About common effort. ", 54. So, don't get in that situation. ", 152. If you help your fellow men, you will also help yourself in the process - EM. and you yourself [stay] back. Ondoka (or amka or inuka) twende! EM w15; KA; SPK. Take a look at these African sayings on children. Contact Us. As an Amazon Associate this site earns from qualifying purchases. EM p17. "Africa is mystic; it is wild; it is a sweltering inferno; it is a photographers paradise, a hunters Valhalla, an escapists Utopia. "Unity to be real must stand the severest strain without breaking."-Mahatma Gandhi. One who is carried [on the back] must cling on. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. J chombo; B 2.30; KB 43. ", 189. 440 Swahili Proverbs 1. Methali: PENYE NIA PANA NJIA Ethiopian Proverb. 1310. 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. All good things come to those who wait. ", 99. LE3 227.18. ", 80. "So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth."-Baha'U'Llah. Craftsman and customer. This wise Swahili saying entails that with unity it is possible to have a formidable front and achieve great things in the process. 3. ", 173. Two people are needed to plow with oxen, one guides with a rope, the other holds the plow. Cf. No progress without effort - KB. 1163, 1241. Meaning: A secret is no secret when shared by two people. Vikombe vikikaa pamoja havina budi kugongana. Ukitemewa mate na wengi utaloana. MEM 17. espys 2022 nominations / hailey bieber fall nails / swahili proverbs about unity. ", 64. 150 Quotes on Saving Money to Inspire, 400+ Hypocrisy Quotes! Without support it's difficult to advance in society. riverfront golf course. Return to old watering holes for more than water; friends and dreams are there to meet you. There is much beauty in Africa and these proverbs reflect just that. Translation: When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. The branches of a coconut tree squeezed together make a roof. "When the right-hand washes the left-hand and the left-hand washes the right-hand, both hands become clean. KA. 1299. ", 115. It is the last vestige of a dead world or the cradle of a shiny new one. NGU. Literal translation: A promise is a debt. The beehive cannot be raised without being pulled up with a rope. "Return to old watering holes for more than water; friends and dreams are there to meet you. ~ African proverb, There is no fool who is disowned by his family. KA; MS. JKP. 1271. One good turn deserves another; you help me in my difficulties, I help you in yours - F. 1274. Mpera, Be at the mercy of the waves (Kigunya dialect) - Sacl. One hand cannot bring up a child. ", 171. ~ African Proverb, A united family eats from the same plate. Meaning: He who does not listen to elders advice gets his leg broken. "A town can only - Malcolm X, Speech at Ford Auditorium, 1965. But a wise man respects them.". Pakamao from paka, rub, apply oil, etc. 91. If the family is together, the soul is in the right place. ", 15. If you dont know something, ask! KS hodha. "No matter how beautiful and well-crafted a coffin might look, it will not make anyone wish for death. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. 1274. 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 . Below Ive listed a range of famous and inspirational Swahili quotes and some more thought provoking proverbs in Swahili. Swahili is a Bantu language used in East Africa and a member of a people in Zanzibar. It is used as a wish for a good journey and means good luck. "If you educate a man, you educate one person. This Swahili phrase literally means if you want to eat a pig, choose a fat one. The poles of the roof support each other - RSP. F 22.15: B 3.67. ~ African proverb, Home affairs are not talked about on the public square. One stone will not support a cooking pot. ", 107. 1. "The African mind has a lot to contribute, not only to world understanding of the arts, but to an understanding of spiritualism. . ~ African proverb . It means that you shouldnt rush things. "We desire to bequeath two things to our children; the first one is roots, the other one is wings. ", 158. "When the shepherd comes home in peace, the milk is sweet. The milk of the coconut needs an opening [in order to escape].This is said when a present is needed for a diviner in consultation - KS. Morning shows the day as childhood shows the man. Cf. "He that has never traveled thinks that his mother is the only good cook in the world. She's good at writing about sports and sporting heroes. 4. "A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words. Find below ten advanced level Kiswahili lessons, each linked to a Kiswahili proverb. Leo ndiwe, kesho ndimi. "Love, like rain, does not choose the grass on which it falls. ~ African proverb. "Unity is strength, the division is weakness." -Swahili Proverb "Unity is strength. She who ties a [broad strip of calico as a] waistbelt does not do so for nothing, she is [intent] on playing. The Best Unity Quotes That Will Lift Your Spirits. Kidole kimoja hakivunji (or hakiui) chawa. ~ Swahili proverb, Two ants do not fail to pull one grasshopper. Famous Swahili Proverbs & Swahili Sayings. The meaning is that wherever people live and work together trivial clashes occur. Nyenzo, a roller; from -enda, go. when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved." -Mattie Stepanek Mahatma Gandhi. F 52.10. ~ African Proverb; A united family eats from the same plate. "It's those ugly caterpillars that turn into beautiful butterflies after seasons. ", 17. Wengi wape au watajichukulia. One needs capital, know how, friends. ", 172. Vibuyu kapuni havikosi kugongana. Cf. 1289. ", 146. So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth. "How gently glides the married life away, When she who rules still seems but to obey. EM w21. The one who refuses to join in an enterprise is a witch. Death is blind. EM m16. ", 168. Cf. Take a look at these African quotes and African proverbs on wisdom and spirituality. F 38.1; 1259. 681. "An old woman is always uneasy when dry bones are mentioned in a proverb. "A baby cannot be heard crying in his mothers womb. So, let's look at these African proverbs. "To be without a friend is to be poor indeed. Gunia tupu halisimami wima. ", 108. ", 70. 1291. This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for, 200 Best African Quotes And Proverbs For Wisdom And Inspiration, Inspirational African Quotes And Proverbs, African Proverbs About Family and Friends, 41 Quotes From Frankenstein For Your Gothic Literature Studies, 32 Richard Siken Quotes From The Inspiring 'Crush' Poet, 30 The Purpose Driven Life Quotes From The Famous Bible Study, 70 Best Salon Quotes And Sayings To Leave You Feeling Beautiful. . ", 98. "Although the snake does not fly it has caught the bird whose home is in the sky. Hard working on a job is like a feast if there are many who give their strength to a common cause. ED 34; JK 140; AL 1041. 1244. "In a family, if you have somebody who is troublesome it is the family members who are more worried than the troublesome member. Ukuti kukazana ni kumbi. Child upbringing is a communal effort. This Swahili idiom literally means to live much is to see a lot. 1248, 1256. ~ Akan (Ghana, Ivory Coast) proverb, When brothers fight to the death, a stranger inherits their fathers estate. Kilio cha ndege ndicho kilichoozesha mayai. Cf. "Adui wa mtu, ni mtu - The enemy of man is man.". 19. A vessel does not move without a roller. We may also use affiliate links for other programmes. "It is only a stupid cow that rejoices at the prospect of being taken to a beautiful abattoir. The trouble of a relative is solved by a relative. "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. (See full affiliate disclosure.). ", 42. A Collection of 40 Wise Swahili Phrases and Sayings. Swahili speakers use a lot of sayings and expressions in daily life which offer advice and even sometimes have hidden meanings. "Unity is strength, division is weakness." Swahili proverb. "A quarrelsome chief does not hold a village together. This famous Swahili quote means that if you are too good, people will take advantage of you. ~ African proverb, If you want to go quickly, go alone. . "In the moment of crisis, the wise build bridges and foolish build dams.". ", 109. "It takes a village to raise a child. 1236. ", 166. ", 35. Kila apigaye mlango hupata majibu. 61. 60. when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved. ", 179. You shouldn't expect others to do all the work - F. 1308. ~ African proverb. Unity is strength, division is weakness. F 35.159; AL 1054. 1295. If you want change, you have to initiate change. "Slander by the stream will be heard by the frogs. A friend is someone you share the path with African proverb. ", 51. "Why is it you can never hope to describe the emotion Africa creates? Methali: FUATA NYUKI ULE ASALI African Quotes on Unity, Family and Community, African Proverbs on Money, Wealth, Riches and Poverty. You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. Cf. ", 160. 385. A big heart is better than a big brain. 31. ", 180. If you want to go far, go together. This Swahili proverb teaches us to be proactive. "Acheni nyodo kila mtu na bahati yake.". "A cutting word is worse than a bowstring, a cut may heal, but the cut of the tongue does not. It takes a village to raise a child. "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. ~ Swahili proverb. "For Africa to me is more than a glamorous fact. AL 709. Paka wengi wangewako, wamewazidisha panya. ", 90. "A great leader is an ordinary person with extraordinary wisdom. 198. But, as the saying goes, 'Knowledge without wisdom is like water in the sand'. Agreeing with the neck sideways. 27. Get help from your own kind of people. This does not influence our choices. "To agree to have dialogue is the beginning of a peaceful resolution. No smoke without fire. If you want to go far, go together.". 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 . . Every person with his/her own problem. "Let your love be like the misty rain, coming softly but flooding the river.". How Africa News One hand alone cannot carry a baby. ", 39. 69. "Despite the beauty of the moon, sun, and the stars, the sky also has a threatening thunder and striking lightning. It is necessary to stamp out evil with adequate measures - SPK. Cf. ~African proverb, Many hands make light work. Methali: ASIYESIKIA LA MKUU HUONA MAKUU Family relations are important to many different tribes in Africa. Meaning: Where theres a will theres a way. 1296. - Swahili Proverb. JKP. ", 62. A girl must not have lovers that give the house a bad name - JKP. 199. "Try this bracelet: if it fits you wear it; but if it hurts you, throw it away no matter how much it sparkles. Richard Twiss. The old person needs a stick for walking and the rhythm of walking with the stick is like a play. service in turn. ~African proverb, Many hands make light work. "He who beats the drum for the mad man to dance is no better than the mad man himself. Kusaidiana ni mali. ", 81. Penye wanaume wengi hapaugui mwana. "Unity without verity is no better than conspiracy."-John Trapp. AL 1482. If cups are [put] in one place, they are bound to clatter - F. The use of this proverb is quite common in East Africa. To many give it up or they will take it themselves. Chombo hakiendi ikiwa kila mtu anapiga makasia yake. Requires a leader or helper. F 50.1; KA; KB 335; V in Desturi za Wasuaheli, 1903. "Other people's wisdom prevents the king from being called a fool. A log cannot be moved except "properly," i.e., by under-supports - T. Cf. ", 130. ~ Bondei proverb. Mikono miwili ni kuoshana. 1272a. It is used to teach someone to take appropriate actions to get what they want. The dying of many is like a wedding. ~ Tanzanian proverb, A single bracelet does not jingle. Methali: ASIYE NA MENGI ANA MACHACHE. ", 190. People were told "Come and live together," they were not told "Come and compete with one another." If many spit on you, you'll be soaked. 1317. Everyone who knocks at the door gets an answer. 615, 748, 1273, 1624. The one who is useful to you has a title [price]. "How easy it is to defeat people who do not kindle fire for themselves! African proverbs are known for giving important life lessons in simple messages. 3. ", 132. Kata zamani utafika kwangu kuomba dawa ya mtoto. Application: Morning shows the day as childhood shows the man. It takes a village to NGU. Swahili, Greed loses what it has gained. Africa, African Proverbs on Money, Wealth, Riches and Poverty, One cannot both feast and become rich. Ashanti, Money is sharper than the sword. 5 Swahili Proverbs That Sum Up the Current Political Scene in Africa. F 27.72. 1315. Essay, Pages 4 (856 words) Views. ", 44. Kenyan identity: the kanga and Swahili sayings. Thanks to God for the neighbor, even if he/she be a Banyan. "The day before yesterday and yesterday aren't the same as today. 1240. 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. Unity is strength, division is weakness. ", 46. 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. Moumita has worked with many soccer teams and produced match reports, and sports is her primary passion. "When spiders unite, they can tie down a lion." Ethiopian Proverb. Beautiful African Quotes. Meaning: Where theres a will theres a way. Methali: HAPANA SIRI YA WATU WAWILI Application: It is important to take advice in life. Application: Every cloud has a silver lining. Walioagana hawaitani. 1295. Umoja ni nguvu, utengano ni udhaifu. The Zanzibari people speak Swahili, an East African Bantu language. ", 79. ~ African proverb. 1312. "Said of something that is no real help. Unity is strength, division is weakness. "If you are filled with pride, then you will have no room for wisdom. ", 55. ~ African proverb, If you want to go quickly, go alone. ", 45. Juu ufike mzinga, sharti uvutwe kwa kamba. 1275. ", 138. Here is the list of the best life sayings and quotes in Swahili and their translation in English. Unity is strength, division is weakness. This shows that what has been decided is going to be done and what will be done is not known to others. 1260. Cf. ", 76. To run is not necessarily to arrive. Cross the river in a crowd and the crocodile won't eat you. The play of the little stick is my good fortune. Methali: DAMU NI NZITO KULIKO MAJI Take a look at this list of inspiring African quotes below. 10. Kila mtu kwa shauri lake. ~ African proverb, If relatives help each other, what evil can hurt them? 1239. ", 157. Cf. 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. They're not confined to literary use Swahili proverbs are used in daily life. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. ~ Swahili proverb. NGU. ", 187. ~Bondei proverb, It takes a village to raise a child. African quotes and African sayings have wisdom and inspiration in them! ", 139. KB 186. Used if somebody jumps into others' conversation. It means that if youre going to do something, you might as well go the whole way. 1316. 1295. "Wood already touched by fire is not hard to set alight. A fool is like a wanderer lost on a path. The necessity of joint action. Could also be applied to bribery: "One who greases thewheels helps his oxen.". Kama kusingwa ni huku, naradhiwa taka zangu. Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable. swahili proverbs about unity. In the language of a well-known Swahili proverb, "unity is strength, division is weakness.". "There are many colorful flowers on the path of life, but the prettiest have the sharpest thorns. 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. ", 165. "Counsel and advice him, if he refuses to listen, then let adversity teach him. Meaning: Follow bees that you may eat honey. Mikono mingi kazi haba. When you row your friend across, you also cross. As we practice togetherness, we can begin to see how these skills can be beneficial to our lives as well. EM s6. ", 112. An orphan is nurtured by a God-fearing person. Chombo hakiendi ila kwa nyenzo. 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. ", 144. "The only time you will see a quiet snake is when it has swallowed another snake. "Crawling on your hands and knees has never prevented any person from walking upright. Access a variety of Swahili proverbs and riddles and their meanings explained. ", 117. "To love someone who does not love you is like shaking a tree to make the dew drops fall. African proverbs and meanings have helped many people all over the world in many different situations. Many captains and the vessel [dhow)]rolls. "Where there are experts there will be no lack of learners.". One who has no child should carry a stone [instead]. A stitch in time saves nine. "Anyone who urinates in a stream should be warned because any of his relatives may drink from the water. ~ African proverb, Dine with a stranger but save your love for your family. Mambo kikowa. Telling a secret to an unworthy person is like carrying grain in a bag with a hole in it. Hi there! ~ 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. When people are faced with danger, they should cooperate in dealing with it. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. "Where you sit when you are old shows where you stood when you were a youth. 161. ", 88. Msaidie anayekusaidia. Swahili proverbs address subjects such as unity and cooperation, responsibility, conflict, obedience and disobedience, good, evil, and acting foolishly. Coming events cast their shadows before. 1267. Pokea ukitoa. If this is being rubbed with liwa wood [to make a bride's skin smooth] I prefer my own skin-dirt - JKP. "If you want to go fast, go alone. Coming events cast their shadows before. ", 175. ", 24. Ukuti : leaf, branch of the coconut tree. "No medicine exists that can cure hatred.". Kenya is a multilingual country. Many hands make light work. ", 86. Where there are many good men there no child will get sick. Ada ya mja hunena, muungwana ni kitendo - It is customary for man to talk, and gentlemen to act (actions speak louder than words). "We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools." Martin Luther King, Jr. 30. For more such articles, take a look at these other articles black history inspirational quotes and African American quotes. Cf. "Even the king of the forest, the lion, protects himself against flies. With more than 2 to 15 million native speakers, here are some great Swahili sayings to inspire you. Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly quotes for everyone to enjoy! Why give yourself to death when you could be immortal. ~ Bondei proverb; It takes a village to raise a child. "Many hands make light work." Haya (Tanzania) proverb. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. So, you should not have a grudge against the hawk. ~ Ibo proverb, Children are the reward of life.