swahili proverbs about unity

Chombo hakiendi ikiwa kila mtu anapiga makasia yake. ", 36. 1267. ~ Swahili proverb. The refusal of the earthen cooking pot is that it leaks. People who tend to go . "Crawling on your hands and knees has never prevented any person from walking upright. One who has no child should carry a stone [instead]. To study a language is to study the culture as well. Ukuti kukazana ni kumbi. African proverbs on Patience. This famous quote in Swahili teaches people the importance of being patient and that good things will come to people who are patient. Mnazi mpata vyote, ila chujio iliukosa. Mfa maji haachi kutapatapa. ", 62. Dau la upweke haliendi joshi. "Other people's wisdom prevents the king from being called a fool. Here is the list of the best life sayings and quotes in Swahili and their translation in English. Here are some African proverbs on finding inspiration when you need it. Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable. Nguvu ni kusaidiana. ", 24. The Best Unity Quotes That Will Lift Your Spirits. Too many cooks spoil the rice. 1305. If you are filled with pride then you have no room for wisdom ~ African Proverb. . 1272. 1265. Another understanding of this proverb: It's no use fighting against impossible odds - V 85. Application: It is important to take advice in life. Nyenzo, a roller; from -enda, go. "During times of peace in the country, the chief does not carry a shield. "It's those ugly caterpillars that turn into beautiful butterflies after seasons. "In a family, if you have somebody who is troublesome it is the family members who are more worried than the troublesome member. 1317. 196. 1312. swahili proverbs about unity. REK. This is said to someone who refuses to render a service, warning that person that help will be denied in future needs. To run is not necessarily to arrive. 1307. Why give yourself to death when you could be immortal. 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. 1279. Ukurasa (Page): wa Kwanza(1) wa Pili(2) wa Tatu(3) wa Nne(4). Meaning: Don't break your promise! ", 121. Help the person who helps you. 1250. "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. If you want change, you have to initiate change. Ukuni mmoja hauwaki mekoni. 1282. Many of these have hidden meanings. Mafiga mawili hayaivishi chungu. 1293. As an Amazon Associate this site earns from qualifying purchases. Perseverance will succeed. Cf. John Trapp. Many hands make light work. Two can manage to eat a cow. Otherwise, the day he returns home with a stolen ox, it will be too late. A drowning man will catch at a straw. "A town can only Ukibebwa usilevye-levye miguu. 197. Meaning: Follow bees that you may eat honey. ", 27. This Swahili proverb about life teaches us to help an enemy who is in trouble as it may make you a friend. It has become "pull me and I'll pull you.". An orphan is nurtured by a God-fearing person. Topics: Democracy In America. 1254. 1266. J chombo; B 2.30; KB 43. "Forget about effort, each person has his or her luck.". The family that prays together stays together. ~African proverb, Many hands make light work. Practicing Buddhism, I believe in the law of cause and effect. Mpera, Be at the mercy of the waves (Kigunya dialect) - Sacl. ", 54. If you educate a woman, you educate a whole family. African quotes and African sayings have wisdom and inspiration in them! Three stones form a firm platform for the pot. 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 . People were told "Come and live together," they were not told "Come and compete with one another." Meaning: Follow bees that you may eat honey. ~ Sierra Leone proverb; African Quotes on Unity and Community. Famous Swahili Proverbs & Swahili Sayings. ", 8. ~ African proverb, If relatives help each other, what evil can hurt them? ", 42. when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved. SPK. Haraka haraka haina baraka. KSshingo. This Swahili idiom literally means how can you be burned by a hot pepper that you havent eaten?. Nothing can satiate my soul than good music, horror movies, psycho-thriller, and crime stuff. Wakubwa hupendelea ubinafsi; wadogo hupendeka ujamaa. Cf. "A baby cannot be heard crying in his mothers womb. 1323. "If you close your eyes to facts, you will learn through accidents. "Show me your friend and I will show you your character. Unity is strength, division is weakness Swahili proverb. Translation: When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. Moumita is a multilingual content writer and editor. ~ Ibo proverb, Children are the reward of life. 1311. Death is blind. 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! raise a child. KS mkoma. Though there are many cats, they have allowed the rats to multiply. ", 14. 150 Quotes on Saving Money to Inspire, 400+ Hypocrisy Quotes! SWAHILI PROVERBS: METHALI ZA KISWAHILI. ", 90. This Swahili idiom literally means one who follows bees will never fail to get honey. ", 28. . Today it is you, tomorrow it is me. 29. ~ African proverb, If I am in harmony with my family, thats success. Meaning: Unity is Strength. AL 1048; KS figa. A family can develop only with a loving woman as its centre. A hasty person misses the sweet things. "A bird does not change its feathers because the weather is bad. Cf. Walk like you have 3000 ancestors walking behind you. 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. Essay, Pages 4 (856 words) Views. "Anyone who urinates in a stream should be warned because any of his relatives may drink from the water. ", 68. ", 190. ", 65. ~ Swahili proverb; Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable. 161. If a dog hears whistles from different directions it will not 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. Cf. "You do not teach the paths of the forest to an old gorilla. 1280. Enjoy our list of Swahili proverbs, Swahili phrases and Swahili sayings. Kwae and Manda are (old) villages of Lamu. "Everybody loves a fool, but nobody wants him for a son. The Bantu Swahili language and English, the latter of which was inherited from colonial rule are widely spoken as lingua franca. It takes a village to raise a child. Kukataa kwa chungu ni kuvuja. They serve as the two official working languages. "Unity is strength, division is weakness." - Swahili Proverb. Work done together will be successfully finished. Members help each other through difficult times . 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.". Eleka or beba, to carry. In the language of a well-known Swahili proverb, "unity is strength, division is weakness.". 1288. In addition, it offers an audio clip for every proverb that is meant to make the app more enjoyable and as well help . African Quotes on Unity and Community. "A quarrelsome chief does not hold a village together. AL 1482. "The maker needs the consumer to tell what is wanted. Bible. 69. "The chicken that can dig for food will not sleep hungry. Cross the river in a crowd and the crocodile won't eat you. When minds are one, what is far comes near. ", 142. To a lot of people, as to myself, it is just home.". 70. (See full affiliate disclosure.). Many big cats do not catch a rat. There is a section called the favorite, so while you are . Kifo, death, dying; but here "hard working.". - Beryl Markham, 'West With The Night,'1942. 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 If water has been spilt, it cannot be scooped up. "Milk and honey have different colors, but they share the same house peacefully. 1289. Later you will come and ask me a remedy for [your] child. RECH 396; MARA 3. "A doctor who invoked a storm on his people cannot prevent his own house from destruction. Methali: ASIYE NA MENGI ANA MACHACHE. Fumbo mfumbe mjinga mwerevu huligangua. ED 34; JK 140; AL 1041. A creeper [liana] does not climb without a tree. It takes a village to raise a child. The beehive cannot be raised without being pulled up with a rope. Find below ten advanced level Kiswahili lessons, each linked to a Kiswahili proverb. ~ Tanzanian proverb, A single bracelet does not jingle. When firebrands meet [mix], that is when the fire flares up. This Swahili proverb means that during a festival everyone is on their best behavior and you cant judge a persons true character. Unity is strength, disunity is weakness. ", 16. "The most beautiful fig may contain a worm. "It is the crooked wood that can show the best sculptor. These proverbs carry great wisdom and meaning for us all. "A low-class man will just talk; deeds are the hallmark of a gentleman. KB 343. Kiroboto kwa kimoja chanja, bila kucha kuwezi kuvunja. "Make some money but dont let money make you. NGU. ", 76. If you help your fellow men, you will also help yourself in the process - EM. Ukipenda boga penda na ua lake. ", 49. 1281. JKP. "It is better to walk than curse the road. T 244; KB gwia; SACL 259; V 68. ", 98. Cf. "No matter how hot your anger is it cannot cook yams. NGU. Kumbi : "The plaited coconut leaves used for thatching the cottages" - Krapf. "Wood already touched by fire is not hard to set alight. Application: Morning shows the day as childhood shows the man. "If you educate a man, you educate one person. "Unity is strength, division is weakness."- Swahili Proverb. A patient man will eat ripe fruit. ", 122. Cf. She who ties a [broad strip of calico as a] waistbelt does not do so for nothing, she is [intent] on playing. 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. KB 164. 1291. Methali: DAMU NI NZITO KULIKO MAJI 1240. Methali: DALILI YA MVUA NI MAWINGU Swahili Proverb. "Parents give birth to the body of their children, but not always to their characters. This Swahili proverb teaches us to not be too demanding. Share on: Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window) ", 37. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. "One who possesses much wisdom has it in the heart, not on the lips. "You always learn a lot more when you lose than when you win. In addition to these, three proverbs, two for Swahili and one for Akan, respectively, are from the authors' native speakers' competence. If you love a pumpkin also love its flower. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. Nyonya, suck milk; live off somebody else. . Cf. Methali: ASIYESIKIA LA MKUU HUONA MAKUU MA 254. Talking to people, learning new experiences, sharing my knowledge through blogs, motivating others are things that I always look forward to. ~ Bondei proverb; It takes a village to raise a child. EM j23. T 587. "Slander by the stream will be heard by the frogs. EM p.23. "To get lost is to learn the way.". Kila mtu kwa shauri lake. ", 17. ", 44. An orphan depends on a benefactor. 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. "Despite the beauty of the moon, sun, and the stars, the sky also has a threatening thunder and striking lightning. "When sleeping women wake, they move mountains!". ", 84. JKP. ", 157. The basket is made of the same material. These African proverbs providing wisdom about your closest family and friends are surely the one thing you need to keep them close. Unity is strength, separation weakness. Could also be applied to bribery: "One who greases thewheels helps his oxen.". "When I think of the others' misfortunes, I forget mine. Hardships do not last forever. 2. "Unity is strength, division is weakness. This means that if many people with differing ideas are asked to implement a decision, the implementation will be problematic - EM. If you are carried don't slacken your legs. One piece of wood does not burn brightly in the kitchen. "By the time a fool has learned the game, the players have dispersed. "There is a limit to the help we can give others" - JKP. Therefore, two people working together can succeed in doing a big thing - KB. ~ Swahili proverb. SPK. "If there is no enemy within, the enemy outside can do us no harm. Adui wa mtu, ni mtu - The enemy of man is man. "Afya ni bora kuliko mali - Health is better than wealth.". "Instruction in youth is like engraving in stone.". "Three things cause sorrow to flee; water, green trees, and a beautiful face. Check your inbox for your latest news from us. ", 187. A big heart is better than a big brain. "We have not inherited this land from our ancestors; rather we have borrowed it from our children. Cross the river in a crowd and the crocodile won't eat you. "Love, like rain, does not choose the grass on which it falls. ", 109. "It is only a stupid cow that rejoices at the prospect of being taken to a beautiful abattoir. "Unity is a strength, a division is a weakness . ~Baganda proverb, A family tie is like a tree, it can bend but it cannot break. Cf. A stitch in time saves nine. B 4.4; F 12.2; MARA 2; KB 49. "If you offend, then ask for a pardon; if offended forgive. Luo Proverbs of Kenya. Swahili speakers use a lot of sayings and expressions in daily life which offer advice and even sometimes have hidden meanings. ", 200. ", 95. "By crawling a child learns to stand. ~ African proverb, If you want to go quickly, go alone. Take a look at these African sayings on children. Afya ni bora kuliko mali - Health is better than wealth. ~ African proverb, He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. A log cannot be pushed along except by another log. 156. June 14, 2022 . "If you are filled with pride, then you will have no room for wisdom. JK 141. Below Ive listed famous Swahili quotes, inspiring Swahili sayings and common Swahili proverbs. ~ African proverb. Unity is strength, division is weakness. ~ African proverb, He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. . There are many ways to demonstrate the act of togetherness. Two people are needed to plow with oxen, one guides with a rope, the other holds the plow. Kenyan identity: the kanga and Swahili sayings. "Where you sit when you are old shows where you stood when you were a youth. Use iTalki for 1-on-1 lessons in over 150 languages to supercharge your learning! JKP. The Desire to Improve Society. ", 74. Its used to tell somebody to mind their own business. Njia ya umande wanatembea wawili. The meaning is that wherever people live and work together trivial clashes occur. "If there is character, ugliness becomes beauty; if there is none, beauty becomes ugliness. Requires a leader or helper. F 31.115; H 79; MS 45.21; B 3.39; T 325; ", 174. ", 48. Cf. None but a fool denies his family. "It takes a village to raise a child. Your email address will not be published. ", 108. 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. 1260. be defended by cooperation in unison. Wisdom is not like money to be tied up and hidden ~ Akan Proverb Foolishness precedes cleverness, cleverness follows. ", 123. Inspirational Unity Quotes & Sayings. This Swahili quote about happiness means haste makes waste. Too many instructions will confuse a person. ", 184. Penye wengi adui hufa. Proverbs 27:7 expresses a similar sentiment: "One who is full loathes honey, but to one who is hungry everything bitter is sweet.". "Africa has her mysteries, and even a wise man cannot understand them. 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. 1283-85. ~ Tanzanian proverb, A single bracelet does not jingle. KA; SM; MARA. - Swahili Proverb. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. B 3.67. ", 53. Get help from your own kind of people. Mti ukigwa huegemea mti wenziwe. Destroy your house, but build it up yourself. 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. To get a difficult cause moving, many little efforts are needed. Aliyekufaa ana cheo chake. 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. Neighbors help one another. You are lifted. 1241. ~African proverb, Cross the river in a crowd and the crocodile wont eat you. L 64; RECH 642; V 32; SACL 643; KS mti; JK 141. NGU. 1270. If you want to go far, go together.". "No one became wealthy because they broke a holiday and no one who gained weight because they broke a fast. Chombo hakiendi ila kwa nyenzo. Leo ndiwe, kesho ndimi. A real family eats from the same cornmeal. Meaning: Even he who has not many troubles has a few. ", 168. 1316. ", 73. F 50.1; KA; KB 335; V in Desturi za Wasuaheli, 1903. Reading and writing is always a pleasure. 5 Swahili Proverbs That Sum Up the Current Political Scene in Africa. However big an ordeal, sharing it with many people If you want to go far, go together. A log cannot be moved except "properly," i.e., by under-supports - T. Cf. No elephant is burdened by the weight of its tusks. The honest one will be exploited. 1297. ", 139. "When spiders unite, they can tie down a lion." Ethiopian Proverb. (An excerpt from Wikipedia) More Kenyan Proverbs & Sayings. Kila apigaye mlango hupata majibu. The two hands wash each other. "Knowledge without wisdom is just like water in the sand. ", 2. "Do not blame God for creating the tiger, just thank Him for not giving it wings. About common effort. . 27. Swahili Proverb on Unity 0. Ala Ala, exclamation of surprise. The patch on the [floor] mat is [cut from] the basket. 2660. ~ 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. 1302. These are used often in day to day life. Penye uzia penyeza rupia. ", 133. swahili proverbs about unity. Asiyenitua kwa hili langu, akiwa na lake n'asitumai. Ulingo wa kwae haulindi manda. "A diamond does not lose its value due to lack of admiration. 1. ", 170. JKP. Pakamao from paka, rub, apply oil, etc. SACL 101; V beba; KA; NGU; K seleke;AL mtoto; SPK. Afungaye kibwebwe si bure ana mchezo. Unity is strength. Return to old watering holes for more than water; friends and dreams are there to meet you. The branches of a coconut tree squeezed together make a roof. The Swahili people are known for their imagery and complexity of proverbs. Beehives are put up high in trees . Ndovu Wawili Wakigombana Ziumiazo Ni Nyasi. ~African proverb, Cross the river in a crowd and the crocodile wont eat you. 718, 720, 1177. 1163, 1241. "Many hands make light work." Haya (Tanzania) proverb. November 21, 2020 No Comments. 14 . Bamba na waume. Meaning: After hardship comes relief. By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. ~ African proverb Saving Money Quotes! Help is needed. One leg cannot support a bed. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, ", 50. ", 147. B 1.32; A 72; T 139;