raise a child. However big an ordeal, sharing it with many people "How gently glides the married life away, When she who rules still seems but to obey. "Rain does not fall on one roof alone. These African proverbs providing wisdom about your closest family and friends are surely the one thing you need to keep them close. 1272a. JKP. 199. Application: If you want to progress, it is important to associate with progress-minded people. ", 176. "When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground. This does not influence our choices. "Show me your friend and I will show you your character. ", 146. Unity is strength, division is weakness. ", 109. "The chicken that can dig for food will not sleep hungry. One knee doesn't bring up a child. 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. 1. With many captains the ship is at the mercy of the waves. 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. 1252. Unity is strength. Mwenye lake usimngoje na lako. Moumita has worked with many soccer teams and produced match reports, and sports is her primary passion. Below Ive listed the most well-known Swahili idioms and expressions. I enjoy researching on a range of subjects science, psychology, and technology. ", 172. ", 110. By trying often, the monkey learns to jump from the tree. ", 47. 1316. 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. ", 169. Unity is strength, the division is weakness. Translation: A hungry man observes no dietary restrictions. ~ Bantu proverb. ", 54. 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. June 14, 2022 . "Crawling on your hands and knees has never prevented any person from walking upright. The latter needs the skilled craftsman" - JKP. 11. This famous Swahili saying means that you should not fight those who are stronger than you. "Slander by the stream will be heard by the frogs. "Cross the river in a crowd and the crocodile wont eat you. "If you want to go fast, go alone. AL 1506. Juu ufike mzinga, sharti uvutwe kwa kamba. 1248. ", 64. Confidential information should not be shared. "If a child washes his hands, he could eat with Kings! AL 1048; KS figa. KB 20; AL chungu. F 27.72. Reading and writing is always a pleasure. Nguzo moja haijengi nyumba. Common suffering is easier to bear - MM. Kwae and Manda are (old) villages of Lamu. 1259. 195. "Madness does not govern a country; discussion does. Cen ter fo r Afri can S tu d i es . Mahatma Gandhi. EM w15; KA; SPK. ~ 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. "Even as the archer loves the arrow that flies, so too he loves the bow that remains constant in his hands. Meaning: Where theres a will theres a way. To succeed cooperation is needed. Jicho la moyo linaona mengi - The heart's eye sees many things. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. ", 84. ~ African proverb, He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. 1255. If you dont know something, ask! "To agree to have dialogue is the beginning of a peaceful resolution. A log cannot be pushed along except by another log. Nothing succeeds without the protection of one's own family - AL. ~ African proverb, If you want to go quickly, go alone. - Kenyan Proverb. joah brown headquarters. attracts) success." -A5-. Swahili is a language that's rich in proverbs (or sayings) that are really common. To a lot of people, as to myself, it is just home.". 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. ~ Swahili proverb. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. NGU. 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"He who thinks he is leading and has no one following him is only taking a walk. "Unity is strength, division is weakness." - Swahili Proverb. In the language of a well-known Swahili proverb, "unity is strength, division is weakness.". Haukweeki upesi, mti usio na panda. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. Application: Every person has his/her shortfalls. Requires a leader or helper. - Annang proverb. Msaidie anayekusaidia. You cant hate Africa and not hate yourself.". 158. This Swahili quote about life means that there is a correct way of doing things. This is said to someone who refuses to render a service, warning that person that help will be denied in future needs. Unity is strength, when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved. Bible. F 38.1; "Even the king of the forest, the lion, protects himself against flies. It is a historical truth. EM 36.13; KA. "If relatives help each other, what evil can hurt them? ~ Congolese proverb, A single stick may smoke, but it will not burn. "Knowledge without wisdom is just like water in the sand. If somebody is getting involved with something, it is clear that that person thinks it is worthwhile. If you want to go far, go together.