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https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/kiswahili-methali-vitendawili-nahau-misemo-n-k.273327/ | JamiiForums JF Official Account - Nov 9, 2006 - 6,227 - 5,267 Achari yalisha. The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) | 2024-11-26T19:57:07.550996 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/forums/general-discussions.126/ | HOW TO RESPECT YOURSELF (1) Stop looking for who is not looking for you. (2) Stop begging. (3) Stop saying more than is necessary. (4) When people disrespect you, confront them immediately... 12 Reasons Why You Should Read Books: 1. Expand Your Knowledge Books are treasure troves of information, offering insights into the world and beyond. 2. Boost Your Vocabulary Reading exposes you... You are not scared to be alone. You realize money is not evil. Lack of money is. You know that you are your worst enemy and you are your best supporter too. You realize that life's much better... My Realizations about Job & Business. 1) You aren’t paid according to how hard you work. You're paid according to how hard you are to replace. Develop deep expertise in tasks that are critical... "How to Think Bigger: Aim Higher, Get More Motivated, and Accomplish Big Things" by Martin Meadows is a guide to breaking through limiting beliefs and developing a mindset geared toward achieving... 8 Lessons to Learn by Age 40 #1. Embrace the Journey Most of your life will be spent in the journey, not the destination. Life is precious and each day isn’t guaranteed. If you put all your... "MOTHER AND HER SON ❤️Conversation between a Mother and Her Son💕 Mother: I fought with death when I was giving birth to you. I spent sleepless nights when you were sick and crying. I never ate... CLOSE YOUR MOUTH A young lad asked his fisherman father, "Papa, is it okay to tell people about my goals and dreams in life?" The fisherman was silent for a moment, then asked, "Why do you want... 10 WAYS TO DEVELOP A TEACHABLE MINDSET. 1. Stay curious: Maintain a natural curiosity about the world and a willingness to learn from every experience. 2. Listen actively: Pay close attention... When it comes to developing a wealth mindset, there are many different strategies that people use. One approach that has been gaining popularity in recent years is casino betting. While some might... 7 TYPES OF PEOPLE TO AVOID 1. Wheelbarrow People: These individuals drain your energy and waste your time. They expect you to do everything for them without considering your needs. They are... Building a Stronger Community: Living Out 1 Thessalonians 5:14 In a world characterized by increasing isolation and relentless pace, the hunger for genuine community has never been more profound... 🌴 Escape to Mnemba Island - Half-Day Adventure 🌊 Looking for an unforgettable getaway? Join us for a half-day tour to Mnemba Island, the ultimate paradise destination! 🛥 What’s Included: ✔️... Remember the Kodak company? In 1997, Kodak had about 160,000 employees. And about 85% of the world's photography was done with Kodak cameras. With the rise of mobile cameras over the past few... Don't rely more on the social network it kills your time from normal socialization don't depends more on the phone you have to socialize in really life and this it's a community but you to... Hellow JF members, its my hope that you all doing fine. Today i've decided to share with you my toughts about international jobs, Most of job seekers relay on local jobs only and this is becouse... When, not if, nuclear war breaks out, the West would be obliterated! Most large cities in the USA will be hit. Nuclear bases underground would also be hit. Major Military bases in the US would... A high-stakes legal battle is taking place between Oilcom Tanzania Limited and Oryx Energies. It is capturing the attention of the nation, and casting a harsh light on the partiality and... Dubai's Museum of the Future: A Journey Through Tomorrow In the heart of Dubai, a city known for pushing boundaries, stands a remarkable testament to human ingenuity and vision: the Museum of the... JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. | 2024-11-26T19:57:09.261941 | null |
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https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/kiswahili-methali-vitendawili-nahau-misemo-n-k.273327/post-563857 | JamiiForums JF Official Account - Nov 9, 2006 - 6,227 - 5,267 Achari yalisha. The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) | 2024-11-26T19:57:12.951606 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/whats-new/posts/ | Wakuu, Nimelia sana baada ya kuona picha hii ya Tundu Lissu akiwa anahutubia huko Singida. Najua kuendesha chama cha siasa Tanzaniani ngumu hasa upande wa kifedha lakini ifike hatua mjipe... Kuna wakati tunahitaji ku realise stress. Kuna wakati tunahitaji kufanya jambo jipya. Kuna wakati tunahitaji kuona kitu kipya. Kuna wakati HATUHITAJI kusoma post zenye kutafakarisha. Kuna wakati... Wazee, mwenye lonja ya lini wajuba wanatoa majina/kupiga simu ya watakaoitwa kwenye usaili awajuze wadau, watu alili zao hazitaki kufanya kazi nyingine zaidi ya kuwaza Depo tu. NB: Depo ya... 🏆 #CAFCL ⚽️ Young Africans SC🆚Al Hilal 📆 26.11.2024 🏟 Benjamin Mkapa 🕖 10:00 Jioni Kikosi kinachoanza dhidi ya Al Hilal Dakika ya 5 Mpira Umeanza Dakika ya 10 Yanga SC wanakosa nafasi ya... Siku zote nimekuwa nikiwasikia wakatoliki katika sara zao wakimuomba bikra Maria, mama yake Yesu, awaombee. Hata katika nyimbo nyingi wanazotunga, wanamtaja bikra Maria na kumsihi awaombee kwa... Salaam Wakuu, Thread hii ya Mwendelezo, itatumika kuangazia hali ya Usalama na matokeo yake katika Mzozo wa Ukraine na Urusi. Tuzujane hapa kianachojiri.. Mvutano kati ya Ukraine na Urusi... Kwema wakuu? Binafsi nilikulia kwenye familia ambayo wazazi wanazingatia sana kuhusu watoto wao, nikimaanisha ni watu wenye kufuatilia Kwa ukaribu sana mienendo yetu, sio watu waliotuachaniza... Ndugu zangu. 1: Tukiachana na maswala ya kidini, historia inatuambia binadamu wa kwanza alikua ni nyani / sokwe /chipanze, sasa kama kweli binadamu tulikua ni manyani ni kwanini nyani / sokwe... Je kwanini mnaomba maisha marefu hapa duniani wakati Kuna maisha mazuri mbinguni Kwa baba , kwanini kifo kinaogopwa wakati ni njia ya kwenda Kwa baba kula Raha , kufurahi maisha mazuri yasiyo na dhiki Wanaukumbi. Yerusalemu CNN - Mkataba wa kusitisha mapigano kati ya Israel na kundi la wanamgambo wa Lebanon Hezbollah "uko karibu sana," chanzo cha kikanda kiliiambia CNN siku ya Jumapili, hata... Majina ya vijiji ya kipekee ni pamoja na Kijiji ambacho niliishi Kinaitwa MTAPYAPYA wewe uliishi Kijiji Gani chenye jina la kipekee? Kijiji hicho kipo Lindi. Wewe umewahi kuishi Kijiji Gani... 📍Bukoba_Kagera Mwenyekiti wa UVCCM Mkoa wa Kagera Comred Faris Buruhani, amewahakikishia wananchi wa Mkoa wa Kagera kwamba vijana wa Chama Cha Mapinduzi watakuwa mstari wa mbele katika kulinda na... Tupiamo chako, iwe ulialikwa kwenye sherehe, umepiga nacho selfie (hata kama hujala) umedoea! Umenunua, hata kama ni cha mchepuko ama nyumba ndogo cha hotelini msibani... Popote pale wee... Inajulikana wazi kuwa CCM hawawawezi CHADEMA katika sanduku la kura, hivyo imeweka nguvu kubwa kwenye figisu na dhulma. CCM tayari wameonesha taa nyekundu ktk hatua za mwanzo kwa kuwaengua... Sehemu zinazozungumziwa ni zenye uwezo wa kuwa na nguvu ya kujitungia sheria na kujitawala mfano nchi, nchi zilizo ndani ya muungano au mfumo wa serikali unaoruhusu majimbo yajitawale na... Wababe wa kivita kutokea pande za redsea "Yemen", Wanamgambo wa Houthi wameenda Urusi kusaidia mapambano.Ripoti inasema idadi kubwa ya wanamgambo wamechukuliwa na Urusi kwenda kupigana na vikosi... Wakuu habari, Ndugu yangu anauza gari aina ya suzuki lihana. Gari inapatikana maeneo ya kimara Mwisho cc 1490 Bei ni m6 inapungua kidogo No 0715568585 Usajili no DHD JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. | 2024-11-26T19:57:13.946435 | null |
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https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/a-well-connected-economist-admits-us-elections-are-an-illusion-and-rigged-and-because-of-this-donald-trump-may-not-be-allowed-to-become-president.2253470/ | Mathanzua JF-Expert Member - Jan 4, 2017 - 16,991 - 22,661 A well-connected Economist admits US elections are all an ILLUSION and RIGGED and because of this Donald Trump may not "be ALLOWED" to become President again September 05, 2024 According the Economist Eric Weinstein, the ENTIRE American election system is setup to "prune" populist candidates through Primary Elections, to make certain both party Candidates are acceptable to the International Rules-Based Order. Our election system thereby provides only the "illusion" of Democracy, because both party candidates become a "magicians choice" . . . "Pick a card, any card" but the magician always knows what card it is, because the people cannot be trusted to decide. Eric Weinstein is, by any measure, a "power player" in matters financial and political. He is presently the Managing Director of Peter Thiel's "Theil Capital" of San Francisco. You remember Peter Thiel, don't you? He was on stage at the 2016 Republican National Convention where he announced he is proud to be a Gay Republican. Weinstein did his PhD thesis at Harvard University in 1992 and taught at Oxford. By any measure, this is a very educated man, who is very connected in finance and big money as Managing Director of Thiel Capital. So when he speaks, he does so from real knowledge; knowledge that only "Insiders" actually possess. What he said in a recent Podcast, is utterly staggering: "I don't know that Donald Trump will be allowed to become President (again)." Weinstein then goes on to explain the REAL situation behind each and every national American Election: "The illusion of Democracy." He makes clear the American people do not have a real choice in elections. They get a "Magicians Choice" . . . . pick a candidate, any candidate" but the "Magician" (the real powers-that-be of the Rules-Based International Order), know that whichever candidate is chosen, that person will be someone acceptable to the Order, who will not upset the agreements and alliances that are long in-place. Weinstein explains that, for decades, there have been agreements and alliances, designed to prevent war, and keep markets functioning. He says "those agreements and alliances are fragile" and can be upset or overturned by a President who disagrees with them. So the powers-that-be cannot allow the public to choose a President that might upset things like NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) or NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). In Weinstein's words, "the public cannot be allowed to decide through a plebiscite every four years." In the Podcast below, Weinstein is asked what he meant when he said "I don't know whether Donald Trump will be allowed to become President." Weinstein goes on to then blow the lid off our reality. He says: "I think there's a remarkable story, and that we're in a funny game; that is, are we allowed to say what that story is, because to say it, to analyze it, to name it, is to to bring it into view. I think we don't understand why the Censorship is behaving the way it is. We don't understand why it's in the shadows. We don't understand why our News is acting in a bizarre fashion. So let's just set the stage . There is something, that I think Mike Benz has just referred-to as the Rules Based International Order. It's an interlocking series of Agreements, Tacit Understandings, Explicit Understandings, Clandestine Understandings, about how the most important structures keep the world free of war and keep markets open. And there has been a system in-place, whether understood explicitly or behind the scenes, or implicitly, that says that the purpose of the two American parties is to prune the field of populist candidates, so that whatever two candidates exist in a face-off, are both acceptable to that world order. So what you're trying to do from the point of view . . . let's take it form the point of view of the State Department, the Intelligence Community, the Defense Department, and major Corporations that have to do with International issues from Arms Trade to food. They have a series of Agreements that are fragile, and could be overturned, if a President entered the Oval Office who didn't agree with them, and the mood of the country was "Why do we pay taxes into these structures, why are we hamstrung, why aren't we a free people?" So what the two Parties would do is they would run Primaries. You have a Populist Candidates and you PRE-COMMIT THE POPULIST CANDIDATES TO SUPPORT THE CANDIDATES WHO WON THE PRIMARIES. As long as that took place, and you had two candidates that were both acceptable to the International Order; that is, they aren't going to re-think NAFTA or NATO, or what have you. We CALLED that "Democracy." And so "Democracy" was the illusion of choice, what's called a "Magician's Choice" where the choice is not actually (a choice). You know, pick a card, any card, but somehow the Magician makes sure that the card you pick is the one he knows. In that situation, you have Magician's Choice in the Primaries, and then you'd have the Duopoly Field. two candidates, either of which was acceptable, and you can actually afford to hold an election. And the populace would vote. And that way, the International Order was not put at risk every four years. Because you can't have Alliances that are subject to the whim of people, in plebiscites. So, under that structure, everything was going fine until 2016. And then, the first candidate ever, to not hold any position in the military, nor position in government, in the history of the Republic, Donald Trump, broke through the Primary structure. So then there was a full court Press: We only have one candidate that's acceptable to the International Order. Donald Trump will be under CONSTANT Pressure that he is a Loser, he's a Wild Man, he's an Idiot and, he's under control of the Russians and then, he was going to be a twenty-to-one underdog. Then he wins! And there was no precedent for this. They learned their lesson: You cannot afford to have candidates who are not acceptable to the International Order, and continue to have these Alliances. This is an unsolved problem." Here. Watch and listen for yourself: So there you have it. For our ENTIRE LIVES, we have been fooled, played, and outright defrauded by the Election System. All of it done very deliberately, by people who think their "International Rules-Based Order" is more important than YOUR freedom and your right to be governed according to YOUR needs, wants, and desires. When you stop to look at what has taken place, you walk away with an understanding that the people doing this are so arrogant, so cunning, so vicious, so determined to have THEIR OWN WAY, that once Donald Trump won the Presidency, they intentionally made every effort to distract, obstruct, and neutralize his Presidency. I dare say there wasn't a single day when Trump was not under some sort of political attack. I also believe they even went so far as to DELIBERATELY rebrand the seasonal flu, calling COVID-19, with the intent to cause mail-in voting, which they could then exploit, to literally STEAL the Presidency, so as to maintain what THEY want for the world! And I believe that when they unleashed the rebranded seasonal flu, calling it COVID, they used THAT to exploit their belief there are too many people in this world, so they could inject you with what they CALLED a "vaccine" that would depress your immune system, making you vulnerable to more sickness and cancer, and to make young people less fertile - or outright infertile - to reduce population. So they not only got to STEAL the US Presidency, they also got to reduce population and birth rates using experimental genetic therapy masquerading as a "vaccine." THAT is how utterly evil, cunning, and vicious these people actually are. But it got worse. When it became clear that the country KNEW the 2020 election was stolen, these same people got together to literally RIG the January 6 Congressional Joint Session, so as to rubber-stamp the phony election - and thereby install an ILLEGITIMATE President, Joe Biden. By rubber-stamping the stolen election, Congress de-legitimized itself! They all knew it. When the American people stormed into the US Capital, the sissy-Marys in Congress, hid in their offices and barred the doors! A heck of aa thing to do when their Landlord - the American people who designed, built, and pay for their Capital building - came calling. Then, those same sissies in Congress, started screeching the Americans who came were in "Insurrection." There was no insurrection; the Americans who came didn't bring guns. They didn't drag members of Congress out by their hair and hang them from nearby lamp posts. They didn't cut their heads off on the steps of the Capital. ( A lot of people think that it was too bad it didn't happen, in hindsight.) But, to the girlie-men political class, it was "an insurrection" nonetheless! Then, we watched as these arrogant, cunning, vicious people wrecked our entire federal court system. Lawsuits were filed over the stolen election. Each and EVERY SINGLE ONE was dismissed without ever being allowed to get to the evidence phase. By doing what was done, the ENTIRE U.S. federal court system invalidated itself. They showed themselves to be a complete sham. From that time forward, we have had, in these united states, an illegitimate President and Vice President, an illegitimate Congress (both Houses) and an illegitimate Judiciary. The ENTIRE federal government is illegitimate. Do they have power? Yes. Are they using it? YES. Are they legitimate? No. And why should they be? They all KNOW the election system that put them there, was illegitimate from gitgo. They KNOW they got into office illegitimately, through a fully rigged - top-to-bottom - election system. The only poor slobs who haven't known for decades, were you and me. As it became clear that Donald Trump would run again, this entire class of people and their International Rules-Based Order, went even farther. Lawfare. (i.e. warfare by legal process) These political scumbags, at both the federal AND STATE levels, got their useful idiot Prosecutors to bring criminal charges against Americans who dared to walk into their own US Capital Building, or who accused state officials of election fraud. The Landlord came calling, and the Tenants had him (them) arrested and imprisoned for going into their own U.S. Capital property! They brought more charges and also Civil Lawsuits against Americans who pointed out the voting fraud that was seen and recorded on video cameras, Bankrupting the people who pointed out the election fraud. They then went after Trump himself. Two filthy, corrupt states, New York, and Georgia, brought completely illegitimate legal cases against Trump and in New York, the nitwits of the state jury were told by the state judge that THEY could find as a fact, that an uncharged, unindicted, unprosecuted FEDERAL crime took place, thereby making the state charges a felony. As a matter of law, a state trial jury CANNOT find as a fact, that a federal crime took place. Only a properly seated, and properly charged federal jury, instructed by a federal judge, can make such a finding of fact. But New York went ahead and did exactly that anyway, and convicted Trump! The case and the conviction are completely illegitimate. And this does not even factor-in that the New York State Judge, Juan Merchan, has a daughter who was suddenly being paid millions of dollars by Democrat politician campaigns, for political consulting, while the Trump trial was ongoing! The cash flowed-in to the Judges daughter's company! Gee, it isn't hard to think what those millions of dollars may have actually been buying: a Trump conviction! When that proved to be legally shaky, what came next? A bullet. Fired at Trump's head, in Butler, PA. Had Donald Trump not turned his head to look at a nearby video screen during his campaign rally, the bullet fired at his head would have gone in near the back of his skull, and ripped the back of his skull off as it ripped out his brain. THAT is how vicious these "International Rules-Based Order" people seem to me, to be. They seem willing to outright murder. So what we now know, and we ALL know it, is that the Election System is utterly rigged right from gitgo. The results of the elections are not valid. The people who oversee those elections (Congress in particular) are willing to rubber-stamp a visibly fraudulent election. They are willing to install illegitimate candidates. They are willing to criminally prosecute people who object, or Bankrupt those people with Civil Lawsuits. They are willing to outright MURDER to prevent a legitimate candidate from being in the election again. And now, one of the folks who has insider info, Eric Weinstein, has opened the door into the "magician's choice" we've had for decades, as we went innocently off to cast our votes, none of which actually mattered. Folks, we've got a problem. And this problem is not going away on its own. This problem is going to have to be confronted; and confronted in the only way they will actually understand. Not by voting. Not by suing. Not by protesting. None of that works. This problem is going to have to be confronted directly. It will likely have to be ugly. If Eric Weinstein is willing to openly say "I'm not sure Donald Trump will be allowed to be President (again)" then it seems possible - at least to me - that Congress may decide, when they gather jointly again on January 6, to refuse to allow Trump in,even if he wins re-election. They may say that Trump is ineligible under the insurrection clause of the Constitution! An Insurrection that did not take place, and for which Trump was Impeached but acquitted. The other possibility is that the New York State Judge may Sentence Trump to jail on September 18, and order him jailed to Riker's Island immediately, right there in the courtroom. National Guard and federal troops are already being seen on the streets of Manhattan, weeks prior to the Sentencing. So there may have to be an actual fight, very VERY soon. Now that you know you've been defrauded all your life by a rigged election system; now that you know the International Rules-Based Order, that you didn't vote for, is controlling our nation; now that you know the President, the Congress, the courts, are all illegitimate; now that you know the people doing these things are willing to fraudulently prosecute, imprison, and even try to KILL to get their way, I ask simply: What are YOU willing to do? This is the situation we now find ourselves in. What are YOU willing to do about it? Are you going to be a free citizen of a Constitutional Republic, or are you going to be a patsy slave for the International Rules-Based Order? | 2024-11-26T19:57:16.131862 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/kiswahili-methali-vitendawili-nahau-misemo-n-k.273327/post-563282 | JamiiForums JF Official Account - Nov 9, 2006 - 6,227 - 5,267 Achari yalisha. The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) | 2024-11-26T19:57:17.622300 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/kiswahili-methali-vitendawili-nahau-misemo-n-k.273327/post-544552 | JamiiForums JF Official Account - Nov 9, 2006 - 6,227 - 5,267 Achari yalisha. The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) | 2024-11-26T19:57:19.071466 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/forums/jukwaa-la-lugha.81/ | Mimi Mama wawili (naamini na wengine wengi) nina nia sana ya kujifunza na kuboresha uwezo wangu wa kutumia Lugha ya Kiingereza. Nimeomba ushauri na nimepata jibu kuwa kuna washiriki wengi hapa... Mambo vipi waungwana,naomba kama kuna mtu ana Dictionary ya kiingereza yaani English to Swahili au Swahili to English anisaidie nilikuwa nayo kwenye Computer yangu baada ya kui-format imekuwa kati... Nimeona kuna haja ya kuanzisha uzi huu ili kusaidia watu kujua virefu vya maneno mafupi tunayokutana nayo. Hii ni baada ya kusoma uzi mmoja na mtu kuuliza nini maana ya LED! LED - Light Emitting... Je, ni neno gani la kiingereza, Kiswahili au jina la mtu ambalo mtu wako wa karibu au mtu yeyote unayemfahamu aliwahi kutamka kimakosa mpaka ukaona aibu kwa niaba yake, Ukamshusha hadhi uliyokuwa... Hongera kwa watunzi wa vitabu, hongera kwa wahakiki . Vitabu vile vya Lugha ya Kiswahili darasa la pili mpaka darasa la nne vinatosha kabisa kufanya kumfanya mtu ajue kuzungumza na kuandika... Asalam aleykum Kama kichwa hapo juu kinavyo jieleza makabila mengi ya kibantu katika utamkaji wao wa maneno huwa hawatamki r. na kiswahili kina msingi wa kibantu watu wengi hawaji hili na... Nimekuwa nikishuhudia baadhi ya ndugu zetu wa nchi jirani wakitumia mofimu "kwa" katika namna ambayo siyo sahihi kwa mjibu wa Kiswahili sanifu na fasaha. Ninaelewa kuwa kuna utofauti wa kilahaja... Msomi mmoja amewahi kusema Lugha ya kiswahili inamisamiati michache hivyo inakuwa ngumu kutafsiri vitabu vya Lugha zingine. Huu Nauita ni upumbafu kwa sababu lugha inakua na kubadilika kila... Nauliza tu ndugu Zangu maana nijuavyo Vyama vya Siasa ni Mali ya Umma siyo binafsi Aidha Kanisa ni la Yesu Kristo yaani Moja Takatifu La Mitume na Utukufu Ni wa Mungu Juu Mbinguni siyo Wanadamu... Yaani nakutana na mfanyakazi wangu mmoja leo namuuliza ulikuwa wapi time niliyokuwa nakutafuta ananiambia boss nilitoka kuhemea nikamuuliza kuhemea ndio maana yake nini maana tayari kichwani... Hua nasikia kwenye matangazo mbalimbali kama matamasha au maombi fulani au semina wakitangaza baadhi ya viongozi au waaalim fulani wa huchi kipindi wakati huohuo watasema pia kuna mwanazuoni au... Husika na mada tajwa hapo juu nikiwa na elimu yangu kidato cha nne kati ya vitu vinavyonipa mawazo ni kutokuwa na uwezo wa kumudu kuongea lugha ya kiiingereza wengine najua wataanza kusema kwanini... Kuna baadhi ya maneno ni lile lile ki maana ila tunarudia sababu ya lugha ni tofauti. Mfano Sahara Desert...Sahara ni desert kiarabu. Ukisema jangwa la Sahara, manake jangwa la jangwa - desert... Nipo ndani ya jukwaa la lugha na pia napenda kutumia fursa hii kuwashukuru members wote wa jamii forums. Lengo langu nikutaka kukuletea fursa mbalmbali za kujifunza lugha wakati unapokua KWENYE... JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. | 2024-11-26T19:57:22.131233 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/kiswahili-methali-vitendawili-nahau-misemo-n-k.273327/post-563716 | JamiiForums JF Official Account - Nov 9, 2006 - 6,227 - 5,267 Achari yalisha. The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) | 2024-11-26T19:57:23.640967 | null |
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https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/kiswahili-methali-vitendawili-nahau-misemo-n-k.273327/post-563087 | JamiiForums JF Official Account - Nov 9, 2006 - 6,227 - 5,267 Achari yalisha. The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) | 2024-11-26T19:57:26.078948 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/kiswahili-methali-vitendawili-nahau-misemo-n-k.273327/post-563117 | JamiiForums JF Official Account - Nov 9, 2006 - 6,227 - 5,267 Achari yalisha. The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) | 2024-11-26T19:57:27.303530 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/kiswahili-methali-vitendawili-nahau-misemo-n-k.273327/post-2158959 | JamiiForums JF Official Account - Nov 9, 2006 - 6,227 - 5,267 Achari yalisha. The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) | 2024-11-26T19:57:28.579154 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/ | KWA miaka ya hivi karibuni kuna kukithiri kwa wizi wa mashada ya maua makaburini, na ung'oaji wa misalaba unaofanywa na baadhi ya wananchi kwa Malengo tofauti tofauti. Katika baadhi ya makaburi... Siku zote nimekuwa nikiwasikia wakatoliki katika sara zao wakimuomba bikra Maria, mama yake Yesu, awaombee. Hata katika nyimbo nyingi wanazotunga, wanamtaja bikra Maria na kumsihi awaombee kwa... Wakuu habari.... Iko hivi nimelata hiyo maada hapa juu sababu naona huyu mwanamke ana kila dalili ya kutofaa/ sio wife material kabisa. Mimi ndiye niliyemnunulia simu na kumfungulia hizi... Kuna wakati tunahitaji ku realise stress. Kuna wakati tunahitaji kufanya jambo jipya. Kuna wakati tunahitaji kuona kitu kipya. Kuna wakati HATUHITAJI kusoma post zenye kutafakarisha. Kuna wakati... 🏆 #CAFCL ⚽️ Young Africans SC🆚Al Hilal 📆 26.11.2024 🏟 Benjamin Mkapa 🕖 10:00 Jioni Kikosi kinachoanza dhidi ya Al Hilal Dakika ya 5 Mpira Umeanza Dakika ya 10 Yanga SC wanakosa nafasi ya... Wakuu, Nimelia sana baada ya kuona picha hii ya Tundu Lissu akiwa anahutubia huko Singida. Najua kuendesha chama cha siasa Tanzaniani ngumu hasa upande wa kifedha lakini ifike hatua mjipe... Wazee, mwenye lonja ya lini wajuba wanatoa majina/kupiga simu ya watakaoitwa kwenye usaili awajuze wadau, watu alili zao hazitaki kufanya kazi nyingine zaidi ya kuwaza Depo tu. NB: Depo ya... Salaam Wakuu, Thread hii ya Mwendelezo, itatumika kuangazia hali ya Usalama na matokeo yake katika Mzozo wa Ukraine na Urusi. Tuzujane hapa kianachojiri.. Mvutano kati ya Ukraine na Urusi... Kwema wakuu? Binafsi nilikulia kwenye familia ambayo wazazi wanazingatia sana kuhusu watoto wao, nikimaanisha ni watu wenye kufuatilia Kwa ukaribu sana mienendo yetu, sio watu waliotuachaniza... JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. | 2024-11-26T19:57:29.242460 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/tags/kiswahili/ | Bakita ndugu zangu jamiiforum ni jukwaa huru, so natoa maoni yangu. So kama itawezekana naomba myajibu kitaalamu kwa kutoa kufanya research ya neno sahihi mbadala wa Hallucinations kwa kiswahili Ingawa swali sijauliza kwa kitaalamu. Unaposema Hallucinations ni mawenge huwezi amini watu wengi... Wakuu Mbunge wa Bukoba mjini Stephen Byabato ametumia lugha za kichina, kijerumani, kifaransa, kiingereza, kiswahili na kihaya kuwanadi wagombea wa serikali za mitaa mbele ya katibu wa Jumuiya ya Wazazi Ally Hapi. Ndugu zangu watz, niko pamoja nanyi kwenye kipindi hiki kigumu tukiendelea cha kuomboleza ndugu zetu waliofukiwa na jengo huko Kariakoo. Poleni watu wote mliofiwa, mlionusurika na majeruhi. Kwa kweli nafurahishwa daima na umoja ambao daima unaonekana wakati wa majanga kama haya. Nirudi kwenye... Hello everyone I have a Bachelor degree of Art with Education specialized in English and Kiswahili from University of Dar es Salaam Nipo Dar es Salaam natafuta kazi ninao uwezo wa kufundisha na uzoefu madarasa ya sekondari kuanzia kidato cha kwanza hadi cha sita. Kwa mawasiliano 0710358330... Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Afrika Mashariki, Mhe. Mahmoud Thabit Kombo (Mb.) amesisitiza kuwa Wizara yake itaendeleza jitihada za kutafuta fursa za Lugha ya Kiswahili duniani kupitia Balozi zake nje. Msisitizo huo umetolewa wakati akitoa salamu kwenye hafla ya ufunguzi wa... Habari za muda huu. Mimi ni kijana wa kitanzania. Nina umri wa miaka 25, natafuta kazi ya kufundisha kwenye taasisi ya elimu kwa ngazi ya kidato cha kwanza hadi kidato cha sita. Nina uzoefu wa kufundisha shule ya sekondari kwa kipindi cha muda wa mwaka mmoja na nusu, somo la Kiswahili na... Ukifanya utafiti utagundua siku hizi watu wengi hawawapi watoto wao majina ya Kiasili kama vile ya kikabila au ya kiswahili. Siku hizi majina mengi yanabaki kuwa ya kizungu kwa wakristo au ya kiarabu kwa waislamu. Zama za kale watu walipewa majina kulingana na vitu mbalimbali au matukio... Ndugu zangu Watanzania, Rais wetu Mpendwa na Jemedari wetu kipenzi Mheshimiwa Daktari Mama Samia Suluhu Hasssan, Anatarajiwa kuwa mgeni Rasmi katika kongamano la kwanza la kiswahili kimataifa litakalofanyika Havana Nchini Cuba kuanzia Tarehe 7 November hadi 10 November. Ambapo kongamano hilo... Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, Dkt. Samia Suluhu Hassan, anatarajiwa kuwa mgeni rasmi katika Kongamano la Kwanza la Kiswahili la Kimataifa litakalofanyika jijini Havana, nchini Cuba, kuanzia Novemba 7 hadi 10, 2024. Kongamano hilo linatarajiwa kuhudhuriwa na washiriki takriban 600... Kiswahili kimekuwa kati ya Lugha 15 za Afrika zilizoongezwa kwenye huduma za 'Voice Search', Kuandika kwa Sauti kwenye Gboard pamoja na huduma ya Kutafsiri Lugha nyingine kupitia 'Google Translate'. Nchini Kenya na Afrika Mashariki, Google inasema inapanua toleo lake kwenye Utafutaji wa Sauti... Yaani nakutana na mfanyakazi wangu mmoja leo namuuliza ulikuwa wapi time niliyokuwa nakutafuta ananiambia boss nilitoka kuhemea nikamuuliza kuhemea ndio maana yake nini maana tayari kichwani nilishawaza mambo ya hovyo akaniambia kuhemea ni kwenda kununua mahitaji ya nyumbani yaani sikumuelewa... Mhe. Jenista Mhagama, Waziri wa Afya, na Mbunge wa Jimbo la Peramiho, mkoani Ruvuma, Tanzania I. Usuli Kwa mujibu wa Dokezo la Kisera (Policy Brief) linalojadiliwa hapa, ninyi Waziri wa Afya, Jenista Mhagama, na Mkrugenzi Mkuu NHIF, Irene Kisaka, mnakumbushwa kutekeleza majukumu yenu vizuri... Mwanasheria Mkuu wa Serikali amesema kuwa zoezi lililo kuwa linaendelea la kuzitafasiri sheria mbalimbali kutoka lugha ya Kiingereza kwenda kwenye lugha ya Kiswahili zoezi hilo litakamilika Mwezi Novemba mwaka huu 2024. Sisi wananchi tunaipongeza Wizara ya Katiba kwa kazi nzuri inayo ifanya... Hongera kwa watunzi wa vitabu, hongera kwa wahakiki . Vitabu vile vya Lugha ya Kiswahili darasa la pili mpaka darasa la nne vinatosha kabisa kufanya kumfanya mtu ajue kuzungumza na kuandika Kiswahili fasaha. Nyie ambao mnatia aibu hebu nendeni mkatafute hivyo vitabu viwatoe tongotongo. Ni... Nimekuwa mhanga wa kutafsiriwa Mihutasari ya mashitaka iliyoandikwa Kwa lugha ya Kingereza.Mara nyingi Huwa najiuliza maana ya hii kitu Huwa ni Nini...Kwa nini isiandikwe Kwa kiswahili kama ilivyosikilizwa Mahakamani...au lugha ya maandishi ya mahakama ni kingereza hata kama asilimia 99 ya... Katibu Tawala Mkoa wa Simiyu, Prisca Kayombo amemuagiza Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa Halmashauri ya Wilaya ya Meatu kutumia lugha mbili ya Kiswahili na Kisukuma ili kuweajengea Wananchi wasijua lugha ya Kiswahili uelewa wa namna ya kukabiliana na ugonjwa wa kipindupindu. Aidha amemuagiza Mkurugenzi... JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. | 2024-11-26T19:57:30.476402 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/whats-new/latest-activity | New Posts Latest activity Jamii Check Stories of Change Start Discussion Fichua Uovu (MDAU) Staff Online Menu Log in Register Navigation More options Change style Contact us Close Menu Navigation General Forums Sports & Entertainment Education, Tech & Professional JF English Only Forums East African Forums Fichua Uovu Stories of Change JamiiCheck Live New Posts Trending All Forums New posts MT255 reacted to Baltasar Ebang Engonga's post in the thread China wamezindua 6th Gen Jet Figher inaitwa Baidi: Ina uwezo wa kuoperate kwenye air na Space! with Thanks . Hii j-35 ambayo juzi kwenye show ilikuwa inamwaga moshi kama garimoshi? 🤣🤣🤣 Angalieni vya kutetea A moment ago Gatabhanya replied to the thread Kuiba Misalaba, Mashada ya Maua Makaburini ni Laana . Duuh hali mbaya sasa A moment ago koboG reacted to Vincenzo Jr's post in the thread Naked truth!: Uongozi wetu Yanga ujitafakari sana na wachezaji wetu with Thanks . Dozi zinaendelea 😃😃😃hii timu itanitoa roho A moment ago goswe replied to the thread Wakatoliki: Bikra Maria utuombee kwa mwanao Yesu. Je, bado yu hai? . U Upagani. Ukristo hauna unganisho kati ya wafu na walio hai A moment ago Ipromise to be loyal replied to the thread Ni kosa gani au kitu gani mpenzi wako akifanya lazima umpige chini hata kama unampenda kiasi gani? . 🙌🙌🙌🙌 A moment ago Vincenzo Jr replied to the thread Selfika na JF: Snap it. Show it . Unaogopa nini my 😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃 A moment ago MgosiMnubi replied to the thread News Alert: FT: Young Africans SC 0 - 2 Al Hilal | CAF CL | Benjamin Mkapa Stadium | 26.11.2024 | . Dah!nimehuzunika aisee hata kama ni mtani najua mko kwenye hali mbaya ila haya matendo mnayoonyesha hadharani sio poa nikukosa uvumilivu... A moment ago Vincenzo Jr reacted to Chica Gee's post in the thread Selfika na JF: Snap it. Show it with Kicheko . 😅 Siwezi A moment ago Logikos replied to the thread LGE2024 Picha: CHADEMA tunakubali hali ya kiuchumi ni ngumu lakini this is too much. Hii ni stage au kichanja cha vyombo? . Binafsi nahitaji Sera na kuonyesha ni vipi wabangaizaji na have nots (the downtrodden) wanaweza wakakombolewa na kesho yao kuwa... A moment ago Vincenzo Jr replied to the thread Selfika na JF: Snap it. Show it . Njoo pm basi twenzetu inbox 😋😃 A moment ago FORUM STATS Threads 1,916,633 Posts 51,454,040 JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more… Back Top Bottom Forums New posts Post thread Back | 2024-11-26T19:57:31.377734 | null |
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https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/kiswahili-methali-vitendawili-nahau-misemo-n-k.273327/post-562940 | JamiiForums JF Official Account - Nov 9, 2006 - 6,227 - 5,267 Achari yalisha. The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) | 2024-11-26T19:57:35.109660 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/kiswahili-methali-vitendawili-nahau-misemo-n-k.273327/page-31 | tpaul JF-Expert Member - Feb 3, 2008 - 23,459 - 21,393 Kitendawilii..... 1. Anajihami bila silaha. Jibu lake ni nini? 2. Hesabu yake haina faida. Jibu lake ni nini? 1. Anajihami bila silaha. Jibu lake ni nini? 2. Hesabu yake haina faida. Jibu lake ni nini? | 2024-11-26T19:57:36.083287 | null |
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https://www.jamiiforums.com/forums/international-forum.28/ | Salaam Wakuu, Thread hii ya Mwendelezo, itatumika kuangazia hali ya Usalama na matokeo yake katika Mzozo wa Ukraine na Urusi. Tuzujane hapa kianachojiri.. Mvutano kati ya Ukraine na Urusi... Wanaukumbi. Yerusalemu CNN - Mkataba wa kusitisha mapigano kati ya Israel na kundi la wanamgambo wa Lebanon Hezbollah "uko karibu sana," chanzo cha kikanda kiliiambia CNN siku ya Jumapili, hata... Wababe wa kivita kutokea pande za redsea "Yemen", Wanamgambo wa Houthi wameenda Urusi kusaidia mapambano.Ripoti inasema idadi kubwa ya wanamgambo wamechukuliwa na Urusi kwenda kupigana na vikosi... Kupitia vyombo vya habari Kundi la Taliban linaloongoza Serikali ya Afghanistan limepiga marufuku Binadamu na Wanyama kuonekana kwenye Televisheni katika maudhui ya aina yoyote kuanzia Matangazo... Kwenye maonyesho ya Kimataifa ya Aviation & Aerospace huko China, almaarufu Zhuai Air Show jamaa wamefanya yao. Wametuletea fighter wanaiita Baidi kwa lugha nyepesi “White Emperor” ambayo... Wanaukumbi. Urusi yawadondoshea vipeperushi wakazi wa Kiev, na kuwaonya waondoke majumbani mwao la sivyo wakabiliane na mashambulizi ya anga.. =============== ⚡️BREAKING Russia drops leaflets on... Uislamu ni dini inayokua kwa kasi ulimwenguni, jamii hiyo imefanya maandamano ya amani kuunga mkono ndoa za jinsia moja. Pichani ni waislamu wa uk wakifurahia mwenendo wa maandamano. Nakuacha... Rais mteule wa Marekani Donald Trump ameondolewa mashtaka yaliyokuwa yakimkabili, wakati akielekea kuapishwa kama rais wa 47 wa Marekani Januari 20, 2025. Kulingana na kituo cha VOA, Jaji wa... Mwaka 1987 India ilikuwa na ukuaji mkubwa kiuchumi kuliko China. In 1987, China's GDP was $272.97 billion, while India's GDP was $279.03 billion: China GDP $272.97 billion India GDP $279.03... Habari ndio hiyo wakuu Russia's Defense Ministry admitted on Nov. 26 that Ukraine had targeted Russian S-400 air defense systems and an airfield in embattled Kursk Oblast with U.S.-made... Awaita waliotengeneza hizo ndege ni wajinga na wametumia gharama kubwa kutengeneza ndege zilizo complex ni upigaji tu Anasema kwa sasa future ni kwenye drones huku akionyesha swarm drones za... Watu wengi huwa wanawalaumu Wayahudi na kuwazushia conspiracies nyingi sana kwamba wamesababisha matatizo makubwa kwa dunia, mimi nafikiri hii ni tabia ya ukasuku wa watu kukariri tu mambo... Wanaukumbi. ⚡RNN: Vyombo vya habari vya Kizayuni vinaripoti: "Siku ngumu kaskazini mwa nchi... maroketi yanaruka kama ndege, na tahadhari zinaendelea. Hezbollah inawadhihirishia wafuasi wake... Fujo za kidini huko Palestina na India zimekuwa na athari kubwa kwa jamii ya Waislamu, zikichangia matatizo makubwa ya kijamii, kiuchumi, na kisiasa. Hali hizi ni matokeo ya mizozo ya muda mrefu... Habari Wandugu, Mbona sioni mada yoyote jinsi Urussi alivyochakazwa na ukraine juzi? 24 Nov 24? Nasikia mpk machuma sijui S400 chakazwa vibaya, kambi ya jesh na top leader wanne wame R.I.P sa hiv... Iran’s Khamenei says death sentence should be issued for Netanyahu, not arrest warrant A handout picture provided by the office of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei shows him... Japani ilipitwa na China 2010 na kutoleqa nafasi ya pili, kumbuka Japani imekaa nafasi ya pili kwa miaka 40. Sasa mwakani tena inatolewa nafasi ya 3 hivyo kuangukia nafasi ya 4 ambayo nayo huenda... Nimeona nije na uzi maalum wa kupeana updates wa vita mpya inayotarajiwa kulipuka kati ya Iran na Israel muda wowote kuanzia sasa Inaonekana inayokuja mashariki ya kati itakua sio ya mchezo... Updated - Kura zaidi ya milioni 4 na laki 3 zimepigwa TRUMP ANAONGOZA KWA ASILIMIA 74 Pia soma: LIVE - Yanayojiri kuelekea Uchaguzi Mkuu Marekani 2024: Nani kuibuka kidedea? JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. | 2024-11-26T19:57:38.914047 | null |
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https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/kiswahili-methali-vitendawili-nahau-misemo-n-k.273327/post-563133 | JamiiForums JF Official Account - Nov 9, 2006 - 6,227 - 5,267 Achari yalisha. The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) | 2024-11-26T19:57:41.502550 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/members/mr-what.394702/ | Current visitors Verified members Jamii Check Stories of Change Start Discussion Fichua Uovu (MDAU) Staff Online Menu Log in Register Navigation More options Change style Contact us Close Menu Navigation General Forums Sports & Entertainment Education, Tech & Professional JF English Only Forums East African Forums Fichua Uovu Stories of Change JamiiCheck Members Log in You must be logged-in to do that. Your name or email address Password Show Forgot your password? Stay logged in Log in Send login link Don't have an account? Register now Members JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more… Back Top Bottom Forums New posts Post thread Back | 2024-11-26T19:57:42.084152 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/forums/mahusiano-mapenzi-urafiki.62/ | Wengi wetu humu tunalea ama watoto wetu ama watoto wa ndugu jamaa na marafiki. Tumekuwa na mada maalum nyingi za mambo tofauti kama urembo magari simu n.k. lakini hatujawahi kuwa na mada hii... Salaam sana Wakuu Inavyoonekana siku hizi japo kweli kuna tatizo la upungufu wa nguvu za kiume haswa kwa mazingira ya mijini, Lakini hili tatizo linaonekana kukuzwa kuliko lilivyo hadi... Wakuu habari.... Iko hivi nimelata hiyo maada hapa juu sababu naona huyu mwanamke ana kila dalili ya kutofaa/ sio wife material kabisa. Mimi ndiye niliyemnunulia simu na kumfungulia hizi... Hii imekaaje? Wanawake wanang'ang'ania sana kuolewa hata ikibidi kutumia uchawi na kulazimisha ilimradi tu waolewe. Wengine wanakesha makanisani wanagaragara madhabahuni wakiombewa wapate ndoa... Habari wanajukwaa. Huwa sipendi kuweka mambo yangu ya mahusiano wazi lakini hili limekuwa gumu nisaidieni Kama nilivyoandika hapo juu: Yangu nikiwa ndogo wanawake wadogo Kwa wakubwa wamekuwa... Ndugu zangu wana Jf habari zenu. Unajua kwenye haya maisha tunapitia mengi sana hasa katika utafutaji kwa upande wa Wanaume. Tunakutana na mambo mengi sana ya aibu, kukatishwa tamaa, kuachwa na... Habari za weekend! Kuna baadhi ya maneno watu wetu wa karibu wakiongea huwa yanatuumiza sana, sometimes inapelekea kupoteza interest ya kujenga maisha na huyo mtu. Kuna mwanamke flani nilikuwa... Alinifata akiniomba msaada nimpe sehemu ya kujihifadhi, ndani ya siku 5 jasusi nilikuwa nimeishausoma mchezo, Manka anasoma game jinsi atakavyonipiga tukio, ilinibidi nipindue meza haraka sana... MY STORY; NATAMANI NINGEKUA NA NGUVU YA KUMUACHA MKE WANGU KAMA ALIVYOFANYA BABA MKWE! Kila tulipogombana na mke wangu, alikuwa mtu wa kukimbilia kwao. Akifika huko, mama yake ananipigia simu... Jamn Wana JF habari za muda huu, mimi nina mpenzi Wangu yaani hataki kupokea simu, Wala kujibu sms, na nikienda kwake ananiambia mbona hujatoa taarifa , jamani shida itakuwa ni nini hebu nisaidieni Kila mtu hubeba "mizigo" yake yenye nguvu. Unapoungana na mtu mnene, mwembamba, hasi, au asiye na utulivu wa kihisia, nguvu hiyo inaweza kuingia ndani yako. Chagua mwenza mwenye kuleta mwanga... Ninayoyaandika hapa ni ya ukweli na nahitaji kuambiwa ukweli na kusaidiwa achana na nyuzi zangu za nyuma dili na huu uzi tu ili kuepusha maswalimaswali mengi Mimi ni binti wa miaka 25.. ni wa... japo ni ushauri wa mtume paulo ila kwetu sisi wakristo tunamuona kama ni mtu muhimu nyaraka zake tunazitumia yeye alisema kwamba wanandoa wasinyimane penzi. Nachokiwaza mimi aliyekuwa anaombwa... Nafahamiana na wanawake wengi sana wanasheria, wenye tabia njema na wenye uzuri na mvuto wa kila aina. Wanawake hawa wengi hawana waume, hata kama wana watoto. Baadhi walifanikiwa kuingia... Kuwa mwanaume ni kazi sana kuliko watu wanavyodhani. Mwanaume hawezi kukwepa majukumu,mwanaume hawezi kukwepa vitimbi au maudhi ya Mwanamke ndani ya familia, mwanaume hawezi kukwepa nafasi ya... Kuna Imani zimeingia kwenye jamii zetu kwamba ,wanawake wakae tu majumbani wasubiri huduma Toka Kwa waume zao,Kwa kisingizio eti wao wanalea watoto,kupika na kutoa penzi pekee ndio kazi kuu... Huwa naona kama ndoto kubwa zaidi waliyo nayo wanawake wengi wa bongo ni kuolewa. Hata wamama wengi unakuta kwa mfano wakiwa wanawaelekeza mabinti wao wanawaambia kauli kama hujui kupika/kufanya... 𝗠𝗝𝗨𝗞𝗨𝗨 𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗨 𝗡𝗔𝗞𝗨𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗔 Kama uchumi wako uko vizuri tafuta mwanamke atakayetulia nyumbani akulelee familia yako, ikiwezekana hata sokoni nenda mwenyewe, Hawa wanaotaka haki sawa mtoke wote asubuhi... Binadamu ana hulka ya kutosema ukweli hulka ya kutosema mabaya/madhaifu yake. Wengi wetu huvutiwa na lugha za watu hasa mnapoonana kwa mara ya kwanza. Mapenzi kabla ya ndoa si kipimo halisi cha... Awe na mwili umejengeka kiasi, awe na kakitambi kidogo. Asiwe amekonda kwa kweli mimi wanaume vimbaumbau wakae mbali kabisa nami. Mwanaume awe anajiamini. Mpole lakini pia mkorofi akichokozwa na... JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. | 2024-11-26T19:57:45.506040 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/tags/misemo/ | Maskini aliyeridhika hujibembeleza kwa misemo inayomkandamiza zaidi 😔 1. Maisha sio vita 2. Maisha ndio haya haya tu 3. Pesa hainunui furaha. 4. Utajiri ni dhambi. 5. Kila tajiri ana ushirikina. 6. Pesa sio kila kitu. 7. Mapenzi ni upendo pesa ni ziada tu 8. Utajiri unatesa sana bora hata usiwe... Umaskini haufai, na kama ukiwa maskini ukaishi kwa misemo kama hii, ni ishara kuwa umeamua kuukubali, na kwa hakika utateseka. Hakuna cha kusema “maisha ndiyo haya haya tu” - kuna mazuri zaidi ya hayo. Acha kujifariji kwa misemo kandamizi kama ifuatayo: 1. Maisha si vita. 2. Maisha ndiyo haya... Kimsingi shetani yuko smart sana kiasi kwamba kumzidi ni ngumu. Hutumia binadamu wenyewe kufanikisha mambo yake. 1. "Fuata ninachosema usifuate matendo yangu" Hii mara nyingi ni kisingizio kinachotolewa na baadhi ya viongozi wa dini au watu wengine waliojipambanua kama wenye maadili bora. 2... Wakuu, Kuna vimesemo na vijimaneno huwa vinazuka na kubamba na kisha kupotea baada ya muda. Unakumbuka msemo gani uliobamba sana na kusepa na kijiji? Tupia hapa na watoto 2000 wapate vya kusimulia. Si mbaya ukaeelezea kwa kifupi msemo ambao unaona sio maarufu kwa wengi, utuambie ulitokea hapi... Nianze na misemo ya kisukuma na maana zake 1. Chujaga mhela utizaguchuja nhola Bora umkose nyati atakuhurumia kuliko kukosea kuoa. 2. Kushema Chonja kubundala Huu ni sawa ule msemo mtaka cha uvunguni sharti uiname. 3. Gw'ana nongu akalyaga na kabisile Mtoto mwema huweza kupewa ale... Hii ndiyo misemo unayoweza kuikumbuka dhidi ya ushindi wa mke wa bilionea! 1. Anaye cheka mwishoni hucheka sana 2. Tamaa mbele mauti nyuma 3. Mchuma janga hula na nduguze 4. Heri kumwagwa kuliko kumiminwa 5. Haiwi imekwisha hadi iishe 6. Ghafula bin vuu 7. Ukitaka kuruka agana na nyonga 8. Leo... Muda umeenda, mwaka unaenda kuisha; ni asilimia 95% mpaka sasa ya mwaka tumeikata tayari. Misemo ni vimbwanga mbalimbali vimeibuka. Je, ni msemo gani uliibuka mwaka huu ukakugusa kwa namna yoyote? ~ "Mama anaupiga mwingi"🥲 Tarehe 13/08/2023 timu za mpira wa miguu za Tanzania Bara za Simba na Yanga zilipambana kwenye fainali ya kugombea Ngao ya Hisani. Mechi hiyo ambayo timu ya Yanga ilifungwa goli tatu na kujifanya Simba kutawazwa kuwa Mabingwa wa Ngao hiyo ambayo hufungua msimu wa Ligi Kuu ya msimu 2023/2024... Yohana 3:16 [16]Kwa maana jinsi hii Mungu aliupenda ulimwengu, hata akamtoa Mwanawe pekee, ili kila mtu amwaminiye asipotee, bali awe na uzima wa milele. Yohana 3:5 [5]Yesu akajibu, Amin, amin, nakuambia, Mtu asipozaliwa kwa maji na kwa Roho, hawezi kuuingia ufalme wa Mungu. Luka 6:31 [31]Na... 1. Mlete mzungu 2. Trab na trat 3. No mara waaa 4. Mwamba huyu hapa 5. Wanathiiimba 6. Ndoige 7. Niite mbwa nmekaa pale 8. Kumwagilia moyo 9. Kupaka maini rangi 10. Unaupiga mwingi 11. Afutatu Tukiwa tunaelekea kumaliza mwaka 2022, hii ni baadhi ya misemo na .aneno yaliobamba zaidi... Zaidi ya kusema niko Juu Ya mawe sijui msemo mwingine unaomaanisha nimeishiwa Hela. Hebu nipeni msemo mkali zaidi ili nizidi kukwepa Vizinga wazee😅😅😂😂😂 Sikukuu ndio hizo zinakuja kwa kasi sana😎 Haijawahi kuthibitishwa kuwepo na mbwa albino So unapokuwepo kwenye papatupapatu zako za kutukana na kudhalilisha watu ambazo ndizo zinakuweka mjini elewa hilo Siyo kila mtu wa kusema niite mbwa nimekaaa pale,wako mbwa wanene wenye kilo 800 ila hamna albino na mbwa wote wana uwezo wa kukaa... Wadau wa michezo hamjamboni nyote? Tufurahi Kidogo kwa kukumbushana misemo/ maneno maarufu yatumiwayo na wadau wa michezo hususani Soka Mimi nianze kama ifuatavyo Hamna Mchezaji hapo! Hapo tumepigwa! Unamuwekaje Kapombe Sub! Huyo kocha hamalizi msimu! Sasa endelea Tukuumbuke kushirikiana... JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. | 2024-11-26T19:57:46.585783 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/categories/stories-of-change/ | Awamu ya Pili. Nyanja: Maudhui yakilenga maeneo ya Elimu, Biashara/Uchumi/Ujasiriamali, Afya, Utawala Bora, Demokrasia, Kilimo, Sayansi na Teknolojia na Afya JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. | 2024-11-26T19:57:47.135741 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/kiswahili-methali-vitendawili-nahau-misemo-n-k.273327/post-562449 | JamiiForums JF Official Account - Nov 9, 2006 - 6,227 - 5,267 Achari yalisha. The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) | 2024-11-26T19:57:48.668850 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/kiswahili-methali-vitendawili-nahau-misemo-n-k.273327/page-2 | mchajikobe JF-Expert Member - Aug 14, 2009 - 2,661 - 1,267 Hii ganda la mua la jana chungu kaona kivuno mimi sjui inamaanisha nini,naomba mnifasirie sababu nimeiona na kuisika muda mrefu lakini sijui chungu ninani na kivuno ninini,sawa na ridhiki mafungu saba,mi nafuatisha semi tu kakini sjui maana.Nisaidieni jamani!Haba na haba hujaza kibaba Adhabu ya kaburi aijuaye maiti Ganda la mua la jana chungu kaona kivuno Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo Mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri | 2024-11-26T19:57:49.883052 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/members/che-kalizozele.11368/ | Current visitors Verified members Jamii Check Stories of Change Start Discussion Fichua Uovu (MDAU) Staff Online Menu Log in Register Navigation More options Change style Contact us Close Menu Navigation General Forums Sports & Entertainment Education, Tech & Professional JF English Only Forums East African Forums Fichua Uovu Stories of Change JamiiCheck Members Che Kalizozele JF-Expert Member Joined Jul 20, 2008 Last seen Sep 1, 2015 Posts 777 Reaction score 51 Points 0 Find Find content Find all content by Che Kalizozele Find all threads by Che Kalizozele Live New Posts Postings About The news feed is currently empty. Loading… Loading… Members JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more… Back Top Bottom Forums New posts Post thread Back | 2024-11-26T19:57:50.731923 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/kiswahili-methali-vitendawili-nahau-misemo-n-k.273327/post-544603 | JamiiForums JF Official Account - Nov 9, 2006 - 6,227 - 5,267 Achari yalisha. The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) | 2024-11-26T19:57:52.221918 | null |
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https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/7-reasons-our-prayers-are-unanswered.2265239/ | Mathanzua JF-Expert Member - Jan 4, 2017 - 16,991 - 22,661 7 Reasons our prayers are “unanswered” Have you ever asked God for something with a huge opportunity, but the opportunity came and went? Have you ever prayed for wisdom to make an important decision, but in the end you made the wrong decision? Have you ever sought God for His provision, but the gap between abundance and lack only grew wider?Some prayers go unanswered.But maybe I should also say, some prayers are answered, just not the way we’d like. “Most of our prayers have to do with our health, our wealth, and our social life. And when we experience a setback or grow impatient, we say, ‘God, where are You?’” But perhaps God’s not always the one to blame. Maybe our shortsighted perspective of prayer has caused us to pray in the wrong manner. As we look at Scripture, we discover several causes of unanswered prayer. Here are seven reasons our prayers often go unanswered. 1. We Don’t Ask I know this sounds rather obvious, but it’s the place we must begin. James 4:2 says, “…you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.” Instead, we have a tendency to worry, whine, and work. We worry about what might happen, whine about what we don’t have, and work ourselves to death trying to fix our problems. We have to remember that 100% of the prayers not prayed will go unanswered.2. We Ask with Wrong Motives James, the brother of Jesus, continues with these words: “And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure” (James 4:3). How easy it is to forget that God weighs the motives of the heart, and our motives are never hidden from His sight.3. We Ask with Unconfessed Sin in Our Life We hate to admit that we are sinners even though Scripture is quite clear on the matter (Romans 3:23). We’d rather blame our personality, culture, parents, or past for our behavior. But when we rationalize our sin, we simultaneously rob our prayers of their power.When we rationalize our sin, we simultaneous rob our prayers of their power.”The question is not, “have you sinned?” but rather, “Are you knowingly living with unconfessed sin in your life?” 1 John 1:9 says, “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” The word confess means to admit to the truth. God’s willingness to forgive is always hinged to our willingness to confess. If we don’t acknowledge the sin in our lives and seek God’s cleansing, we simultaneously block our prayers. 1 Peter 3:12 says, “The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil. We must admit to the truth with specific confessions. Vague confessions only create repeat offenders. 4. We Ask Outside of God’s Will 1 John 5:14-15 says, “And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.”Perhaps the reason we pray outside of God’s will is because we’re really not interested in God’s will. We simply pray whatever we wish and want on a whim. 5. We Ask in Doubt James 1:5-8 says, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.”What causes a person’s loyalties to be split between God and the world? It’s their doubt of God. Loyalties are split when we say, “I’m not sure God’s going to do this, so I’m going to look elsewhere for help.” When you doubt God’s ability to answer, your loyalty can be slowly lured into a state of compromise. 6. We Ask in Pride In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells a story about two men who went to the Temple to pray. One of them was a religious Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector (who were generally despised in Jesus’ day). This is how the Pharisee prayed:Wow! That’s pretty arrogant. But look at the tax collector’s response.“I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! 12 I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.” (Luke 18:11b-12) So what does Jesus think about the tax collector?But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, “O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.” (Luke 18:13) The difference between answered prayer and unanswered prayer was humility. The despised tax collector received forgiveness because his heart was humble before God. While pride focuses on what I have done, humility focuses on what God can do. Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”“I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14) Pride focuses on what I have done,can do and will do. humility focuses on what God can do. 7. We Ask Without Relationship In the Gospel of John, Jesus describes Himself as “the Vine” and his followers as “the branches.” When we remain in Christ (the Vine), and He remains in us (the branches), we will produce a fruitful life. Jesus even goes as far to say that apart from Him we can’t do anything. Then he says these words:What was Jesus’ point? Relationship comes before requests. A once-a-week check-in at church isn’t enough if you want to get your prayers answered. Prayer is first and foremost about a relationship, not about our list.“But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. (John 15:7-8) What do all seven of these points have in common? They are all issues of the heart. - When we don’t ask, our hearts are filled with dependence on self. - When we ask with wrong motives, our hearts are filled with deceit. - When we ask with unconfessed sin, our hearts are filled with defiance. - When we ask outside of God’s will, our hearts are filled with selfish desires. - When we ask in doubt, our hearts are filled with duplicity. - When we ask in pride, our hearts are filled with destruction. - When we ask without relationship, our hearts are filled with distractions. I believe God loves to answer prayer. I also believe God loves for us to know Him. Carefully guarding your heart from these seven distractors will deepen your relationship with the Lord and provide a proper perspective toward answered prayer. | 2024-11-26T19:57:53.504695 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/kiswahili-methali-vitendawili-nahau-misemo-n-k.273327/post-563298 | JamiiForums JF Official Account - Nov 9, 2006 - 6,227 - 5,267 Achari yalisha. The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) | 2024-11-26T19:57:55.023223 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/members/mwalimuzawadi.5353/ | Current visitors Verified members Jamii Check Stories of Change Start Discussion Fichua Uovu (MDAU) Staff Online Menu Log in Register Navigation More options Change style Contact us Close Menu Navigation General Forums Sports & Entertainment Education, Tech & Professional JF English Only Forums East African Forums Fichua Uovu Stories of Change JamiiCheck Members MwalimuZawadi JF-Expert Member Joined Sep 1, 2007 Last seen May 10, 2014 Posts 643 Reaction score 68 Points 0 Find Find content Find all content by MwalimuZawadi Find all threads by MwalimuZawadi Live New Posts Postings About The news feed is currently empty. Loading… Loading… Members JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more… Back Top Bottom Forums New posts Post thread Back | 2024-11-26T19:57:57.292599 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/forums/139/ | Wakuu katika pitapita zangu huko mitandaoni leo nimekutana na hii video ambayo inasemekana kuwa ni ya Uganda na mwanamke mmoja anaonekana kumpiga kofi polisi, je kuna uhalia upi hapa wakuu? Salaaam wanajukwaa Nimekutana na video inaonekana kama imepostiwa na Jambo Tv, kichwa cha habari kinasema wananchi wamkosoa Lissu, video hiyo inapoendelea kucheza naona kuna comments zinapop up, Je video hiyo uhalisia wake ni upi wakuu? Nmeona mtu ametuma picha zikionesha kama moshi mrefu juu ya maji huku akiyaita ni maajabu lakini watu wamekuwa wakisema hiyo ni hali ya kawaida kwa kuwa hiko ni kimbuga cha maji, Je uhalisia upoje? Katika pitapita zangu huko mtandaoni nimekutana na hii video kuwa Mbowe amekiri kuwa CHADEMA ni chama chake binafsi, kuna uhalisia gani kwenye video hii wakuu? Waungwana kuna ukweli gani hapa kuwa Kule Marekani kuna mji unaitwa Centralia, uko Pennsylvania. Mji huo umekuwa ukiteketea kwa moto tangu mwaka 1962, na inasemekana moto huo utaendelea kuwaka hadi miaka mingine 250 ijayo. Inasemekana kuwa Emmanuel Nwude, mmoja wa matapeli maarufu zaidi katika historia ya uhalifu wa kifedha nchini Nigeria ambaye kati ya miaka ya 1995 na 1998, aliwahi kumuuzia mtu uwanja wa ndege wa bandia, akijifanya kuwa mkurugenzi wa Benki Kuu ya Nigeria. Kwa udanganyifu huu, Nwude alimdanganya meneja wa benki ya kigeni huko Brazil, Nelson Sakaguchi, kuwa Nigeria ilikuwa ikijenga uwanja wa ndege wa kimataifa mpya huko Abuja, na kumshawishi kuwekeza kiasi kikubwa cha pesa. Kuna ukweli kiasi gani hapa? Mbowe na Mnyika Waisifia TAMISEMI. Lissu atakiwa kuwapisha CHADEMA huku Fedha za Chama zikielekezwa uchaguzi kanda ya Kaskazini kisa chama hakina hela. Salaam wana JamiiCheck Hii picha inanipa ukakasi kuitofautisha kama imetengenezwa na Akili mnemba au ni ya kweli, wataalamu wa masuala haya naomba msaada wa kupata uhalisia wa picha hii tafadhali. Picha hii na maandiko yamekuwa yakisambaa mtandaoni, yakielezea dhana ya kwamba watu wa zamani walikuwa wakiishi duniani, na kwamba baadhi ya mabaki ya silaha zao kubwa ambazo zilikuwa zinatumika "upanga" yamepatikana. Wakuu salaam, Nimekutana na posti hii ikielezea kuwa Anna Henga wa LHRC wamesema kuwa CCM kuuawa ni haki yako huku ikiwa na picha ya yule Mama wa CCM aliyeuawa hivi karibuni. Post hii hapa Chini: JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. | 2024-11-26T19:58:00.018202 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/kiswahili-methali-vitendawili-nahau-misemo-n-k.273327/post-562698 | JamiiForums JF Official Account - Nov 9, 2006 - 6,227 - 5,267 Achari yalisha. The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) | 2024-11-26T19:58:01.509965 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/kiswahili-methali-vitendawili-nahau-misemo-n-k.273327/post-551489 | JamiiForums JF Official Account - Nov 9, 2006 - 6,227 - 5,267 Achari yalisha. The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) | 2024-11-26T19:58:02.992514 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/agents-in-knjaro-region-demand-immediate-cancellation-of-kpap.2261957/ | Ndagullachrles Senior Member - Jun 20, 2023 - 126 - 137 Tourism agents in the Kilimanjaro region have asked the government to immediately cancel the non-governmental organization called the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) because they claim that the organization tarnishes the image of the tourism business in the country. They claim that, KPAP is spreading dirty propaganda to slander the agents in the country as being dishonest and not providing good service to the porters, which they claim is not true. KPAP through its website has released a list of about 45 tourism agency companies and informed the world that these are the companies that provide good services to visitors and porters. As a result of the information, the agents are questioning the authority of the institution to assume responsibilities that do not belong to it. Matata Omari, the director of Matata Tours says what the institution is doing is destroying the tourism business that has been paying taxes to the government and providing employment to hundreds of porters and guides. Matata wants the government to review the registration of this Institute including calling its constitution to see if what is being done is correct according to its constitution and if what is being done is not in line with the constitution then the Institute should be dissolved immediately. "This is a project, you cannot force people to become your members and remember that joining the party is a matter of choice, the act of telling visitors not to use companies that are not members of KPAP, this is unacceptable", he says. The situation has put the agents in a difficult time as they have been frequently asked by tourists if they are members of KPAP. Communication documents between guests and agents show that if the agent is not present at the Institute, some tourists have been canceling their trips and looking for an agent who is a member of KPAP. "We are a group of 5-7 people to climb Kili on Jully 2022 and we are looking for options for the Lemosho route " "Could you please advise on your rates and what is icruded and excluded?" "Are yuo a member of KPAP?" many Thanks. Regards." That is one of the communication between the guest and the agent wanting to be informed if he is a member of the Institute. These agents claim that the Institute has become the source of them missing visitors frequently and putting a mortgage on the tourism business that the government of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan has struggled to promote to the world at great cost through the Royal Tour Film. An agent has spoken on the condition of not being named, he has claimed that he has recently lost ten guests due to not being part of the Institute and thus the jobs of 45 people were lost, including five guest guides, five cooks, five waiters and 30 porters who also lost their salaries. In addition, TANAPA has lost 8,350 US Dollars in park fees for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Women in the market have also run out of money because they could bring in income, the supermarket has run out of money as well as in the hotels where these guests could stay. "That is one trip for guests, ask yourself if every guest will refuse to climb the mountain with a company that does not exist in KPAP, what do you expect if the tourism business is not monopolized by a few people?, he asks. They want the government to take immediate steps to cancel the KPAP to save the tourism industry as hundreds of tourism agents will close their offices and many people who depend on employment through the tourism industry will end up as beggars while the government on its part is missing billions of money from various fees through Tourism. However, the National Parks Agency (TANAPA) through the leadership of the Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA) has already begun to deal with the complaints of tourism agents in the country including collecting accurate information. Kilimanjaro regional head, Nurdin Babu has been asked about the Institute to give itself the authority to select foreign agents to do the work, he asked to be given information so that he can do the work. However, after being informed, he asked to be given time and when he was contacted again, he demanded that the responsibility be given to the Kilimanjaro Regional Secretary. "I have received that information from RAS, I don't know if he has completed it because he was on a trip and he came back today," he said. When the Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism was contacted, Ambassador Pindi Chana said he was in the parliament hall and asked to be contacted later and when he was contacted again, his phone rang with no answer. They claim that, KPAP is spreading dirty propaganda to slander the agents in the country as being dishonest and not providing good service to the porters, which they claim is not true. KPAP through its website has released a list of about 45 tourism agency companies and informed the world that these are the companies that provide good services to visitors and porters. As a result of the information, the agents are questioning the authority of the institution to assume responsibilities that do not belong to it. Matata Omari, the director of Matata Tours says what the institution is doing is destroying the tourism business that has been paying taxes to the government and providing employment to hundreds of porters and guides. Matata wants the government to review the registration of this Institute including calling its constitution to see if what is being done is correct according to its constitution and if what is being done is not in line with the constitution then the Institute should be dissolved immediately. "This is a project, you cannot force people to become your members and remember that joining the party is a matter of choice, the act of telling visitors not to use companies that are not members of KPAP, this is unacceptable", he says. The situation has put the agents in a difficult time as they have been frequently asked by tourists if they are members of KPAP. Communication documents between guests and agents show that if the agent is not present at the Institute, some tourists have been canceling their trips and looking for an agent who is a member of KPAP. "We are a group of 5-7 people to climb Kili on Jully 2022 and we are looking for options for the Lemosho route " "Could you please advise on your rates and what is icruded and excluded?" "Are yuo a member of KPAP?" many Thanks. Regards." That is one of the communication between the guest and the agent wanting to be informed if he is a member of the Institute. These agents claim that the Institute has become the source of them missing visitors frequently and putting a mortgage on the tourism business that the government of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan has struggled to promote to the world at great cost through the Royal Tour Film. An agent has spoken on the condition of not being named, he has claimed that he has recently lost ten guests due to not being part of the Institute and thus the jobs of 45 people were lost, including five guest guides, five cooks, five waiters and 30 porters who also lost their salaries. In addition, TANAPA has lost 8,350 US Dollars in park fees for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Women in the market have also run out of money because they could bring in income, the supermarket has run out of money as well as in the hotels where these guests could stay. "That is one trip for guests, ask yourself if every guest will refuse to climb the mountain with a company that does not exist in KPAP, what do you expect if the tourism business is not monopolized by a few people?, he asks. They want the government to take immediate steps to cancel the KPAP to save the tourism industry as hundreds of tourism agents will close their offices and many people who depend on employment through the tourism industry will end up as beggars while the government on its part is missing billions of money from various fees through Tourism. However, the National Parks Agency (TANAPA) through the leadership of the Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA) has already begun to deal with the complaints of tourism agents in the country including collecting accurate information. Kilimanjaro regional head, Nurdin Babu has been asked about the Institute to give itself the authority to select foreign agents to do the work, he asked to be given information so that he can do the work. However, after being informed, he asked to be given time and when he was contacted again, he demanded that the responsibility be given to the Kilimanjaro Regional Secretary. "I have received that information from RAS, I don't know if he has completed it because he was on a trip and he came back today," he said. When the Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism was contacted, Ambassador Pindi Chana said he was in the parliament hall and asked to be contacted later and when he was contacted again, his phone rang with no answer. | 2024-11-26T19:58:03.706854 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/forums/kenyan-politics.115/ | Tanzania secures $7.6 billion financing deal from Chinese lender to build new railway President John Magufuli with China Exim Bank president Liu Liang after holding talks at Chamwino State Lodge... Summary: The project will involve the following components:[2] A port at Manda Bay, Lamu Standard gauge (1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in)) railway line to Juba and Addis Ababa, the South Sudanese and... Kulingana na baadhi ya Wakenya kutaka hii battle. Sasa ni muda mwafaka wa kuonesha kipi Nairobi kipo hakipo Dar es salaam na kipo Dar es salaam hakipo Nairobi. Ninaomba tuangalie katika positive... Nimeona hio Documentary ya 60 Minutes; Kwa ufupi AI inahitaji kuwa trained ili iweze kugundua vitu kama picha, watu emotions n.k. Sasa Serikali ya Kenya imekuwa ikivutia makampuni kuja kuwekeza... Kanisa Katoliki ninawafurahia sana kwa kutopokea pesa za wahuni za rushwa walizopata kutoka kwa Adan, kampuni najisi inayolalamikiwa India na USA kwa ufisadi. Nimeshangazwa bila aibu kabisa jana... Baraza la Maaskofu wa Katoliki Kenya (KCCB) limekataa michango yote iliyotolewa na Rais William Ruto na Gavana wa Nairobi Johnson Sakaja wakati wa ibada katika Kanisa Katoliki la Soweto Jumapili... Huko nchini Kenya, Bunge la Seneti liko mbioni kujadili Muswada unaolenga kufuta kurushwa moja kwa moja kwa matokeo ya uchaguzi wa rais yanayotangazwa kutoka vituo vya kupigia kura. Muswada huo... It is time to put things to end now, lets give an account of progress for these two projects! No more time for mere yaps... CC: Tony254, joto la jiwe, NDINDA n eliakeem Moderator plse pin... Hapa Tanzania jana Prof Kabudi amesema Somo la Biblia liingizwe shuleni Watu wamebishabisha sana Rais Ruto wa nchi jirani amesema maadili mema huanzia Kanisani hivyo serikali yake itaendelea... Mfanyabiashara nguli na maarufu Duniani mh Adani ameendelea kubanwa kwenye viunga vya Africa Mashariki Baada ya kuondolewa kwenye Mambo ya Umeme na Viwanja vya Ndege, wabunge wataka aondolewe... KAMA MJUAVYO MAJUZI RAISI ALIAGIZA MAKATABA WA ADAN AMBAO ALIPEWA KUSIMAMIA UWANJA WA AIRPORT MIAKA 30 KRETIKO KAMPUNI YA NISHATI MIAKA 30 MH RAISI HUYUHUYU ALISIMAMA HADHARAN KUSEMA HII KAMPUNI N... Rais wa Kenya, William Ruto siku ya leo kwamba ameagiza kufutwa kwa mkataba kati ya Serikali ya Kenya na kampuni ya Adani, mkataba uliokuwa umelenga kupanua uwanja mkuu wa ndege wa nchi hiyo, JKIA... Nakubaliana na Dr Ruto na hasa ikizingatiwa Elon Musk sasa ni mshauri wa Rais wa Marekani Taifa lenye nguvu kabisa Duniani Ruto amesema dhana ya dunia ni Kijiji siyo ya kufikirika ni jambo... Now some of individuals brag a lot about Nairobi quality facilties without knowing Zanzibar Island has relative the same quality facilities. It's time to make this known. Vikosi vya Usalama vimeongezwa maeneo ya Ikulu na Bunge kabla ya Rais William Ruto kutoa hotuba yake leo mchana Novemba 21, 2024 baada ya taarifa za Maandamano yaliyopangwa kufanyika leo kusambaa... Miezi 18 tangu kampuni ya Huduma za Intaneti ya Starlink iingie nchini humo, imedaiwa Mitandao ya Simu imeanza kupata changamoto ya ushindani sokoni. Kwa mujibu wa tovuti ya Citizen Digital... Demokrasia itawachelewesha sana Kenya, hawana uchumi unaohimili demokrasia ya mangaribi. Wanataka kumuondoa MAKAMU wao wa RAIS kihuni TU. Kuna wezi wengi sana Kenya wanakula mali ya umma bila... Wakuu hapa kwetu Bongo kuna kitu cha kujifunza,maasikofu na mashekh wa TZ chukueni hii. Askofu mkuu wa kanisa katoliki nchini Kenya amekataa kupokea pesa hizo ili kulinda hadhi ya kanisa pia... JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. | 2024-11-26T19:58:04.863559 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/kiswahili-methali-vitendawili-nahau-misemo-n-k.273327/post-563208 | JamiiForums JF Official Account - Nov 9, 2006 - 6,227 - 5,267 Achari yalisha. The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) | 2024-11-26T19:58:06.715515 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/kiswahili-methali-vitendawili-nahau-misemo-n-k.273327/post-563307 | JamiiForums JF Official Account - Nov 9, 2006 - 6,227 - 5,267 Achari yalisha. The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) | 2024-11-26T19:58:08.092010 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/members/kibunango.253/ | Current visitors Verified members Jamii Check Stories of Change Start Discussion Fichua Uovu (MDAU) Staff Online Menu Log in Register Navigation More options Change style Contact us Close Menu Navigation General Forums Sports & Entertainment Education, Tech & Professional JF English Only Forums East African Forums Fichua Uovu Stories of Change JamiiCheck Members Kibunango Platinum Member · From Unguja Joined Aug 29, 2006 Last seen Today at 3:35 PM Posts 8,466 Reaction score 2,343 Points 2,000 Find Find content Find all content by Kibunango Find all threads by Kibunango Live New Posts Postings About Kibunango reacted to njumu za kosovo's post in the thread Maturity is a mindset, not age. Here are the 14 signs you are mature with Kicheko . Alafu wakati najiunga jf miaka hiyoo nilimkuta P Didy kuandika vizuri tabu tupu nashangaa siku hizi mpka kikristo anaandika ama kweli Today at 11:38 AM Kibunango reacted to Mad Max's post in the thread Formula 1® Grand Prix special thread with Thanks . Yesterday at 8:36 PM Kibunango reacted to Mad Max's post in the thread Formula 1® Grand Prix special thread with Thanks . Yesterday at 8:34 PM Kibunango reacted to Mad Max's post in the thread Formula 1® Grand Prix special thread with Thanks . It’s Vegas today. See you at 9pm (EAT) Masaki Q Bar. Yesterday at 8:34 PM Kibunango reacted to Don Gorgon's post in the thread Sanaa ya ndizi iliyobandikwa ukutani kwa Duct-tape imenunuliwa kwa zaidi ya Tsh. Bilioni 16 (USD 6.2 million) katika mnada huko New York with Thanks . Sanaa yenyewe hii hapa Mnada mmoja huko New York, Marekani, umeuza Sanaa iliyopewa jina la Comedian. Kazi hiyo ya sanaa imetengenezwa... Friday at 1:05 AM Kibunango reacted to ngara23's post in the thread SERIKALI Ifanye msako wa kukagua haya magorofa kuna gorofa zinapicha ya ghorofa 3 gafla unaona 4 hii sijui inakaaje with Thanks . Mbona umeandika kiarabu Friday at 1:03 AM Kibunango reacted to Roving Journalist's post in the thread ACT: Kutumia Tsh. Bilioni 27.8 kurekebisha Viwanja vya Amani na Gombani ni matumizi mabaya ya fedha with Thanks . ACT Wazalendo, kupitia taarifa yetu kwa umma ya tarehe: 08/11/2024, tuliitaka Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar kuweka, hadharani... Friday at 2:15 PM Kibunango reacted to Lambardi's post in the thread RC Said Mtanda amekuwa akituhumiwa kwa matendo yasiyo ya kiuongozi. Je, kwa alichowafanyia viongozi wa Simba atabakishwa ofisini? with Thanks . Hadharani.....sio Adharani Friday at 8:53 AM Kibunango reacted to Kalemba's post in the thread Mkutano wa G20 ni Tanzania pekee imepeleka wajumbe wengi sana, watu 100+kuliko hata wajumbe wa Brazili mwenyeji with Kicheko . We hauna akili,sasa mbona tofauti ni ndogo sana,maana kuna mwingine hapo ana wajumbe 90,mwingine 70, Acheni chuki zenu,Samia akimaliza... Thursday at 12:30 PM Kibunango reacted to Bams's post in the thread Mkutano wa G20 ni Tanzania pekee imepeleka wajumbe wengi sana, watu 100+kuliko hata wajumbe wa Brazili mwenyeji with Nzuri . Nchi ya laana hii. Utawala ukishikwa na watu wenye upeo mdogo, ndiyo matokeo yake ni kama haya. Na ile miaka ya 90, Mwinyi naye... Thursday at 12:29 PM Loading… Loading… Members JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more… Back Top Bottom Forums New posts Post thread Back | 2024-11-26T19:58:08.817650 | null |
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https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/kiswahili-methali-vitendawili-nahau-misemo-n-k.273327/post-562909 | JamiiForums JF Official Account - Nov 9, 2006 - 6,227 - 5,267 Achari yalisha. The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) | 2024-11-26T19:58:14.747478 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/kiswahili-methali-vitendawili-nahau-misemo-n-k.273327/page-3 | WomanOfSubstance JF-Expert Member - May 30, 2008 - 5,457 - 961 Asiyejua maana haambiwi maana. Kuvuja kwa pakacha nafuu kwa mchukuzi kusema ukweli vinanichanganya kati ya nahau, methali na misemo. Fuata nyuki ule asali tembea uone NDIO HAPO SASA! Methali ni proverbs au? na Nahau ni idiomatic expressions..au mnasemaje wajuzi wa lugha? | 2024-11-26T19:58:15.913332 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/kiswahili-methali-vitendawili-nahau-misemo-n-k.273327/post-562950 | JamiiForums JF Official Account - Nov 9, 2006 - 6,227 - 5,267 Achari yalisha. The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) | 2024-11-26T19:58:17.372431 | null |
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https://www.jamiiforums.com/posts/563716/reactions | New Posts Search forums Jamii Check Stories of Change Start Discussion Fichua Uovu (MDAU) Staff Online Menu Log in Register Navigation More options Change style Contact us Close Menu Navigation General Forums Sports & Entertainment Education, Tech & Professional JF English Only Forums East African Forums Fichua Uovu Stories of Change JamiiCheck Forums Educational, Tech & Prof Jukwaa la Lugha Kiswahili: Methali, Vitendawili, nahau, Misemo n.k Members who reacted to message #18 All (1) Thanks (1) Oct 21, 2018 lucley JF-Expert Member Posts 725 Reaction score 1,981 Points 1,000 Loading… Forums Educational, Tech & Prof Jukwaa la Lugha Kiswahili: Methali, Vitendawili, nahau, Misemo n.k JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more… Back Top Bottom Forums New posts Post thread Back | 2024-11-26T19:58:18.953496 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/forums/jamii-check.139/ | Wakuu katika pitapita zangu huko mitandaoni leo nimekutana na hii video ambayo inasemekana kuwa ni ya Uganda na mwanamke mmoja anaonekana kumpiga kofi polisi, je kuna uhalia upi hapa wakuu? Salaaam wanajukwaa Nimekutana na video inaonekana kama imepostiwa na Jambo Tv, kichwa cha habari kinasema wananchi wamkosoa Lissu, video hiyo inapoendelea kucheza naona kuna comments zinapop up, Je video hiyo uhalisia wake ni upi wakuu? Nmeona mtu ametuma picha zikionesha kama moshi mrefu juu ya maji huku akiyaita ni maajabu lakini watu wamekuwa wakisema hiyo ni hali ya kawaida kwa kuwa hiko ni kimbuga cha maji, Je uhalisia upoje? Katika pitapita zangu huko mtandaoni nimekutana na hii video kuwa Mbowe amekiri kuwa CHADEMA ni chama chake binafsi, kuna uhalisia gani kwenye video hii wakuu? Waungwana kuna ukweli gani hapa kuwa Kule Marekani kuna mji unaitwa Centralia, uko Pennsylvania. Mji huo umekuwa ukiteketea kwa moto tangu mwaka 1962, na inasemekana moto huo utaendelea kuwaka hadi miaka mingine 250 ijayo. Inasemekana kuwa Emmanuel Nwude, mmoja wa matapeli maarufu zaidi katika historia ya uhalifu wa kifedha nchini Nigeria ambaye kati ya miaka ya 1995 na 1998, aliwahi kumuuzia mtu uwanja wa ndege wa bandia, akijifanya kuwa mkurugenzi wa Benki Kuu ya Nigeria. Kwa udanganyifu huu, Nwude alimdanganya meneja wa benki ya kigeni huko Brazil, Nelson Sakaguchi, kuwa Nigeria ilikuwa ikijenga uwanja wa ndege wa kimataifa mpya huko Abuja, na kumshawishi kuwekeza kiasi kikubwa cha pesa. Kuna ukweli kiasi gani hapa? Mbowe na Mnyika Waisifia TAMISEMI. Lissu atakiwa kuwapisha CHADEMA huku Fedha za Chama zikielekezwa uchaguzi kanda ya Kaskazini kisa chama hakina hela. Salaam wana JamiiCheck Hii picha inanipa ukakasi kuitofautisha kama imetengenezwa na Akili mnemba au ni ya kweli, wataalamu wa masuala haya naomba msaada wa kupata uhalisia wa picha hii tafadhali. Picha hii na maandiko yamekuwa yakisambaa mtandaoni, yakielezea dhana ya kwamba watu wa zamani walikuwa wakiishi duniani, na kwamba baadhi ya mabaki ya silaha zao kubwa ambazo zilikuwa zinatumika "upanga" yamepatikana. Wakuu salaam, Nimekutana na posti hii ikielezea kuwa Anna Henga wa LHRC wamesema kuwa CCM kuuawa ni haki yako huku ikiwa na picha ya yule Mama wa CCM aliyeuawa hivi karibuni. Post hii hapa Chini: JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. | 2024-11-26T19:58:19.814708 | null |
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https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/gachagua-adaiwa-kuanza-mazungumzo-ya-kuungana-na-upinzani-ili-kupambana-na-ruto-mwaka-2027-asema-gen-z-ndio-silaha-yao.2275858/ | Mtoa Taarifa Senior Member - Sep 21, 2024 - 126 - 353 Kalonzo and Gachagua’s camps are reportedly meeting in secret to devise a formula to defeat Ruto in 2027. For Gachagua, winning a duel with Ruto would be sweet revenge against the President. Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. FILE A political marriage between Wiper boss Kalonzo Musyoka and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is quietly taking shape and their allies hint an anti-William Ruto deal is being plotted. Despite taking a low profile since Gachagua’s removal, Kalonzo and Gachagua’s camps are reportedly meeting in secret to devise a formula to defeat Ruto in 2027. For Gachagua, winning a duel with Ruto would be sweet revenge against the President, the man he greatly helped to clinch power in Mt Kenya, but whom he believes has engineered his downfall as DP. Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo, who is one of the two deputy secretary generals of the Wiper Party, said a pact between Kalonzo and Gachagua is possible very soon, before next year. “We are working on the new coalition and looking for the new partners. The coalition should be in place by Christmas. We are first making sure we have as many like-minded parties as possible,” Maanzo told the Star. “Mt Kenya is one of the regions we are going to work with,” he added. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta remains a close Kalonzo confidant and could easily back the Wiper leader, giving him a solid start, especially in the Mt Kenya region. On Sunday, Kalonzo was in Eldoret en route to Nairobi, joined by Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni and former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu. President Ruto, however, appears ready to deal with the adverse consequences of his falling out with Gachagua. At a church service in Kakamega, Ruto said he has ended the politics of blackmail, a point also made by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. “All those things that were giving us trouble we have resolved [including economic challenges]. Now, this year until 2027, will be the period of work. The politics of blackmail has ended. Now we are all united as Kenyans from across the country,” President Ruto said. Kalonzo’s game has been clear for months. He is the only top politician who publicly sided with Gachagua since his impeachment on October 17. The former Vice President was also present at Karen Hospital where Gachagua was admitted after falling ill with chest pains during impeachment proceedings against him in the Senate. In fact, Kalonzo rallied his Wiper allies in Parliament to rejecting Gachagua’s impeachment motion. For those who defied his directive, the Wiper boss engineered ruthless disciplinary action against MPs who voted to kick out Gachagua. Some of Kalonzo’s allies, such as Maanzo have recently been spotted in public accompanying the former deputy president, including during the High Court proceedings in Milimani. As Gachagua is set to be kicked out of UDA, the Kalonzo deal could be hastened. Political analyst Professor Gitile Naituli told the Star it is only a matter of time before Gachagua and Kalonzo join forces. Naituli is a former commissioner of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission. He is a professor of business management and leadership. Naituli said political circumstances will force Gachagua’s Mt Kenya backyard to gravitate towards Kalonzo as they plot political revenge against President Ruto. “They will come together because they have no choice, it is not Kalonzo and Gachagua coming together, it is the Mt Kenya region looking for an alternative to Ruto,” Naituli told the Star on the phone. Gachagua had styled himself as Mt Kenya’s kingpin and Ruto’s equal. “As Mt Kenya is leaderless and desiring to remove Ruto for removing Gachagua, they will throw themselves at anybody they think has the capacity to defeat him.” Kalonzo has increased his forays into the Central Kenya. Yesterday he was in Murang’a county, attending a gospel concert in Kimoroni Stadium, Kenol. Kalonzo has also been working on bridging the historical gap between the Agikuyu and Akamba who treat each other as athonua (in-laws). He has made crucial strides in uniting the two communities, a key bloc he is keen to woo to catapult his 2027 presidential bid for State House. “I am quite aware there are talks and reaching out, with 2027 in focus. It is early to say something but there is a higher possibility of both being on one side in the next elections,” a close Kalonzo ally aware of the ongoing overtures told the Star. Observers say supporting Gachagua in his hour of need would work for former Vice President Kalonzo, who is salivating at the prospect of winning vote-rich Central Kenya in his 2027 bid. In the strategy worked on by their allies, Kalonzo and Gachagua will form a jumbo coalition that will field a joint candidate to ensure Ruto becomes a one-term President. No Kenyan President has served for one term since Independence. In an interview with the Star, Machakos deputy governor Francis Mwangangi said the Wiper boss is courting partners from the epic battle with Ruto. “What I know is that we want every Kenyan on our side to be part of that vehicle to transform the country,” Mwangangi said. “We need everybody aboard the new ship, including the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. As Wiper, we are going for all like-minded Kenyans to join us in this transformative journey that will save the country.” There has been optimism in Gachagua’s camp as well about the rumoured deal; his diehards are urging him to reach out to Kalonzo and other political players. Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has told the former DP to form a team with Kalonzo and other like like-minded politicians. “I respectfully ask you to make friends with other leaders like Kalonzo, George Natembeya (Trans Nzoia Governor) and Fred Matiang’i [former powerful Cabinet ‘Super’ Minister],” Njeri said to Gachagua. Gachagua’s lawyer Ndegwa Njiru also called for a formal working relationship with Kalonzo. “We want to plan ourselves, we will also call upon Gachagua to look for his other friends so we form the next government,” Ndegwa said in Kirinyaga last week. “There is a friend who stood with us called Kalonzo Musyoka; all his MPs voted ‘No’ (to the impeachment motion). Gachagua, go look for that man.” The proposed Gachagua-Kalonzo truce, however, is not embraced by everyone, including those who don’t like President Ruto. Some leaders have cautioned against the move. Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana, a one-time Kalonzo ally, argues the Wiper leader’s move is likely to be construed as being tribalist by concentrating on Mt Kenya. The university don said Kalonzo’s advisers are misleading him, insisting national ideology will determine 2027 polls and not tribal politics. Naituli also faults the Kalonzo team on how they are executing their campaigns, saying it is time for the former Vice President to dissociate from the team and chart his own path. "The weakness I am seeing in the Kalonzo team is that they want to campaign as a team. I don’t think a group has ever taken leadership, leadership is taken by individuals,” Naituli said. “For example, Ruto campaigned solo and became President. These people are stuck in a group. A president must lead the pack, must confront the problems facing Kenyans alone." | 2024-11-26T19:58:23.188472 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/kiswahili-methali-vitendawili-nahau-misemo-n-k.273327/post-563841 | JamiiForums JF Official Account - Nov 9, 2006 - 6,227 - 5,267 Achari yalisha. The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) | 2024-11-26T19:58:24.652816 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/members/mtoa-taarifa.781109/ | Current visitors Verified members Jamii Check Stories of Change Start Discussion Fichua Uovu (MDAU) Staff Online Menu Log in Register Navigation More options Change style Contact us Close Menu Navigation General Forums Sports & Entertainment Education, Tech & Professional JF English Only Forums East African Forums Fichua Uovu Stories of Change JamiiCheck Members Mtoa Taarifa Senior Member Joined Sep 21, 2024 Last seen Today at 4:58 PM Posts 126 Reaction score 353 Points 500 Find Find content Find all content by Mtoa Taarifa Find all threads by Mtoa Taarifa Live New Posts Postings About Mtoa Taarifa posted the thread Drake kuishtaki Universal Music Group na Spotify kwa kumpendelea Kendric Lamar in Celebrities Forum . wa Muziki wa #HipHop, Drake ameanza kuchukua hatua kisheria dhidi ya Lebo ya Universal Music Group (UMG) na Mtandao wa Spotify akidai... Today at 11:25 AM Mtoa Taarifa posted the thread Itachukua miaka 11 kwa Deni la Serikali kuisha ikiwa hakutakuwa na Mkopo mwingine wowote kwa muda huo huku ikilipa Tsh. Trilioni 8.8 kila mwaka in Habari na Hoja mchanganyiko . Kwa mujibu wa ripoti za Benki Kuu ya Tanzania (BoT) na Wizara ya Fedha, hadi kufikia Septemba 2024, zinaonesha Deni la Serikali... Yesterday at 11:43 AM Mtoa Taarifa posted the thread Sho Madjozi kuachana na Muziki baada ya kuachia albamu ya 3, adai Wamarekani walitaka kumbadilisha na hana hiyo energy tena in Celebrities Forum . Msanii wa Muziki wa Afrobeats kutoka Limpopo, Maya Wegerif a.k.a Sho Madjozi amegusia suala la kuachana na Muziki wakati atakapoachia... Yesterday at 10:05 AM Mtoa Taarifa posted the thread Serikali ya Tanzania inaunda sana Tume za Uchunguzi na Ushauri, ila sasa Utekelezaji wa Ripoti zake utafanyika lini? in Habari na Hoja mchanganyiko . Hili ni suala linalogusa hisia za wengi, hasa inapokuja kwenye uwajibikaji wa serikali na tija ya Tume zinazoundwa mara kwa mara. Ni... Thursday at 9:31 PM Mtoa Taarifa posted the thread Kesi ya Mtumishi wa TRA aliyetishia Bastola na kujeruhi mtu Club 1245 yapigwa Kalenda hadi Januari 21, 2024 in Habari na Hoja mchanganyiko . Kesi inayomkabili mshtakiwa Derick Derick Junior, ambaye alionekana katika kipande cha picha jongefu (video) kilichosambazwa katika... Thursday at 2:29 PM Mtoa Taarifa posted the thread Waziri Mkuu wa Mali afutwa kazi kwa kuihoji Serikali sababu za Kuchelewesha Uchaguzi in International Forum . Waziri Mkuu, Choguel Maiga, ameondolewa Madarakani na Utawala wa Kijeshi akidaiwa kuikosoa Serikali kwa kutofanya Uchaguzi ndani ya... Thursday at 12:06 PM Mtoa Taarifa replied to the thread Bilionea Gautam Adani ambaye Kafulila anataka kumpa shirika la TANESCO ashitakiwa kwa utapeli huko Marekani . Waendesha mashtaka wamemshtaki Gautam Adani, Mmiliki wa Kampuni za Adani Group kwa kusaidia utoaji Rushwa ya Dola Milioni 250 (zaidi ya... Thursday at 10:02 AM Mtoa Taarifa posted the thread DOKEZO KERO BRELA boresheni Mifumo yenu, kila ikifika jioni Mfumo wa Kusajili Kampuni unasumbua mara haufunguki in Habari na Hoja mchanganyiko . Ni wazi kuwa BRELA imefanya kazi kubwa katika kusaidia usajili wa majina ya biashara na kampuni hapa Tanzania, lakini changamoto ya... Nov 19, 2024 Mtoa Taarifa posted the thread Ferdnand Ndikuriyo (Chuma cha Chuma) ashindwa tena masharti ya dhamana, arudishwa Rumande in Habari na Hoja mchanganyiko . Mshtakiwa Ferdnand Ndikuriyo (27), maarufu Chuma cha Chuma ameshindwa kutimiza masharti matano ya dhamana ikiwamo kusaini bondi ya... Nov 19, 2024 Mtoa Taarifa posted the thread Polisi: Tunawashikilia Niffer na Diva kwa mahojiano na hatua nyingine za Kisheria in Habari na Hoja mchanganyiko . Tarehe 16 Novemba 2024 eneo la Kariakoo Dar es salaam kulitokea tukio la kuporomoka kwa jengo la biashara. Wakai jitihada mbalimbali... Nov 19, 2024 Loading… Loading… Members JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more… Back Top Bottom Forums New posts Post thread Back | 2024-11-26T19:58:25.165577 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/tags/nahau/ | Nahau Rooney is a former Papua New Guinean politician. She was one of three women elected to the 109-member National Parliament of Papua New Guinea during the country's first post-independence general election, in 1977. She was re-elected in 1982, becoming the only female Member of Parliament at that time, but was never subsequently returned to Parliament. She represented the Manus Regional constituency in Manus Province. She was still an active politician in the 1990s, standing unsuccessfully for Parliament in the 1997 general election.Following her election to Parliament in 1977, Rooney served as Minister of Justice in Prime Minister Michael Somare's Cabinet. In 1979, during her term as Minister, she wrote to director of Public Prosecutions Kevin Egan, "urging intervention" in reaction to politician and businessman John Kaputin being charged with failing to file company returns. As a result, Egan had her sentenced to a nine-month jail term for contempt. She was immediately released on licence by Somare. She later served as Civil Aviation Minister.Rooney was married to Wes Rooney, an Australian who was later murdered (shot dead) on her home island of Manus.In the 2000s (decade), having mostly retired from politics, she was running a guest lodge on Manus Island. She was also, however, President of the National Council of Women, and, in 2004, stood unsuccessfully for the position of Governor General.In 2006, she was honoured with the title Companion of the Order of the Star of Melanesia. Tatizo tumekuwa na kazi ambazo zinahitaji uwezo wa kusimamia miradi na budget mbali mbali za maendeleo. Lakini tunaweka makada ambao wengi wamezoea kupiga domo kucha kutwa bila kufahamu chochote kuhusu uongozi. Hii imesababisha nchi zima na kila idara kuwa ya machawa na watu wasio jielewa... Hii ndiyo misemo unayoweza kuikumbuka dhidi ya ushindi wa mke wa bilionea! 1. Anaye cheka mwishoni hucheka sana 2. Tamaa mbele mauti nyuma 3. Mchuma janga hula na nduguze 4. Heri kumwagwa kuliko kumiminwa 5. Haiwi imekwisha hadi iishe 6. Ghafula bin vuu 7. Ukitaka kuruka agana na nyonga 8. Leo... Achari yalisha. The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this... JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. | 2024-11-26T19:58:25.626986 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/members/companero.11297/ | Current visitors Verified members Jamii Check Stories of Change Start Discussion Fichua Uovu (MDAU) Staff Online Menu Log in Register Navigation More options Change style Contact us Close Menu Navigation General Forums Sports & Entertainment Education, Tech & Professional JF English Only Forums East African Forums Fichua Uovu Stories of Change JamiiCheck Members Companero Platinum Member Joined Jul 12, 2008 Last seen Nov 2, 2024 Posts 5,606 Reaction score 1,710 Points 2,000 Find Find content Find all content by Companero Find all threads by Companero Live New Posts Postings About Companero replied to the thread Tuzo ya Taifa ya Mwalimu Nyerere ya Uandishi Bunifu 2024-2025 . Gwiji Shivji akiidadavua Tuzo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUTp_6EIobM Oct 23, 2024 Companero posted the thread Tuzo ya Taifa ya Mwalimu Nyerere ya Uandishi Bunifu 2024-2025 in Jukwaa la Elimu (Education Forum) . Wizara ya Elimu, Sayansi, na Teknolojia kupitia Taasisi ya Elimu ilizindua Tuzo ya Taifa ya Mwalimu Nyerere ya Uandishi Bunifu mwaka... Oct 23, 2024 Loading… Loading… Members JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more… Back Top Bottom Forums New posts Post thread Back | 2024-11-26T19:58:26.211636 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/members/kekuye.16988/ | Current visitors Verified members Jamii Check Stories of Change Start Discussion Fichua Uovu (MDAU) Staff Online Menu Log in Register Navigation More options Change style Contact us Close Menu Navigation General Forums Sports & Entertainment Education, Tech & Professional JF English Only Forums East African Forums Fichua Uovu Stories of Change JamiiCheck Members K Kekuye Senior Member Joined Jun 28, 2009 Last seen Dec 7, 2010 Posts 116 Reaction score 0 Points 0 Find Find content Find all content by Kekuye Find all threads by Kekuye Live New Posts Postings About The news feed is currently empty. Loading… Loading… Members JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more… Back Top Bottom Forums New posts Post thread Back | 2024-11-26T19:58:26.631271 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/dbtech-mail/ | Jamii Check Stories of Change Start Discussion Fichua Uovu (MDAU) Staff Online Menu Log in Register Navigation More options Change style Contact us Close Menu Navigation General Forums Sports & Entertainment Education, Tech & Professional JF English Only Forums East African Forums Fichua Uovu Stories of Change JamiiCheck Mailing lists No mailing lists have been added to the system yet. JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more… Back Top Bottom Forums New posts Post thread Back | 2024-11-26T19:58:27.474400 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/forums/blow-the-whistle.137/post-thread | New Posts Search forums Jamii Check Stories of Change Start Discussion Fichua Uovu (MDAU) Staff Online Menu Log in Register Navigation More options Change style Contact us Close Menu Navigation General Forums Sports & Entertainment Education, Tech & Professional JF English Only Forums East African Forums Fichua Uovu Stories of Change JamiiCheck Forums Log in You must be logged-in to do that. Your name or email address Password Show Forgot your password? Stay logged in Log in Send login link Don't have an account? Register now Forums JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more… Back Top Bottom Forums New posts Post thread Back | 2024-11-26T19:58:28.027457 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/members/ndagullachrles.716295/ | Current visitors Verified members Jamii Check Stories of Change Start Discussion Fichua Uovu (MDAU) Staff Online Menu Log in Register Navigation More options Change style Contact us Close Menu Navigation General Forums Sports & Entertainment Education, Tech & Professional JF English Only Forums East African Forums Fichua Uovu Stories of Change JamiiCheck Members Ndagullachrles Senior Member Joined Jun 20, 2023 Last seen Today at 1:06 PM Posts 126 Reaction score 137 Points 250 Find Find content Find all content by Ndagullachrles Find all threads by Ndagullachrles Live New Posts Postings About Ndagullachrles posted the thread Kuelekea 2025 Morris Makoi Vs Prof. Ndakidemi moto utawaka 2025 in Jukwaa la Siasa . Jumatano wiki hii watanzania watakuwa kwenye zoezi la upigaji kura kuwachagua wenyeviti wa serikali za mitaa,wajumbe wa serikali za... Today at 1:06 PM Ndagullachrles posted the thread Dkt Mollel achafua hali ya hewa kwa kauli ya Fedha za Maendeleo hazitokani na kodi bali za CCM in Jukwaa la Siasa . KAULI ya Naibu Waziri wa Afya na mbunge wa Jimbo la Siha,Dkt .Godwin Molllel kwamba fedha za maendeleo zinazotolewa na Serikali... Yesterday at 12:33 PM Ndagullachrles replied to the thread LGE2024 Dkt. Mollel: Hii sio kodi yenu, ni CCM ndio imeleta hela . KAULI ya Naibu Waziri wa Afya na mbunge wa Jimbo la Siha,Dkt .Godwin Molllel kwamba fedha za maendeleo zinazotolewa na serikali... Yesterday at 12:09 PM Ndagullachrles replied to the thread LIVE Live Updates Kuporomoka kwa Ghorofa Kariakoo Nov 16: Waziri Mkuu aunda Tume ya watu maalumu 21 leo Nov 22, 2024 . Waziri mkuu wa Tanzania, Kassim Majaliwa amesema idadi ya waliopoteza maisha katika ajali ya kuanguka kwa jengo la ghorofa eneo la... Nov 18, 2024 Ndagullachrles posted the thread Waziri Chana apongeza utendaji kazi TANAPA, asisitiza uadilifu kufikia malengo in Habari na Hoja mchanganyiko . ARUSHA WAZIRI wa Maliasili na Utalii, Mhe. Balozi Dkt. Pindi Chana(Mb) ameipongeza Menejimenti na Watumishi wa Shirika la Hifadhi za... Nov 14, 2024 Ndagullachrles posted the thread Kikongwe miaka 72 auawa na mkwe wake Moshi,mwingine ajinyonga kwa msongo wa mawazo in Habari na Hoja mchanganyiko . Jeshi la polisi mkoani Kilimanjaro linamshikilia Deogratius Evarist Mbuya(40) mkazi wa Legho Kilema wilaya ya Moshi kwa tuhuma za kumuua... Nov 14, 2024 Ndagullachrles posted the thread Tunaimani na mbunge Priscus Tarimo-makada CCM in Habari na Hoja mchanganyiko . Wakati pilikapilika zikishika kasi kwa wanaotajwa kuanza kampeni za chini kwa chini kutaka kuwania ubunge jimbo la Moshi mjini hapo... Nov 9, 2024 Ndagullachrles posted the thread TPC yatumia Bilioni 1.5 kila mwaka kusaidia shughuli za kijamii ikiwamo elimu in Habari na Hoja mchanganyiko . KIWANDA cha sukari cha TPC kilichopo mkoani Kilimanjaro,kinatumia kiasi cha sh Bilioni 1.5 kila mwaka kwa ajili ya kusaidia shughuli za... Nov 8, 2024 Ndagullachrles posted the thread Wananchi Mabogini Moshi wapaza sauti tatizo la Maji safi na salama in Habari na Hoja mchanganyiko . Wananchi wa Kata ya Mabogini wilaya ya Moshi Vijijini wamepaza sauti na kuitaka Mamlaka ya maji safi na uondoshaji majitaka Moshi mjini... Nov 7, 2024 Ndagullachrles posted the thread Dada wa anayedaiwa kupigwa na DC Kaji aibuka, adai mdogo wake ana changamoto ya afya ya akili in Habari na Hoja mchanganyiko . Rose Kimaro mkazi wa kijiji cha Otaruni Kibosho kati wilaya ya Moshi ambaye ni dada wa Getruda Shio anayedai kuwa alipigwa makofi na... Nov 7, 2024 Loading… Loading… Members JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more… Back Top Bottom Forums New posts Post thread Back | 2024-11-26T19:58:28.895849 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/members/teamo.13178/ | Current visitors Verified members Jamii Check Stories of Change Start Discussion Fichua Uovu (MDAU) Staff Online Menu Log in Register Navigation More options Change style Contact us Close Menu Navigation General Forums Sports & Entertainment Education, Tech & Professional JF English Only Forums East African Forums Fichua Uovu Stories of Change JamiiCheck Members Teamo JF-Expert Member Joined Jan 9, 2009 Last seen Sep 14, 2024 Posts 12,271 Reaction score 1,049 Points 2,000 Find Find content Find all content by Teamo Find all threads by Teamo Live New Posts Postings About The news feed is currently empty. Loading… Loading… Members JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more… Back Top Bottom Forums New posts Post thread Back | 2024-11-26T19:58:30.967133 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/posts/2158959/reactions | New Posts Search forums Jamii Check Stories of Change Start Discussion Fichua Uovu (MDAU) Staff Online Menu Log in Register Navigation More options Change style Contact us Close Menu Navigation General Forums Sports & Entertainment Education, Tech & Professional JF English Only Forums East African Forums Fichua Uovu Stories of Change JamiiCheck Forums Educational, Tech & Prof Jukwaa la Lugha Kiswahili: Methali, Vitendawili, nahau, Misemo n.k Members who reacted to message #1 All (5) Thanks (5) S Sep 13, 2024 smoto New Member Posts 0 Reaction score 0 Points 0 Sep 2, 2022 WANGECI WA NGUGI Member Posts 67 Reaction score 69 Points 125 Jan 23, 2021 tpaul JF-Expert Member Posts 23,459 Reaction score 21,393 Points 2,000 Jul 21, 2017 Iringa Native JF-Expert Member · From Iringa,Pawaga Posts 961 Reaction score 3,052 Points 1,000 Jul 21, 2017 Polite JF-Expert Member Posts 1,095 Reaction score 816 Points 2,000 Loading… Forums Educational, Tech & Prof Jukwaa la Lugha Kiswahili: Methali, Vitendawili, nahau, Misemo n.k JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more… Back Top Bottom Forums New posts Post thread Back | 2024-11-26T19:58:31.840915 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/members/bao3.17977/ | Current visitors Verified members Jamii Check Stories of Change Start Discussion Fichua Uovu (MDAU) Staff Online Menu Log in Register Navigation More options Change style Contact us Close Menu Navigation General Forums Sports & Entertainment Education, Tech & Professional JF English Only Forums East African Forums Fichua Uovu Stories of Change JamiiCheck Members B Bao3 JF-Expert Member Joined Aug 7, 2009 Last seen May 3, 2010 Posts 318 Reaction score 27 Points 0 Find Find content Find all content by Bao3 Find all threads by Bao3 Live New Posts Postings About The news feed is currently empty. Loading… Loading… Members JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more… Back Top Bottom Forums New posts Post thread Back | 2024-11-26T19:58:32.371330 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/tags/vitendawili/ | 1. Nkiamka asubuhi nnafanya kazi zangu kwa haraka ili niwahi kazini na ninawahi. 2. Nikiwa nimechelewa kazini au mahala flani huwa naongeza mwendo wa kutembea ili niwahi katika jukumu hilo na nnawahi. 3. Nikitaka kumaliza mtihani kwa wakati lazima nikimbizane na muda ili nimalize maswali yote... ABUU KAUTHAR Tukio la kawaida la mkusanyiko wa watu kumkumbuka mpendwa wao limenifumbua akili na kuyajua mambo mengi kuhusu siasa za nchi hii na asili ya uhusiano wa karibu wa baadhi ya watu. Nazungumzia kumbukizi ya miaka 20 tangu kufariki kwa mmoja wa viongozi mahiri wa Chama cha Mapinduzi... USULI Uchaguzi Mkuu huzalisha vitendawili vingi vinavyopaswa kujibiwa na wapiga kura katika harakati zao za kusimamia ujenzi wa jamii inayowajibika kisiasa, kiuchumi na kijamii. Kitendawili kimojawapo ni swali lifuatalo: Kati ya Taifa linalotekeleza sera ya kutenganisha kofia ya kisiasa na... Achari yalisha. The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this... JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. | 2024-11-26T19:58:33.249966 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/posts/544552/reactions | New Posts Search forums Jamii Check Stories of Change Start Discussion Fichua Uovu (MDAU) Staff Online Menu Log in Register Navigation More options Change style Contact us Close Menu Navigation General Forums Sports & Entertainment Education, Tech & Professional JF English Only Forums East African Forums Fichua Uovu Stories of Change JamiiCheck Forums Educational, Tech & Prof Jukwaa la Lugha Kiswahili: Methali, Vitendawili, nahau, Misemo n.k Members who reacted to message #2 All (2) Thanks (2) May 18, 2022 Kilembwe JF-Expert Member · From Mwanza Posts 2,058 Reaction score 1,608 Points 2,000 Oct 21, 2018 mzee wa mazabe JF-Expert Member Posts 843 Reaction score 627 Points 1,000 Loading… Forums Educational, Tech & Prof Jukwaa la Lugha Kiswahili: Methali, Vitendawili, nahau, Misemo n.k JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more… Back Top Bottom Forums New posts Post thread Back | 2024-11-26T19:58:34.113285 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/stop-calling-your-husband-by-his-name-and-use-any-of-these-9.2276042/ | On the off chance that you keep on alluding to your significant other by his most memorable name, you are not just showing him that you hold him in low respect, however it additionally can possibly be deciphered as an affront. Assuming you are hitched, there are many names that you can call your better half. In the event that you are not hitched, then again, picking a name for your beau or lover is simply difficult. Assuming you are hitched, there are many names that you might call your significant other. There are a plenty of names from which you can decide to allude to your significant other on the off chance that you are hitched. After you and your accomplice have sealed the deal, you have a wide assortment of choices accessible to you as far as the name that you will call your better half. We have gathered a rundown of ten exceptional Names for Boyfriend that are both enchanting and heartfelt for you to browse so you might address him in a way that is really stand-out. You can utilize this rundown to pick a name for your sweetheart that is really stand-out. 1-One of the names that is utilized all over the world the most as a rule is honey. Honey is likewise one of the names that is utilized for this substance. One of the names of the thing is honey. Individuals who value each other and try to show their adoration and energy for each other are known to utilize this assertion. This training has been known to exist starting from the dawn of mankind. These people try to show to each other how profoundly they care for each other. 2-Sweetheart is one more typical name that is utilized by a many individuals all around the world who love somebody without question and need to show their friendship towards their friends and family by utilizing this name. This name is utilized by individuals who love somebody without a doubt and need to show their friendship toward their friends and family by utilizing this name. Individuals who have a profound, withstanding energy for someone else and wish to pass that adoration on to those they esteem through the use of this name give that individual this moniker. This name comes from the expression "darling," which, when delivered in English, is comparable to "dear." 3-Baby Doll is one more gorgeous pet name that ladies provide for their sweethearts or companions who seem like infants with wide eyes, little lips, and cheeks that make them look charming like a child doll. This is one of the more normal pet names that ladies use. This is quite possibly of the most common moniker that ladies call their male loved ones. This is an epithet that is gave onto guys by their female colleagues, whether or not or not the men being referred to are spouses or beaus. 4-My Angel/Angel Eyes/Angel Face — Women refer to their spouses or sweethearts as "my holy messenger" or "heavenly messenger eyes" or "heavenly messenger face" when they grin at them in light of the fact that the other individual has beautiful eyes and a face that gives the feeling that they are grinning at a heavenly messenger that has dropped from paradise. These are normal names that are used while talking about inhabitants of the United Kingdom. 5. If you have any desire to show your better half the amount you care about him and express your affection for him, you can refer to him as "my adoration," which is one more articulation for your companion. Along these lines, you can show your significant other the amount you care about him and express your affection for him. You are allowed to allude to him by this name at whatever point you want to pass on to him how profoundly you care for him or the amount of warmth you possess for him. One of the names is utilized the most often by ladies when they are alluding to their spouses, and it has been in need for various years as of now. Moreover, one of the names is utilized the most often in the English language. 6. My Darling - If you are searching for a heartfelt term for your better half, one more choice is "my sweetheart," which alludes to an in a vital individual spot in your life and who reliably helps you have a positive outlook on what your identity is. On the off chance that you are searching for a heartfelt term for your significant other, "my sweetheart" is another choice. "My dear" is one more option for you to consider in the event that you are looking for a heartfelt term to allude to your better half. At the point when you utilize this name to address him, he will realize that he is truly significant in your life and that he assists with filling in any spaces that might be available in your reality because of the way that he is dependably there for you. He will likewise know that when you utilize this name to address him, you are telling him that he is truly significant in your life. This will make it clear to him that he has the highest level of significance in your life as of now. 7. A sexuality that is suggestive of monsters: If he is a creature sweetheart as am I, then, at that point, this will enliven the fierce sexuality that has been lying lethargic inside him! In addition to the fact that it has staggering great looks, yet it likewise has a character that is completely charming. Being ideal for him every which way is going! 8. Any man who draws in light of a legitimate concern for ladies who need a man who seems to areas of strength for be strong in look ought to be alluded to as a "hunk," since this is the legitimate title for such a man. Any man who satisfies this standards will wind up in this present circumstance. Why not give them this title, since it shows how much respect you have for both their presentation and their disposition? They will think it is astonishing that you have given them this name to call themselves. They will allude to themselves as. 9. On the off chance that you are searching for a charming and caring epithet to call your better half, perhaps of the most ideal choice you have is to refer to him as "Dear Heart." This shows the profundity of your concern for him as well as the importance he holds in your day to day existence by featuring the scope of your anxiety. Source: In the event that you are not hitched, then again, picking a name for your beau or lover is simply difficult. Assuming you are hitched, there are many names that you might call your significant other. There are a plenty of names from which you can decide to allude to your significant other on the off chance that you are hitched. After you and your accomplice have sealed the deal, you have a wide assortment of choices accessible to you as far as the name that you will call your better half. We have gathered a rundown of ten exceptional Names for Boyfriend that are both enchanting and heartfelt for you to browse so you might address him in a way that is really stand-out. You can utilize this rundown to pick a name for your sweetheart that is really stand-out. 1-One of the names that is utilized all over the world the most as a rule is honey. Honey is likewise one of the names that is utilized for this substance. One of the names of the thing is honey. Individuals who value each other and try to show their adoration and energy for each other are known to utilize this assertion. This training has been known to exist starting from the dawn of mankind. These people try to show to each other how profoundly they care for each other. 2-Sweetheart is one more typical name that is utilized by a many individuals all around the world who love somebody without question and need to show their friendship towards their friends and family by utilizing this name. This name is utilized by individuals who love somebody without a doubt and need to show their friendship toward their friends and family by utilizing this name. Individuals who have a profound, withstanding energy for someone else and wish to pass that adoration on to those they esteem through the use of this name give that individual this moniker. This name comes from the expression "darling," which, when delivered in English, is comparable to "dear." 3-Baby Doll is one more gorgeous pet name that ladies provide for their sweethearts or companions who seem like infants with wide eyes, little lips, and cheeks that make them look charming like a child doll. This is one of the more normal pet names that ladies use. This is quite possibly of the most common moniker that ladies call their male loved ones. This is an epithet that is gave onto guys by their female colleagues, whether or not or not the men being referred to are spouses or beaus. 4-My Angel/Angel Eyes/Angel Face — Women refer to their spouses or sweethearts as "my holy messenger" or "heavenly messenger eyes" or "heavenly messenger face" when they grin at them in light of the fact that the other individual has beautiful eyes and a face that gives the feeling that they are grinning at a heavenly messenger that has dropped from paradise. These are normal names that are used while talking about inhabitants of the United Kingdom. 5. If you have any desire to show your better half the amount you care about him and express your affection for him, you can refer to him as "my adoration," which is one more articulation for your companion. Along these lines, you can show your significant other the amount you care about him and express your affection for him. You are allowed to allude to him by this name at whatever point you want to pass on to him how profoundly you care for him or the amount of warmth you possess for him. One of the names is utilized the most often by ladies when they are alluding to their spouses, and it has been in need for various years as of now. Moreover, one of the names is utilized the most often in the English language. 6. My Darling - If you are searching for a heartfelt term for your better half, one more choice is "my sweetheart," which alludes to an in a vital individual spot in your life and who reliably helps you have a positive outlook on what your identity is. On the off chance that you are searching for a heartfelt term for your significant other, "my sweetheart" is another choice. "My dear" is one more option for you to consider in the event that you are looking for a heartfelt term to allude to your better half. At the point when you utilize this name to address him, he will realize that he is truly significant in your life and that he assists with filling in any spaces that might be available in your reality because of the way that he is dependably there for you. He will likewise know that when you utilize this name to address him, you are telling him that he is truly significant in your life. This will make it clear to him that he has the highest level of significance in your life as of now. 7. A sexuality that is suggestive of monsters: If he is a creature sweetheart as am I, then, at that point, this will enliven the fierce sexuality that has been lying lethargic inside him! In addition to the fact that it has staggering great looks, yet it likewise has a character that is completely charming. Being ideal for him every which way is going! 8. Any man who draws in light of a legitimate concern for ladies who need a man who seems to areas of strength for be strong in look ought to be alluded to as a "hunk," since this is the legitimate title for such a man. Any man who satisfies this standards will wind up in this present circumstance. Why not give them this title, since it shows how much respect you have for both their presentation and their disposition? They will think it is astonishing that you have given them this name to call themselves. They will allude to themselves as. 9. On the off chance that you are searching for a charming and caring epithet to call your better half, perhaps of the most ideal choice you have is to refer to him as "Dear Heart." This shows the profundity of your concern for him as well as the importance he holds in your day to day existence by featuring the scope of your anxiety. Source: Stop Calling Your Husband By His Name, Rather Call Him Any Of These 9 Special Names - Ghanamma.com Calling your husband by his name is a sign of disrespect and can be considered as an insult. If you are married then there are hundreds of names to call your husband, but if you are not married then it is not that easy to find a name for your boyfriend or lover. Here we […] www.ghanamma.com | 2024-11-26T19:58:35.085308 | null |
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https://www.jamiiforums.com/tags/methali/ | 1. Aanguaye huanguliwa. 2. Asiye sikia la mkuu, huvunjika guu. 3. Abebwaye hujikaza. 4. Adhabu ya kaburi aijuae maiti. 5. Adui aangukapo, mnyanyue. 6. Adui mpende. 7. Adui wa mtu ni mtu. 8. Afadhali ya Musa kuliko ya Firauna. 9. Ahadi ni deni. 10. Ajidhaniaye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. 11... Yaani sijui hawa watoto maisha yako huko mbele yatakuwaje isee sikuendeleea nikamwambia akamwambie mama yake njaa inaniuma ila nimebaki na stress kila nikimwangalia na jamii hii ilivyo kazi ipo... Taifa la kesho linabalaa sana. Kutoka kitabu hadithi za Kisukuma. Methali na Tafsiri Makono hoya babyaji ba banhu: Mikono ndiyo wazazi wa watu: fanya kazi kwa mikono yako uishi. Buka mundi tukalye sha balimi: Miguu yangu inukeni tukale vya wakulima, mvivu huishi kwa jasho la wenziwe. Mkono gumo gutatobaga buki: Mkono... Utawala wa Uadilifu na Uwajibikaji: Kujifunza kutoka Methali ya ‘Kiti Kikubwa Hakimfanyi Mfalme’ Tanzania Mwandishi: MwlRCT UTANGULIZI a) Muktadha wa mada na umuhimu wake: Tanzania ni nchi inayojitahidi kufikia maendeleo endelevu kwa wananchi wake. Ili kufanikisha hilo, ni muhimu kuwa na... Adhabu ya kaburi aijua maiti, The touture of the grave is only known by the corpse Akiba haiozi, A reserve will not decay Asifuye mvuwa imemnyea. He who praises rain has been rained on. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Great wit drives away wisdom Asiye kubali kushindwa si mshindani. He who does... Kuna mahusiano yapo kwenye methali isemayo "mvumilivu hula mbivu" but another time inageuka "ngojangoja huumiza matumbo" "Waliochagua Nazi wakaishia koroma" wamebaki kupata na "usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao". Mi kuna mchongo nausikilizia,tusikie kwenu Nyie mlio dimbani mahusiano yenu yapo... Kila mtu anapitia ya kwake na kwa muda wake , vitu vingi vinatukwamisha ,vingi vinatujenga vingine vinatuabisha vingine vitupa moyo na furaha. hivi kwamba hali yako ya maisha ya sasa ungeambiwa utumie methali,Nahau au msemo wowote kuielezea ungetumia METHALI au MSEMO Upi? kwa Upande wangu mimi... Wacha tuone nani mbabe katika lugha ya kiswahili? Nani anaweza kutupa maana sahihi ya methali hii? Mimi nimeitafuta kwa muda mrefu na mwishowe nimeipata. Lakini nataka kujua kama wabongo wanajua kiswahili kama wanavyojisifu. Cha mkufuu mwanafuu ha na akila hu. Cha mwanafuu mkufuu hu, na akila ha. Kwa mujibu wa ripoti ya Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar SMZ iliyochapishwa kwenye ukurasa wa kijamii wa Twitter wa mbunge Zitto Kabwe ambayo imetoka ndani ya Serikali, inaonyesha kuwa mpaka jana mei 6, 2020 Zanzibar ina visa vya COVID 235 na vifo vitokanavyo na ugonjwa huo vipatavyo 32... Nabendaga sana methali hizi, pale jambo mtu anapolificha wakati akijua ni lazima litatoa outcome mbeleni. Kwa mfano mtu akificha ujauzito/ mimba muda ukisonga itajulikana tu anamimba. Ni hayo tu nimekumbuka mbali sana. Hasa pale muibuko unapotokea. inakuwaga aibu na fedheha. Jamani tuenzi... 1. Aanguaye huanguliwa. 2. Asiye sikia la mkuu, huvunjika guu. 3. Abebwaye hujikaza. 4. Adhabu ya kaburi aijuae maiti. 5. Adui aangukapo, mnyanyue. 6. Adui mpende. 7. Adui wa mtu ni mtu. 8. Afadhali ya Musa kuliko ya Firauna. 9. Ahadi ni deni. 10. Ajidhaniaye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. 11... Achari yalisha. The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this... JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. | 2024-11-26T19:58:42.256628 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/posts/562698/reactions | New Posts Search forums Jamii Check Stories of Change Start Discussion Fichua Uovu (MDAU) Staff Online Menu Log in Register Navigation More options Change style Contact us Close Menu Navigation General Forums Sports & Entertainment Education, Tech & Professional JF English Only Forums East African Forums Fichua Uovu Stories of Change JamiiCheck Forums Educational, Tech & Prof Jukwaa la Lugha Kiswahili: Methali, Vitendawili, nahau, Misemo n.k Members who reacted to message #7 All (1) Thanks (1) Sep 2, 2022 WANGECI WA NGUGI Member Posts 67 Reaction score 69 Points 125 Loading… Forums Educational, Tech & Prof Jukwaa la Lugha Kiswahili: Methali, Vitendawili, nahau, Misemo n.k JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more… Back Top Bottom Forums New posts Post thread Back | 2024-11-26T19:58:42.773037 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/kiswahili-methali-vitendawili-nahau-misemo-n-k.273327/post-562687 | JamiiForums JF Official Account - Nov 9, 2006 - 6,227 - 5,267 Achari yalisha. The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) The pickle is an appetizer. Pickles make the guest relish the food. (If you need something from someone request for it in a polite and pleasant manner.) Ada ya mja hunena, mwungwana ni kitendo. It is customary for a slave to talk, but a free man acts. (Mja is only used in this way in this proverb, otherwise it would be - a foreigner) Adhabu ya kaburi, aijua maiti. The torture of the grave is known only to the dead. (The one who wears the shoes knows where they pinch.One who has personally experienced poverty, need and suffering, knows how difficult life can be.) Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona. Deliverance(from ill luck or disaster) is of two kinds, to die or to get better(live). Afugaye ngombe tume, mwenye maziwa la kujaza. He who keeps a healthy cow will have plenty of milk.(If you are diligent, you will enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Ahadi ni deni. A promise is a debt.(A promise is binding. A trustworthy person keeps his word.) Aibu ya maiti, aijua mwosha. The real shame of the dead is only known by the Moritician. (No man is a hero to his wife.You get to know the weak aspects of another person´s character through closer contact.) Aisifuye mvua / jua, imemnyea / limemwangaza. He who praises rain / sun has been rained on / has been shone on by the sun.(He who talks of man's goodness is one who has benefited by it) Ajali haina kinga wala kufara. Fate has no prevention or sacrifice of avail. Ajidhaniye amesimama, aangalie asianguke. He who believes to be standing firm, should be careful not to fall. (The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Akaaye karibu na moto, huandaliwa mwanzo. If you sit near to the fire (where the food is being cooked), you will be the first to be served. (Maintain good relations with influential persons. Keep close to those in power. Take advantage of good opportunties. It will help you to prosper. You are at an advantage if you be in the right place at the right time.) Akiba haiozi. A reserve(savings) does not decay.(Put something away for a rainy day). Akiba si mbi (mbaya), na ingawa kumbi. Savings are not bad, even if they are only coconut fibres. (Savings will be of benefit to you, even if they be of a meagre value now.) Akikaanga, tu chini ya gae. When he fries, we are under the frying pan.(The walls have ears.Somebody always finds out a secret) Akili (ni) mali. Knowledge is (brings) wealth. (If you acquire higher studies or have learnt a profession, you will be able to maintain yourself.) Akili ni nywele; kila mtu ana zake. Reasoning is like hair, every person has his own. No two people are alike. Akili nyingi huondowa maarifa. Too much wit diminishes wisdom, intelligence. (Too much thought overlooks the wisdom.If you believe that you are more intelligent than others and ignore good advice given to you, you are likely to underestimate difficulties and go astray.) Akipenda chongo huita, huona kengeza. If he loves, he will call a one-eyed person a squinter. (Love is blind) Akishindwa sultani, raia huweza nini? When even the king knows no solution to a problem, what can a citizen do to solve it? (Listen to the advice of people more competent than you. Keep within your limits.) Akitaka kaa, mpe moto. If he wants a piece of charcoal give him fire. (If someone is looking for a quarrel, give him hell. If someone needs help from you, be generous.) Akomapo mwenyeji na mgeni koma papo. Where the native stops, the guest should stop too. (If you are living in a foreign country, adapt yourself to the customs of the people there.) Akufukuzaye hakwambii, Toka! The person who wants to drive you away, does not say, Get out! (When you feel that your presence is unwanted, retire gracefully at the right moment. Carefully observe the attitude of others towards you.) Akumulikaye mchana; usiku akuchoma. He who shines a light on you during the day, sets fire to you during the night.(shows your inconsistencies and destroys your reputation at night)(He who flatters you is a hypocrite. He wants to expolit you.) Akupaye kisogo si mwenzio. He who turns his back on you is not your friend. Akupigaye, ndiye akufunzaye. He who beats you is the one who teaches you.(Rigid discipline is necessary in educational matters.) Akutendaye mlipe. Reward a person who does good to you. Akutendaye mtende; usimche asiyekutenda. Harm him who harms you and fear him who harms you not.(Better to have an enemy whom you know well, than to associate with a friendly person whose background and intentions are vague and not transparent.) Alalaye usimwamshe; ukimwamsha, utalala wewe. Don't awake one who is asleep; if you awake him, remember you too will sleep. Let sleeping dogs lie. Alisifuyejua, limemwangaza. He who praised the sun, now has the sun shining on him. Aliyekando, haangukiwi na mti. He who stays to the side will not be hit by a falling tree. Aliyeko juu, mungojee chini Wait at the bottom of the ladder for the one who is at the top of it. Play your part. Aliyekupa wewe kiti, ndiye alinipa mimi kumbi. He who gave you a chair(throne) is the one who gave me a coconut husk. (Do not despise me because of my station in life) Aliyepandisha wengine ngazini, hupigwa teke menoni. The one who has helped others climb the ladder, gets kicked in the teeth. (Do not expect gratitude from anyone you have helped. Aliyepata fedha, hutaka kuiliza. He who has received money, wants to make it sound.(Those who were paupers and then got rich, like to show off.) Aliyetota, hajui kutota. He who has drowned, does not know how to drown. (If you have nothing, you know not poverty.) Amani haipatikani ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace is not possible except by the point of a sword.(If you want peace, prepare for war. If you are bold and resistant, you will not be easily subject to ill-treatment.) Ambiwao ngano, naye ana zake.. The one who is told a story, he himself has his own story. (The one listening to your story, knows when you are telling tales.) Amekula ngano.He has eaten wheat. (A person does harm to himself by disobeying the given laws and regulations.In Islam, the forbidden fruit is wheat.) Amepata fimbo, atapata mambo..He has a walking stick (symbol of power,insignia), he will have matters(power). (Status wields power.) Amerudisha tende Manga..He has returned dates to Arabia.(Arabia exports dates. It makes no sense doing useless work.He is preaching to the choir.) Amnyimae punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi. He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces the donkey's farts. Ana hasira za mkizi. He is as angry as a cuttlefish(a fish which jump out of the water and lands on a boat or beach, killing itself). (Out of the frying pan and into the fire) Anayekataa wengi ni mchawi. He who does not like crowds(company) is a sorcerer.(He who avoids people has something to hide) Anayekuja pasina hodi, huondoka pasina kuaga. He who comes without asking to enter, will leave without saying goodby.(Untrustworthy) Anayeonja asali, huchonga mzinga. He who tastes honey will build a hive. Anayetaka hachoki; hata akichoka kishapata. He who wants does not tire; when he tires he has what he wants. Angeenda juu kipungu, hafikilii mbinguni. Even though the hawk flies high, it does not reach heaven. Angepaa kipungu, marejeo ni mtini.The eagle may soar upwards, but he will return to his tree. (We may go abroad, but will return home one day. We are inclined to go back to our roots.) Angurumapo simba, mcheza nani? Where the lion roars, who will play?(consider your place in society before challenging) Amini uonayo, siyo uyasikiayo.Trust what you see, do not believe what you hear. (Trust facts, not rumours (gossip).) Amnyimaye punda adesi, kampunguzia mashuzi..He who withholds lentils from a donkey, reduces his farts. Ana hasira za mkizi..He has the temper of a cuttle-fish. (A hot-temper causes rash action.) Ana usingizi kama pono.He sleeps like a pono-fish. (He is lazy and lethargic.) Anikataaye, nami namkataa..He who rejects me, I too reject him . Aninyimae mbuzi kanipunguzia mashuzi. . One who with holds goat meat from me, reduces my farts. (Do not add coal to the fire.) Anipendaye, nami nampenda.I shall love the one who loves me. Apataye, si mwenzioHe who gets rich is no longer your friend. (Those who prosper are inclined to forget their origins.) Apewaye ndiye aongezwaye. He who is given is the one who is given even more.(The rich get richer. God has his own preferences.) Aisifuye mvua, imemnyeshea..He who praises rain has been rained upon.(The one who has profited from something also knows to appreciate it. Also... The moment you presume all is well, trouble is likely to start.) Asali na shurubat, hayana ladha moja .Honey and syrup do not have the same taste. Ashibaye, hamjui mwenye njaa..He who has his fill, does not know the needs of a hungry person. (The rich take care of themselves and ignore the underprivileged.) Asimamaye haendi mbio, hajafukuzwa..The one who stands (firm), does not move quickly or easily but has not been chased away. (It is not easy to dislodge a dignitary once he is in power, but it is possible.) Asiyebahati habahatiki(shi). He who is unlucky is never lucky. Asiyefunzwa na mamaye, hufunzwa na ulimwengu. He who is not taught by his mother, is taught by the world.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Asiyejua maana, haambiwi maana. He who does not know reason cannot be told reason.(You cannot teach a fool.) Asiyekubali kushindwa, si mshindani. He who does not admit defeat or agree to lose, is not a competitor, fighter or debater.(Some people will never admit they are wrong) Asiyekujua hakuthamini. He who does not know you, does not value you. Asiyekuwapo machoni, na moyoni hayupo. He who is not in sight, is not in the heart.(Out of sight, out of mind.) Asiyekuwapo na lake halipo. He who is absent loses his share. Asiye na kumi, ana moja.He who does not have ten, has at least one. (No one is totally destitute with no talents at all.) Asiye na mengi, ana machache. He who does not have much, has few problems. Asiyepo haangukiwiThe one who is not there, nothing will fall on him. (He who stands aloof from others avoids difficulties.) Asiyesikia la mkuu(wazee), huona makuu(huvunja guu) He who does not listen to the leader(elders), comes to grief(breaks a leg). Asiyeuliza, hanalo ajifunzalo. He who does not ask, does not have what he needs to learn. Atambaaye na nyasi, mtambulie ni nyoka..If you hear something creeping in the grass, take it for granted that it is a snake. (If someone flatters you, take it for granted that he wants something.) from you. Atangaye sana na jua hujuwa. He who always wanders around in the sun(by day)learns much. (The more you see, the more you learn) (Keep your eyes open) Atangazaye mirimo si mwana wa ruwari. The one who announces the tasks is not necessarily the son of the Liwali(headman). Don't kill the messenger. Auguaye huangaliwa. He who is sick is cared for. Avuaye nguo huchutama. He who removes his clothes, squats.(Do not display in public. If you have made a mistake, lie low.) Avumaye baharini papa (kumbe wengine wapo). At the seaside, it is the shark which has a bad name(Giving a dog a bad name).The shark may be the "catch", but there are other fish in the sea. Baada ya dhiki faraja. After hardship comes relief.(After a storm there is calm. Every cloud has a silver lining.) Baada ya kisa mkasa. Baada ya chanzo kitendo. Tit for tat. Baba wa kando si baba.. A step-father is not a father.(Blood is thicker than water.) Bamba na waume ni bamba; hakuna bamba la mume. A council of many men is a council; there is no council of one man alone. Bandu bandu huisha gogo. Cutting small chips finishes the log. Baniani mbaya kiatu chake dawa. A bad Indian but his boot is medicine.(His wares are good.) Bendera hufuata upepo. A flag flies in the direction of the wind.(A person who has no steadafast character wavers according to time and trends.) Biashara haigombi.In business there are no quarrels.(A trader does not quarrel with his customers.) Bilashi, bilashi, katu haitoshi..For nothing, for nothing, never satisfies. (If you give someone something he has not worked for, he will not appreciate it.) Bilisi wa mtu ni mtu. The evil spirit of a man is (himself)in him. (He is his own worst enemy). Binadamu ni majembe - ukiyaweka pamoja yatagongana..Human beings are like hoes - If you place them near each other they will clash. Bora afya kuliko mali. It is better to be healthy than wealthy. Bura(inferior cloth) yangu si badili na rehani(debwani)(a superior cloth). What I have, I will not change for another's.(We can value our own even if it is inferior compared to another.It is better to be content with what you own, than to borrow and show off.) Bure ni malio, pasipo na sikio..It is useless to cry, where there is no one listening to you. (Solve your own problems, do not depend on others.) Cha kichwa kitamu, na cha mkia kitamu..If the head is sweet (tasty), the tail is sweet (tasty) too. (If the beginning was good, the end will be good, too.) Cha kuvunda, hakina ubani. Stench cannot be masked even by incense.(Once the reputation of a person has been ruined, it is difficult to set it right again.) Cha kuvunja, hakina rubani.. That which is broken, has no helmsman. Cha mlevi huliwa na mgema.The drunkard's money/property/well-being is consumed by the palm-wine trapper. Chanda chema huvikwa pete. A handsome/pretty finger gets the ring. Chema chajiuza, kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing/deed/word sells itself(is successful), a bad thing treads on itself(destroys itself). Chema hakikai..A good thing does not stay long. (Happy days are a passing shadow. Good luck and happiness are fragile and short-lived.) Chembe na chembe ni mkate.Grains added together make bread. (Small things add up) Chombo cha kuzama(kuvunja) hakina usukani(rubani). A sunk vessel(damaged) has no rudder(helmsman). What is predestined is inevitable. Chombo hakienda ila kwa nyenzo. A vessel does not sail without something propelling it. Chombo kilichopikiwa samaki hakiachi kunuka vumba. A pot in which fish has been cooked cannot avoid a fishy smell.(Once tarnished, a reputation is ruined.) Chovya,chovya yamaliza buyu la asali. Constant dripping will empty the gourd of honey.(Little by little(waste)and it is gone) Chui hageuki madoamadoa.A leopard does not change its spots. Chukua maji, hata ukifikilie maji..Carry water with you until you find fresh water. Chungu kibovu, kimekuwa magae. The pot with the defect has become a potsherd (a heap of fragments). (That which is poorly made is reduced to rubble. Poor planning leads to failure.) Chungu kikuu, hakikosi ukoko.A cooking utensil which has been used for long usually has a crust at the bottom. Chunguni yaingiayo, ni mambo yatufaayo..Things which enter the collection(pile)(pot) are those which are useful for us.(We keep that which is useful to us.) Dalili ya mvua mawingu. The sign of rain is clouds . Damu nzito kuliko maji. Blood is thicker than water. Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi; likienda joshi ni mungu kupenda. The poor, feeble man's boat does not go straight ahead; if it does, it is because god wills it. Dawa ya moto ni moto. The remedy to fire is fire. (Fire must be met with fire.) Debe shinda haliachi kutika. Cans not empty still make noise. Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe. The curse of the fowl does not bother the kite.(The fowl cannot fly from the hawk.) Dunia duwara.The world is round. (Do no harm to anyone, lest you meet him again.) Dunia huleta jema na ovu.The world brings good and bad things. Dunia mti mkavu, kiumbe siulemee(usiulemee).This world is a withered tree.(This world as a place of sorrow compared to bliss in heaven.Do not trust it.) Dunia mwenda wa ngisi, kamwe msiliwale (msilisahau).The world moves like an octopus, never forget that. (The ways of the world are unpredictable.) Duniani ni msiba na furaha, kuna ugonjwa na siha.In life there is misfortune and joy, there is sickness and wealth. (Take things as they come.) Elimu bahari, haina kuta wala dari. Knowledge is an ocean, it has neither walls nor a roof. Fadili mpe mama, na Mola takubarikiGive your mother grace and gratitude and God will bless you. Fadhili ya nyuki ni moto. A bee's thanks is fire.(Bees are smoked out for their honey.) Fadhila ya punda ni mateke(mashuzi). The gratitude of a donkey is a kick(fart).(Learn to deal with ingratitude) Faragha ya nyani, huishia ngokoni.The privacy of a monkey ends up at the red spot at his behind. Fahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls cannot remain in the same pasture. Fedha fedheha..Money is a disgrace. (Money is a temptation to do evil.) Figa moja, haliinjiki chungu..One stone will not support a cooking-pot. Fimbo ya mbali hayiuwi nyoka. A distant weapon does not kill a snake.. Fimbo la mnyonge mlifi Mungu.The walking stick of a poor person is paid for by God. Fuata nyuki ule asali. Follow bees and you will eat honey. Fumbo mfumbie mjinga mwerevu huligangua. A riddle to a fool is unsolvable but a clever person will solve it. Fungato haliumizi kuni..The knot does not hurt the firewood. Ganda la muwa la jana chungu kaona kivuno. The skin of yesterday's sugarcane is a havest to an ant. Haba na haba hujaza kibaba. Little by little fills up the measure. Habari ya uwongo, ncha zake saba, habari ya kweli, ncha yake moja..A lie has seven edges(interpretations), while the truth has just one(interpretation). Haidhuru, inadhuru..Carlessness is harmful. Haishi matendi, ni kama hatendi. He who does not finish his work, is like someone who did not work. Hajuliki mwema na muovu..It is difficult to distuinguish between a good and a bad person. Hakuna apandaye ngazi, bila kujua njia wa kuteremka.No one climbs a ladder, if he does not know how to descend. (Keep within your limits.) Hakuna bahari, isiyo na mawimbi..There is no sea without waves. Hakuna kisicho badali.There is nothing that cannot be replaced. Hakuna kisicho nduguye.There is no thing without its brother. Hakuna marefu yasiyo na ncha. There is nothing so long that has no end. Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu. There are no heavy rains that do not bring mosquitoes. It is an ill wind that brings no good. Hakuna msiba usio na mwenziwe. There is no unaccompanied misfortune. Hakuna raha isiyo na karaha.There is no joy without disgust. Hakuna siri ya watu wawili.There is no secret between two people. Hakuna zaidi mbovu. There is no increase to that which is rotten. Hali ya kaburi, mwulize maiti..Ask the dead about the grave. Hamadi ni iliyo bindoni; silaha ni iliyo mkononi. That which you have in your pocket is your safeguard; that which you have in your hand is your weapon. Hana (kitu) mbele (yake), hana (kitu) nyuma (yake). He has no past nor no future.(He has no geneology or family tradition.) Hapana marefu yasio na mwisho. There is no distance that has no end. Hapana siri ya watu wawili. There is no secret when two people are involved. Haraka haraka haina baraka. Hurry has no blessing. Hasara humfikia mwenye mabezo..Loss comes to a negligent person. Hasira, hasara. Anger brings loss(damage). Hasira za mkizi, tijara ya mvuvi..The anger of the cuttlefish(they are known to jump out of the water and into the boat) is the gain of the fisherman. Hauchi hauchi unakucha. Haya wi hayawi huwa. Time waits for no man. Heri adui mwerevu, kuliko rafiki (mwenzi) mpumbavu.. A clever enemy is better than a foolish friend. Heri jirani karibu kuliko ndugu mbali. A neighbour nearby is better than a distant relative.(Love the one you're with) Heri kufa macho kuliko kufa moyo. It is better to lose your eyesight than to lose heart. Heri kukwaa kidole kuliko kukwaa ulimi. It is better to stumble with the toe than the tongue. Heri kujikwa kidole kuliko ulimi. It is better to stub your toe than your tongue. Heri kuliwa na simba, kuliko kuliwa na fisi.It is better to be eaten up by a lion, than by a hyena.(You are alive when eaten by a lion(bravery),but dead when eaten by a hyena.It is better to be beaten by a brave person than a coward.) Heri kuwa mbichi, kuliko kuungua..It is better to be under cooked than burnt(not edible). Heri nusu ya shari kuliko shari kamili. Better half of something evil than all of it(a complete disaster).(Be thankful for small mercies. Heri ya mrama, kuliko kuzama..It is better to go astray, than to drown. Hiari kushinda utumwa. Choice is better than to be compelled.(Freedom is better than slavery) Hucheka kovu asiye kuwa na jeraha. He who laughs at a scar has not had a wound. Hulimbikwa nazi, juu ya minazi..The coconuts are left on the palm trees until such a time as they are well ripened. Ihsani (hisani)haiozi. Kindness does not rot.(Kindness is never forgotten.) Ikiwa hujui kufa,tazama kaburi. If you don't know death(what it is like), look at the grave. Iwapo nia njia hupatikana. Penye njia pana njia. Where there is a will there is a way. Ivumayo haidumu..That which makes a big noise does not last long. Jawabu ya kesho huandaa leo..The answer for tomorrow is prepared today. (Plan today the solutions for tomorrows problems.) Jicho liliona vilima halistuki na bonde..The eye that has seen mountains is not startled by valleys.(Mastered major challenges trivialize minor challenges. Jimbi tawika (atawika) jimbi, awikapo tawikia (atawika).. A cock will crow to a cock who in return will crow.( Braggarts encourage each other.) Jina jema hung'ara gizani. A good name shines in the dark. Jino la pembe si dawa ya pengo. An ivory tooth(elephant's)is not a cure for a gap(lost tooth). (A substitute, however grand, is never equal to the original.) Jitihadi haiondoi kudura ya mungu. Great effort does is not a substitute for faith(will of god).(What reason does a poor man, subject to injustice, have to believe)in God? Jitahidi utajidi.. Pursue with great effort and you will have more.(If you work hard, you will prosper.) Jivu halijai, gao la mkono. Ashes do not fill an open hand. Jogoo wa shamba hawiki mjini. The village cock does not crow in town. (Though wealthy, a countryman will be very challenged to excel in town. You are more comfortable and successful in familiar surroundings.) Juzi na jana, si kama ya leo..The day before yesterday and yesterday are not the same as today. (Things change.Do not use the past to evaluate the present.) Kafiri akufaye si Isilamu asiyekufa. When an infidel dies it is not like a Muslim who has not died. (The death of a non-believer is not of concern to a believer or is not as important as the believer who is alive) Kama chanda na pete.. Like a finger and its ring.(A finger and a ring are close/belong to to one another.) Kamba hukatika pabovu. A rope breaks where it is rotten. Kanga hazai ugenini. A guinea fowl does not lay eggs in strange places. Kata pua uunge wajihi..Cut off your nose so that you may improve your appearance. (Maintain your good reputation, even at the price of loosing something you treasure.) Kawaida ni kama sheria. Routine(status quo)is like(becomes)the law. Kawia ufike. It is better to delay in order to ensure(safe) arrival. Kazi mbaya siyo mchezo mwema. To do a poor job is not a good game(idea). Kelele za mlango haziniwasi usingizi. The creakings of the door deprives me of no sleep.(Small things do not worry me) Kenda karibu na kumi. Nine is near ten.(Close is good.Don't give up you are almost there) Kesho si leo..Tomorrow is not today. (Do not say you will pay tomorrow what you buy today). Kiburi si maungwana.Arrogance is not gentlemanly. Kichache hakikutoshi na kingi hakikulishi.. A little does not satisfy you and a lot will not feed you.(Greed can never be satisfied.) Kichango kuchangizana. A fund raising is for everyone to contribute.(Contributions accumulate) Kichwa cha kuku, hakistahamili kilemba.. A chicken's head does not deserve a comb.(Do not go beyond what befits you and your status.) Kidogo ni tamu, kingi ni sumu.. A little is sweet, a lot is poison. (Greed ruins.) Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa. One finger cannot kill a louse. Kifaranga hakifunzwi kuchakura..A chick is not taught scratching. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako.. That which eats(bites) you, is in your clothes.(Those who harm you are nearby.) Kila chombo kwa wimbile. Kila ndege huruka kwa ubawa wake. Every boat sails it's own waves. Every bird flies it's own course. Cut your coat according to your own cloth. Kilimia kikizama kwa jua huzuka kwa mvua, kikizama kwa mvua huzuka kwa jua. When the Pleiades set in sunlight(clear)they rise in rain; when they set in rain they rise in sunlight. Kingiacho mjini si haramu. That which is fashionable in town is never prohibited. Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako. That which eats you is in your clothing. Kila chombo kwa wimblile. Every vessel makes it's own waves. Kila mlango na ufunguo wake. Every door has it's own key. Kila mtoto na koja lake. To every child his own neck ornament. Kila mwamba ngoma ,ngozi huivuta kwake. Anyone who streches a skin on a drum, pulls the skin down on his own side. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake. Every bird flies with its own wings. Kila ndege mwenye mkia ni lazima aringe..A bird which has a (colourful) tail, shows off. Kilichomo baharini, kakingojee ufukoni.. Wait for that which is in the sea to show up on shore.(Things will sort themselves out at the end of the day.) Kilio huanza mfiwa ndipo wa mbali wakaingia. When the wailing begins for the deceased that is when those from afar join.(Help must begin at home before others will join.) ourselves. Kimya kingi kina mshindo mkubwa. A long silence is followed by a loud noise (mighty impact). Kinga na kinga ndipo moto uwakapo. One fire brand after another keeps the fire burning. Kinolewacho, hukata.That which is sharpened cuts. Kinyozi hajinyoi, akinyoa kujikata.. A barber does not cut his own hair, if he does he cuts himself. Kinywa ni jumba la maneno. The mouth is a large room of words. Kiozacho hutoa uvundo.. That which is rotten stinks. Kipendacho moyo ni dawa. What the heart desires is medicine to itself. Kipofu haonyi njia.. A blind man does not show or warn about the way. Kipofu hasahau fimbo yake..A blind man does not forget his walking-stick. Kipya kinyemi ingawa kidonda. A new thing is a source of joy even if it's a sore. Kisebusebu na roho kipapo. Refusing and wanting at the same time is uncertainty for the soul. Kisichofanana na mwenyewe, ni cha kuiba..That which does not resemble the owner is stolen. (This proverb is used when speaking of a child who behaves well, like its parents.) Kisokula mlimwengu, sera nale. What is not eaten by man, let the devil eat it. Kitanda usichokilala hujui kunguni wake.You cannot know what is in the bed on which you have not slept. Kitumbua changu, sikitie (usikitie) changa.. My rice cake, do not put sand into (on) it.(Do not meddle with my life.) Kivuli cha fimbo hakimfichi mtu jua. The shadow of a walking-stick cannot protect one from the sun. Kivuli cha mvumo, huwafunika walio mbali..The shadow of a deleb palm tree provides shade for those who are far away.(An important person's influence is widespread.) Kiwi cha yule ni chema chake hata ulimwengu uwishe. His blindness, confusion(dazed) is his good fortune even to the end of the world.(Better not to know) Kizuri chajiuza kibaya chajitembeza. A good thing sells itself a bad one treads on itself. Kobe atakufa asipojikuna nyumaye mwenyewe..The tortoise will die without ever having scratched his own back. (Some things are achievable.) Konzo ya maji haifumbatiki. A handful of water can not be grasped. Kosa moja haliachi mke. One woman's mistake never leaves her.(One fault does not warrant divorce of a wife). Kozi mwandada, kulala na njaa kupenda. If a Goshawk sleeps hungry it's his own choice. Kuambizana kuko kusikilizana hapana.Where there are only discussions, there are no agreements.(One who is not prepared to listen to good advice.) Kucha M'ngu si kilemba cheupe. The fear of God is not wearing a white turban. Kuchamba kwingi, kuondoka na mavi. A lot of farting results in ----. Kufa kikondoo, ndiko kufa kiungwana..To die calmly, is to die like a gentleman, lady. Kufa kufaana. Death has its advantages. (For example:inheritors) Kufa kwa jamaa, harusi. The result of the death of a relative is a wedding to others.(Relatives, friends and religious institutions profit from the inheritance, the food and the fees for the Koran-Recital.) (Compared to a death of a foreigner). Kufa kwa mdomo, mate hutawanyika. When the mouth dies, it produces spittle.(When the head of the family dies, that family breaks up.) Kufa si suna,ni faradhi..Death is not optional, it is inevitable. Kuinamako ndiko huinukako.. Where there is bowing, there is a rising.(Where there is humility, there is hope.) Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi. To live long is to see much. (Experience is the best teacher.) Kujikwa si kuanguka, bali ni kwenda mbele. To stumble is not to fall, but it is to go forward. Kukopa harusi, kulipa matanga. Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning. Kukosa (mali), si ila. Poverty is not a shame. Kuku havunji yai lake. A hen does not break her own egg. Kuku mgeni hakosi kamba mguuni. A new fowl always has string around it's legs. Kuku mwenye watoto, halengwi jiwe.. One does not throw a stone at a hen with a chick. (Do no harm to those who need to be protected.) Kuku wa maskini hatagi mayai..The hen of a poor man does not lay eggs. (The poor man has no opportunity to improve his status.) Kula kutamu, kulima mavune. The eating is sweet of the harvest which was farmed. Kulea mimba si kazi, kazi kulea mwana. It is not hard to nurse a pregnency,it is hard to rear child. Kumcha Mungu si kilemba cheupe. Love of God (faith in God) does not need the wearing of a white turban. Kumla ngutu si kazi, kazi kumwosha.It is not work to eat a king-fish, but there is work in cleaning it. Kumpa mwenzio si kutupa, ni akiba ya mbeleni..To give to a friend is not a waste, it is a savings(provision) for the future. Ku(m)washia taa pofu, ni kuharibu mafuta.. Lighting a lamp for a blind person is a waste of kerosene. (It is no use helping a person who does not know to appreciate it.) Kunako matanga kumekufa mtu. Where there is mourning someone has died. Kunguni wengi, kitanda hakaliki. When there is too much(problems), the bed is uninhabitable.. (Matters(marital) must be resolved before retiring to bed.) Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza mbawa zake. The timid crow withdraws his wings from harm. Kupanda mchongoma, kushuka ndio ngoma. The climbing(over) a thorny hedge shrub, is a dance upon the descent.(The journey may be difficult but arrival is celebration.) Kupata kukuelekeapo, furaha na kupata..That which comes your way, receive and enjoy it. Kupoteya njia ndiyo kujua njia. To get lost is to learn the way. Kusikia si kuona. To hear is not to see.(To see is to understand.) Kutaka lisilokuwa, ni maana ya ujinga..(To want something which does not exist is foolish. If you go in search of wealth does not imply that you will also get it.) Kutoa ni moyo usambe ni utajiri. Charity is the matter of the heart not wealth. Kata pua uunge wajihi. Cut off the nose to improve the appearance. Kutu kuu ni la mgeni. Old rust is for the guest. (One brings out costly and valuable items, which are seldom used, in honour of a guest.) Kutwanga nisile unga, nazuia mchi wangu. If after pounding, I do not eat the flour, I shall withhold my pestle. (You should enjoy the fruit of your labour.) Kuuliza si ujinga..To ask is not foolish. Kuvuya (kuvuja) hailingani na wazi.. To be leaking(roof) is not the same as if it was not covered.(It is better to have some shelter than none at all.) Kuzima koleo si mwisho wa uhunzi. Cooling the tongs is not end of forging(job). Kwa mwoga huenda kicheko na kwa shujaa huenda kilio. To the timid or a coward,laughter, to the brave, praise. Kwa siku ya mashaka,fundo.For the day of distress, a purse. Kwamba mimi ngombe ni bora, ningali gandamwa na kupe?. If the cow looks good, what do I care if the hide has ticks? Kwanza kuvua, kwisha kuanua.. Fish them first, then dry them. Kweli iliyo uchungu si uwongo ulio mtamu. The unpleasant or painful truth is not (better than) a pleasing lie. Kwenda mbio siyo kufika.To go quickly is not neccessarily to arrive. Kwenye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are trees, there are no builders. Laambiwalo liko (liko), na likiwa haliko, li njiani laja.. That which is told is there and if it is not, it is on it's way.. La kuvunda halina rubani. There is no incense strong enough to hide a bad smell. A vessel running aground has no captain. La kuvunda (kuvunja)halina ubani. There is no incence for something rotting. La leo, lipa leo..Pay for today's purchases. Lake mtu halimtapishi bali humchefusha. One's foul smell does not sicken him but makes him dirty (disgusts others). Leo ni leo asemayo kesho ni mwongo. Today is today and anyone who says it's tomorrow is lying.(Deal with what is happening now and anyone who is trying to delay it till tomorrow is a liar). Leo uko, kesho huko.Today you are here, tomorrow you are there. Liandikwalo, halifutiki.The written word cannot be erased. Liandikwalo ndiyo liwalo. That which is written is the way it was(is). Lifaalo kueleza lieleze, lisilofaa limeze..That what is worth explaining, explain it, that what is not worth, swallow it. Likitoka liote..If it exposes itself(sun), bask in it. Likiwika, lisiwike, kutakucha. Whether it does or does not crow, it will dawn. Lila na fila hazitangamani. Perhaps(good) and actuality(evil) are not compatable. Lipitalo, hupishwa. That which we have is cooked. Lisemwalo lipo, ikiwa halipo laja. That which is under discussion is real, and if it hasn't happened it's on it's way. Lisilokuwapo moyoni, halipo machoni. That which is not in the heart is not seen. (Out of sight out of mind) Lisilo na mkoma, hujikoma lilo. What has no end, will end itself. Liwapokuwa, lakuwa. That which happens(is to be), it will be. Maafuu hapatilizwi. You dont take vengeance on silliness. Macho haambiwi tazama. One who has eyes does not need to be told to look. Macho hayana pazia. Eyes have no screens or shades. (They see all that is within view) Mafahali wawili hawakai zizi moja. Two bulls can not live in the same pasture. Mahaba haiwi mlango. Moyo hauna kishiko. Love has no doorway(which is opened or closed). The heart has no handles. Maisha hayana pato, hutupita kama ndoto. Life has no profit,it passes us by like a dream. Maiti haulizwi sanda. The dead are not asked for their shrouds. Maji hufuata mkondo. Water follows the current. (Swim with the current.Take the easy way. following without discerning judgement.) Maji huteremka bondeni, hayapandi mlima. Water flows down the valley, it does not climb the hill. Maji ukiyavuliya nguo huna budi kuyaogelea. You do not have no choice but to bathe in the water in which you washed your clothes. Maji usiyoyafika hujui wingi wake. You do not know the size of the waters until you have reached them. Maji yaenda njia yake/mkondo. Water flows in it's own path. Maji ya kifuu ni bahari ya chungu. The water in a coconut is like an ocean to an ant. A small thing to one is a big deal to another. Maji ya moto, hayachomi nyumba. Hot water does not burn a house. Maji yakija hupwa. When the tide rises, it will fall. Maji yaliyomwagika hayazoleki. The water which has spilt cannot be gathered. Maji ya nazi, yataka uvugulio tu. Coconut juice needs only a small hole to leak through.(Just a small mistake and all may be lost) Maji ya pondo, hayataki tanga. Shallow water(where a punting pole is used)does not require a sail. Majumba makubwa husitiri mambo. Big houses conceal a lot. Majuto ni mjukuu. Regrets are like grandchildren.(They never end.) Mali ya bahili huliwa na wadudu. A miser's possessions are eaten by insects. Mambo ya mbele, giza ya wele. Matters of the future is darkness to a sick person. Mambo ya nyumba, ni kinga. Matters of a house (household)are sheltered(protected,guarded). Manahodha wengi chombo huenda mrama. With many captains, the ship sails astray.(Too many cooks spoil the broth) Maneno makali hayavunji mfupa. Harsh words do not break a bone. Maneno mema hutowa nyoka pangoni. Pleasant words will draw the snake from its hole. Maneno mengi si haja, maneno mengi si huja. Many words are not necessary, they will not cause something to happen. (Many words do not make an argument convincing.) Mapaka wengi, hayamkamati panya. Many large cats do not catch mice.(Too many bosses spoil(complicate) the project. Mapema maivu, mapema maovu. Early to ripen, early to rot(spoil). (Matters(young people) must be given time to mature or they will self- destruct.) Mapenzi ni kikohozi, hayawezi kufichika. Love is like a cough, it cannot be hidden. Mapenzi ni majani, popote penye mbolea huotea. Love is like grass, where there is sufficient manure it grows. Mara changu, mara chako. Now it is mine, now it is yours.(That which is given to you can be easily taken away.) Maskini hana imani.A poor man has no faith.(A poor man has no reason to believe in God.) Maskini haokoti, akiokota huambiwa kaiba. A poor person does not gather/accumulate things, if he does he is accused of stealing. Maskini na mwanawe, tajiri na mali yake. To a poor man his child and to a rich man his wealth. Masikio hayapiti kichwa. The ears are not greater than the head.(Do not allow what you hear overcome your judgement) Mavi usioyala, wayawingiani kuku? Why drive away fowls from the dung you do not eat yourself? (Those who have, do not share their surplus with the poor .) Mavi ya kale hayanuki. Old droppings do not stink.(Leave the past behind.) Mbinu hufuata mwendo. A double jointed arm moves in one motion. (Like father like son) Mbio za sakafuni huishia ukingoni. The lay of the roof finishes at the edge.(The end is at the edge) Mbiu ya mgambo ikilia ina jambo. When an buffalo-horn sounds, there is something of importance.(The sound of the buffalo horn is followed by an important announcement.) Mbuge hawezi kujenga nyumba. One who constantly eats(glutton,greedy) cannot build a house. Mbuzi wa maskini, hazai mapacha. A poor man's goat does not bear twins.(The poor are destined to poverty.) Mbuzi wa mkata, atakufa utasa. The poor mans goat will die barren. (Misfortune breeds misfortune.) Mbwa hafi maji, akiona ufuko. A dog does not drown if it can see the shore. Mchagua jembe si mkulima. One who selects a hoe is not necessarily a real farmer. Mchagua nazi, hupata koroma. He who selects coconuts with great care, will find one which has just ripened. Mchakacho ujao, halulengwi na jiwe. When there is a sudden noise in the bush, you do not immediately throw a stone at it. Mchama ago hanyeli, huenda akauya papo. A traveller does not make a mess where he had made a camp as he might one day come back. Mchana semani usiku lalani.Talk during daytime, sleep at night. (There is a proper time for all things.) Mcheka kilema, hafi bila kumfika..He who laughs at a cripple will not die before becoming one himself. (If you mock those in trouble, your turn will come someday.) Mchele moja mapishi mengi. Rice is rice but they are many ways of cooking it. Mchelea bahari si msafiri. He who fears the sea cannot be a traveller. Mchelea mwana, kulia hulia yeye. He who is apprehensive about a child, will himself cry.(Spare the rod, spoil the child) Mcheka kilema hafi bila kumpata. He who laughs at a cripple will not die without becoming one himself. Mcheza hawi kiwete, ngoma yataka matao. A dancer will not become crippled as long as the dance needs him. Mcheza kwao hutuzwa. He who dances at home will be rewarded. Mcheza na tope humrukia. He who plays with mud will get splashed. Mchezea zuri, baya humfika. He who ridicules the good will be overtaken by evil. Mchimba kisima huingia mwenyewe. He who digs a well enters it by choice. Mchofu halali kitanda cha mbali.. A tired person does not sleep on a bed which is far away. Mchimba kisima, hakatazwi maji..A well-digger is not refused water. Mchonga mwiko hukimbiza mkono wake. The maker of wooden spoons makes quick work of it. Mchonya asali hachonyi mara moja. He who dips his finger in honey does not do it once. Mchovya asali hachovi mara moja. He who dips his finger into honey does not dip it once. Mchuma janga hula na wakwao. He who earns calamity, eats it with his family. Mchumia juani hula kivulini. He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade. Mchunga haziki..A shepherd does not bury.(One who takes care of something does not want to see it's demise.) Mdharau biu hubiuka yeye. He who hates (ridicules) a deformed person will become deformed himself. Mema na mabaya ndio ulimwengu. Good and bad are in the world. Meno ya mbwa hayaumani. The teeth of a dog do not hurt each other.(Brothers do not harm one another when they fight.) Mfa maji hukamata maji. A drowning man claws at the water. Mficha uchi hazai. One who hides private parts does not bear children. Mfinyazi hulia gaeni. A potter eats from a potsherd.(He cannot afford his own wares.) Mfuata nyuki hakosi asali. One who follows bees will never fail to get honey. Mfukuzwa kwao hana pakwenda. He who is expelled from home has no where to go. Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu. Even a lazy person living near the shore does not eat only rice(There is always something edible to find). Mganga hajigangui. A doctor does not cure himself. Mgema akisifiwa tembo hulitia maji. If the palm-wine tapper is praised for his wine, he dilutes it with water. Mgeni ni kuku mweupe. A stranger is like a white fowl(noticeble). Intentional meaning 2: Do not be too attached to a foreigner. You will be alone when he leaves. Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone. Let the guest come so that the host may benifit.(A guest will often bring gifts, cross-cultural perspectives and other knowledge.) Mgonjwa haulizwi uji. A sick person is not asked for his porridge.(A sick person should not be asked to make a difficult decision.) Milima ya mbali, haina mawe.. Distant mountains have no stones. (Mountains appear to be beautiful and romantic from a distance and the stones and rocks cannot be seen. You do not notice the defects of a person until you are familiar with him.) Miye nyumba ya udongo, sihimili vishindo. I am a clay hut, I cannot stand shocks.(One who avoids from controversy) Mja hana hiari.. A foreigner has no choices.( A new-comer must abide by the rules of where he resides.) Mjinga akierevuka mwerevu yupo mashakani. If a fool becomes enlightened, the wise man is in the sticks(trouble). Mjumbe hauawi. The messenger is not killed. Mkamatwa na ngozi ndiye mwizi. The one who is caught with the skin is the thief. Mkamia maji hayanywi. He who squeezes out all the water will have nothing to drink. Mkata (masikini) hana kinyongo. A poor man has no ill-feeling or bitterness. Mkeka mpya haulaliwi vema. A new mat is hard to lie on. The new mat is a newly married woman. (A young wife has a lot to learn.) Mkono mmoja hauchinji ngombe. One hand can not slaughter a cow. Mkono moja haulei mwana. A single hand cannot bring up a child.(It takes more than one person to rear a child) Mkono mtupu haulambwi. An empty hand is not licked.(No one takes notice of a poor person who has nothing to offer.) Mkono usioweza kuukata, ubusu. Kiss the hand which cannot cut you.(If you cannot beat them, join them.) Mkono wa kuume, haukati wa kushoto..The right hand does not cut the left one. (Do not harm yourself and your family.) Mkosa jembe halimiThe one who lacks a hoe does not cultivate a field. Mkosa kitoweo humangiria. One who has no side dish(gravy) eats sparingly. Mkosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa hulamwa.. A child who was not nursed with the mothers breast will suck even the teat of a bitch. (He who lacks a good home education is likely to go astray.) Mkuki kwa nguruwe mtamu, kwa mwanadamu uchungu. To spear a pig is tasty, but to spear a person is painful.(Consider how you would feel with the harm you inflict on others. Mkulima ni mmoja walaji ni wengi. The farmer is one but those who eat (the fruits of his labour) are many. Mla cha mwenziwe na chake huliwa. He who eats another's food will have his own food eaten. . Mla cha uchungu na tamu hakosi. He who eats bitter things does not go without sweet things.(You must eat the bitter with the sweet.) Mlaji ni mla leo; mla jana ni kalani? The diner is the one who eats today(eat what you have today); yesterday's diner, (what was eaten yesterday)is of the past. Mla kuku wa mwenziwe miguu humwelekeya. He who eats his neighbour's chicken will be discovered by his footprints. Mla kwa miwili, hana mwisho mwema..He who eats with both hands, will come to a bad end. (The left hand which is used to clean the anus after answering nature´s call is considered to be unclean. It should not touch food. A glutton's life does not end well.) Mla mbuzi hulipa ngombe. The goat eater repays with a cow. (If you steal, repayment will be greater in value) Mla mla leo mla jana kala nini? Eat up today, after all what did yesterday's diner eat? Mla nawe hafi nawe ila mzaliwa nawe. He who eats with you will only die for you if he was born with you.(Blood is thicker than water) Mlenga jiwe kundini hajui limpataye. He who throws a stone in a crowd does not know whom it hits. Mlevi wa mvinyo hulevuka, mlevi wa mali halevuki..The one who wine made drunk has long since become sober, the man whom wealth makes drunk never gets sober. Intentional meaning (The greed for money and riches can never be satisfied.) Mlimbua nchi ni mwananchi.He who enjoys the first fruits of a country is a son of that country. Mlingane sawasawa, kama kombe na kahawa . Living in harmony together is like the cup and the coffee in it. (This is a wish expressed by the parents to their children on their wedding way.) Mlinzi hulinda ndege, mke mzuri halindwi. A watchman guards the birds(keeps birds away from the fields), a pretty woman, however, cannot be guarded. Mmoja hashui chombo..One person alone cannot launch a ship. Mnyamaa kadumbu. One who keeps silent, endures. Mnyonge hana hasira.. A poor person does not get angry. Mnyonge hupata haki, ni mwenye nguvu kupenda.. A poor person gets his rights only if given by a powerful person. Mnyonyore haunuki, hupendeza maua yake..A Barbados Pride (caesalpinia pulcherrima) has no scent, but its flowers are beautiful. (Beauty is self-evident. The good reputation of a a person need not be mentioned in public. It is evident.) Mnywa maji kwa mkono moja, Kiu yake i pale pale. He who drinks water with one hand remains thirsty. Moja shika si kumi nenda urudi. Using one thing well is better than wasting ten.(A bird in the hand is better than ten in the bush) Moja shika, kumi hutapata.. Hang on to one, ten you will not receive. Hold fast to the one which you already own, instead of looking for some other ten which you will probably not get. (It is advisable to keep on the safe side and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.) Moto hauzai moto. Fire does not beget fire. (In the end it produces ashes) Moto huzaa moto..Fire begets fire.(Quarrels cause more quarrels.) Moto na vita, usianze kabisa, huwezi kuvimaliza . Fire and war, never start them, you will not be able to finish(control) them. Moto wa kumvi,hudumu . A fire of chaff (under the ashes) continues.(A quiet person remembers.Do not under-estimate the value of a person by his outer appearance.) Moyo wa mzee, bahari. . The heart of an elder is like an ocean. (Old people who have experienced the hardships of life are generous in return.) Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba. One who rides two horses at once will split apart. Mpanda ngazi hushuka. He who climbs a ladder will descend it.(Pride goes before a fall.What goes up must come down) Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo. He who sows haphazardly, will eat likewise. Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini. If a native of Pemba can find a log he does not relieve himself on the ground. (Nothing but the best) Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo. A native of Pemba does not run away from a small shower. Mpende akupendaye.Love the one who loves you. Mpenzi hana kinyongo. A lover has no scruples(faults). Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who hits his fists against(fights) with a wall will only hurt his hand. Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia. He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way. Msafiri kafiri.. A traveller is like an unbeliever. (A traveler has to eat what he gets where he travels. He has to also adapt himself to the local customs. He is sometimes compelled by circumstances to act contrary to his convictions.) Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani. A traveler is poor, though he be a sultan (ruler).( As a traveler, riches do not always prevail.) Msasi haogopi mwiba. A hunter is not afraid of a thorn. Msema kweli, hana wajoli.One who tells the truth, has no friends. (Mjoli is a fellow slave) Msema pweke hakosi. One who talks to himself cannot be wrong.(no one to correct him) Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea. If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost. Mshale usiyo na nyoya, hauendi mbali.. An arrow without feathers will not go far. Mshika mawili, moja humponyoka..One who holds two things, will lose one. (It is difficult to hold on to all we want.) Mshoni hachagui nguo. A tailor does not select the cloth. Msi chake ni mwenda zake.. One who is without a home(roots) is going to go his own way. Msi chembe wala uta, si muwani. .A person with neither a morsel nor a bow is not a hunter(warrior). Msika mavi, hayaachi kumnuka..The one who touches dung, will continue to smell of it. (If we ruin our reputation it is difficult to restore it.) Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while the session continues(before you are drunk). Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo. Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues. Mstahimilivu hula mbivu. A patient man will eat ripe fruits. Mtafunwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo husitika. If bitten by a snake a person will be startled even by a leaf.(Once bitten twice shy) Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame. He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.(To get what you want, you may have to "stoop" to get it) Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba. He who asks much of his relatives brings plenty of trouble upon himself. Mtaka unda haneni. He who wants to make something does not talk. (His intentions are not announced, just turns them into actions) Mtaka yote hukosa yote. He who desires all, will get nothing or lose everything. Mtaka yote kwa pupa, hukosa yote. He who wants everything in a hurry, loses everything. Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona. He who relies on a cows hump will not fail to grow fat.(Live well eat well) Mtego bila ya chambo, haunasi..A trap without a bait does not catch prey. Mtembezi hula miguu yake. An aimless wanderer wears away his legs. Mtema kuni chake, akuonye.. The wood cutter, who cuts his own firewood, will warn you. Mtenda jambo asiishe, ni kama asiyetenda..If someone undertakes something, he should not give up, otherwise he would be like one who has done nothing. Mtenda mema hasemi, akisema hatendi.. One who helps does not speak about it, if he does he does not help. Mtenzi haishi tamaa. One who chooses is never without desire. Mteuzi haishi tamaa. A connoisseur never stops desiring. Mti hauendi ila kwa nyenzo. This wood cannot move without rollers.(Grease the palm) Mti huchongewa, ni (na) tundaze (tunda zake or matunda yake). . A tree is trimmed and it bears fruit. (The fruit are valued because of the attention(upbringing) they received.) Mti huponzwa na tundaze.. A tree is valued(becomes attracted to thieves or even harmed) because of it's fruit. Mti upigwao mawe ni mti wenye matunda.. A tree to which stones are thrown is a tree with fruit.(Wealth and value are targets.) Mtomwa mwiba, hawi mtembezi.. He who has been pierced by a thorn, cannot be a walker. (He who has experienced trouble avoids the circumstances that led to them.) Mtondoo haufi maji. A musket does not die in water. Mtoto akibebwa, hutazama kisogo cha mamaye.. When a baby is carried on its mother's back, it looks at the nape of her neck. (Children follow the behaviour of their parents if that is all they see.) Mtoto akililia wembe mpe. If a child cries for a razor give it him. (Let him learn by experience) Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo. As a child is reared, so he will become. Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake. Mtu akimpa maskini kichache, Mungu humruzuku kingi.. If a person gives a poor person a little,God will reward her much(plentifully). Mtu aliyeumwa na nyoka akiona ung'ongo hushtuka. One who was bitten by a snake is startled even if he sees a strip of a palm leaf.(Once bitten twice shy.) Mtu apandacho (kitu), ndicho avunacho.. That which a person plants, is that what he reaps. (You are personally responsible for what you do.) Mtu asiye na akili, usifuatane naye. Do not follow a person who has no brains. Mtu hakatai mwito hukataa aitwalo. A person does not object to being called, he objects to what he is called for. Mtu halindi bahari, ipitayo kila chombo..A man cannot guard the sea, where all the ships pass. Mtu hasafiri nyota ya mwenziwe..No man travels by his friends star. (Do not depend on others.) Mtu huenda na uchao, haendi na utwao..One goes out at daybreak, but does not go out after sunset. Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo. A person scratches himself where his hand can reach. Mtu huulizwa amevaani haulizwi amekulani. A person is asked about the clothing he is wearing, he is not asked what he has eaten. Mtu ni watu.. A person is people(not alone). (No man is an island) Mtu pweke, ni uvundo.. A lone person is stench. (A person who isolates himself from society, does not enjoy its benefits.) Mtulivu hula mbivu. A patient person eats ripe(properly prepared)food. Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini. One who always depends on his brother will die poor. Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana. The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning. Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako. Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends. Mtunza bahari, siye msafiri.. A person who watches the sea is not a traveler. A person who pretends to know something, usually does not.) Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake. If you throw away a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with. Muhogo mchungu, usiuchezee..Do not play with young(ripe, not sun-dried) casava.(It is poisonous.) Mume ni kazi, mke ni nguo.Being a husband means hard work, being a wife means fussing about clothes. Mume wa mama ni baba. A husband of a mother is a father. Mungu akikupa kilema, hukupa na mwendo wake.. If God makes you lame, he gives you the way to use it. Mungu hamfichi mnafiki. God does not conceal a liar(hypocrite). Mungu hapi kwa mvua, wala hanyimi kwa jua..God does not give rain alone, nor does he withhold sunshine. Muuliza hujibiwa ili apate fahamu.. The one who asks will receive an answer so that he may understand. Muumwa na nyoka, akiona ungongo, mara hushituka.. One who has been bitten by a snake, will be startled when he sees a palm rib. Mvazi wa nguo moja, akifua huvaani?. When one who wears (owns) only one garment, what will he wear when he wants to wash it?(Make provision for a rainy day.) Mvua haina hodi..The rain does not ask to be invited in. Mvumbika changa hula mbovu. One who stores half grown(ripe) fruit eats it rotten. Mvungu mkeka. The space under the bed is like a mat. (You can see right through him) Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi. The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country. Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo. A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus. Mwacha asili ni mtumwa. He who renounces his ancestry is a slave. Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye. He who speaks ill of another in your presence sends you to tell that other person. Mwamini Mungu si mtovu. He who trusts in God lacks nothing. Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A person will die but his name remains. Mwana kila mwaka, ni kubwa baraka.A child every year is a great blessing. Mwana maji wa Kwale kufa maji mazowea. To a sailor from Kwale, death by water is a common experience. Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya Idi. An obstinate child does not suffer save on the day Idd.(Idd is when new clothing is given to the deserved) Mwanadamu atakufa, jina lake litakaa.. A human will die, his name remains.( Your reputation is your legacy.) Mwanamaji, hutaraji kufa maji.. A sailor expects to drown. Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe. The child who grows up with you is your friend. Mwanamume ni mbono, hualikia kule. A husband is a creeper, he streches far away(infidelity) Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion. Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura. A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground. Mwana wa mtu ni kizushi; akizuka, zuka naye. A child is a revolutionist(unwary experimenter).(Where he wanders watch him.) Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea. Give a child to an educated person to rear. Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka. Given 2 clear choices, one will surely escape him.(He cannot do two things at once) Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi. The begining is a bud and the end is a coconut. Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili. The beginning of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf. Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele. The sign of the start of a dance is a noise. (Before a fight there is a quarrel) (One voice will be joined by others) Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani. One who curses someone in public, brings it on himself in private. Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu. He who nurses vegeance is not called wise. Mwenda bure si mkaa bure huenda akaokota. One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason(The one who walks might pick up something.) Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole. A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe. Mwenda omo na tezi marejeo ngamani. He who goes from bow to stern must return to the hold(bilge). Mwenda pole hajikwai, akijikwaa haumii .One who walks carefully does not stumble and if he stumbles he does not get hurt. Mwendo dahari hauishi. Sisi hatuwezi, kuvunja safari..The endless way never ends. We cannot stop the journey. Mwenye chake, hakosi cha mwenziwe.. On who has his own(property) does not miss his neighbour's(property). Mwenye ghadhabu, mbele yake husimama shetani..The devil stands in front of an angry person. Mwenye huba, hana dawa, ila kwa muhibiwa..He who is in love will find no medicine except that close to his beloved. Mwenye kelele hana neno. A noisy person has nothing to say. Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa. Do not think one with a scar is healed. Mwenye kelele, hana neno..A noisy person has no word.(Beware the loud mouth) Mwenye kisu kikali ndiye alaye nyama.. The one with the sharpest knife is the one who will eat the meat. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. He who is carried must cling on. Mwenye kupanda ngazi, na mwenye kushuka ngazi, hawapeani mkono..The one who goes up the ladder and the one who descends do not hold hands.(We are not equals.) Mwenye kovu, haliwai na kidonda.. One who has a scar does not forget the sore.(A burnt child fears the fire.) Mwenye kovu, usidhani kapoa.. Do not think the one who has a scar has healed. Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna. He who slaughters does not hesitate skinning it. Mwenye kupenda ni juha. A lover is a fool.(He cannot think properly.) Mwenye kutafuta, hakosi kupata..One who seeks will not fail to obtain. Mwenye macho, haambiwi tazama..One who has eyes (one who can see) is not told to look. Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass.(Discretion is the better part of valour) Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man does not have any food he chooses not to eat(observes no taboos). Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things. (He cannot wait for the fruit to ripen) Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know how a hungry man feels. Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. An axeman does not lack firewood. Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant is pregnant, even though she wraps herself in an 'mkaja'. [Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth].(You don't achieve something by pretending you have achieved it.) Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. If your friend is shaving put water on your face. (When you see a neighbouring country being invaded, prepare to face the same situation yourself. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own house) Mwenza mbili, mmoja humwacha.. One who has two friends will lose one. Mwezi na mtembezi, kiza na mwizi.. Moon and traveller, darkness and thief.(A traveler needs the moon, a thief needs darkness. An honest person has nothing to hide) Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue, but the one who repays is a gentleman. Mwiba wa kujitoma, hauambiwi pole.. The thorn with which you have pricked yourself is not pitied. (You have no one else to blame but yourself for your predicament.) Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside(not a part of) your body. Mwindaji hawezi kupumzika, ila baada ya kupika..A hunter cannot rest until after the cooking. Mwizi huenda na mwizi, mlevi na walevi.. A thief accompanies a thief and a drunkard accompanies a drunkard. Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. (Set a thief to catch a thief) Mwizi, siku zake ni arobaini (saba)..The days of a thief are just forty. Mwogopa mwana kulia, ye (yeye) mwenyewe atalia..(The father)The one who is afraid that his child will cry will cry will himself cry.(Leniency in child-rearing willnot end well.) Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot.(He profits himself at the expense of the community.) Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead. .Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed in time.(Tit for tat) Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (gives nothing away). Mwungwana kalima. A gentleman is as much worth as his word. Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus. (Do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad)(A stitch in time saves nine) Mzazi haachi ujusi. A mother who has just given birth cannot avoid her predicament(ritual defilement). Mzigo wa mwenzio ni kanda la usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a bundle of soft cloth or light load (to you). (The burden is light on the shoulder of another. Making light of other's troubles) Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe. The one who buries(hides)ivory is the one to dig it up.(An expert can explain) Mzoea punda, hapandi farasi.. One who is accustomed to riding a donkey does not ride a horse. (One who has a humble upbringing find anything else unfamiliar territory.) Mzoea udalali, duka haliwezi..He who is used to auctioning, will find it difficult to run a shop. (An expert in one subject matter need not be an expert in another.) Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. He who is accustomed to taking, giving is a battle. Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is accustomed to strangling, cannot slaughter.(One who is used to the easy way finds anything else difficult.) Mzungu wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child. Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains and the ship rolls off course. (Too many cooks spoil the broth) Na tuone ndipo twambie, kusikia si kuona. Let us see then tell(discuss), hearing is not seeing. (Seeing is believing. Deliberation is necessary.) Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut spoils the good ones(A rotten apple spoils the whole bushel. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock). Ncha na ncha, hazichomani.. Two (sharp) points do not stab one another. (Even if brothers and sisters quarrel, they stay together.) Ndege hulindwa, mke halindwi.. A bird can be guarded (in a cage), a wife cannot. (A pretty wife can easily be a prey to lovers.) Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu. A mischievious bird can be trapped with a (poorly made)rotten basket(cage). Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others has no individual personality. Ndimi arobaini, mafundo arobaini.Forty tongues, forty knots. (Forty tongues, forty opinions.) Ndiwe ulotia(uliotia) moto, sasa moshi umo mato..You started the fire, now you have smoke in your eyes. (If you ask for trouble you will also get it.) Ndovu halemewi na pembe zake..The elephant is not weighed down by his own tusks. (The elephant wears his tusks proudly.) Ndovu wanapopambana, ni nyasi zinazoteswa.. Wherever elephants fight, it is the grass which is afflicted(trampled). Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot and a neighbour is (as useful as) it's lid. (You are closer to your brother than to your neighbour.) Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. (Blood is thicker than water.) Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune. When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig and when they make up take a basket and harvest the crop. (never interfere with a dispute between brothers) Neno la mbali, ni usiku wa giza.. Vague words, with no commitment resemble, are like darkness of the night. Neno ulikataalo, ndilo Mungu apendalo.. A word which you rejected, is is the one which God loves. (It is difficult to understand God's ways.) Ngoja, ngoja huumiza matumbo. Waiting hurts the stomach. Ngoma ikilia sana, haikawii kupasuka. If a drum sounds loudly, it will soon burst.(A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last) Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long. Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull breaks his leg, he is sure to go back to his pasture. Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by it's own hump. Ngombe na mbuzi ni mmoja, kondoo ni mtu mbali.Cows and goats are similar, Sheep are different. (Cows and goats have horns to defend themselves, sheep not.) Ngozi ivute ili maji. Stretch the hide while it still has water(is pliable). (Strike while the iron is hot) Nguo za kuazima, hazisitiri matako..Borrowed clothes do not hide the buttocks. (Do not depend on others for your needs.) Nguruwe aendealo, ndilo atendalo. Where a pig goes, that is where it does it's thing(behaves). Nguvu ya kulungu, imo miguuni..The strength of the bushbuck is in its legs. Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is healthy (it heals or keeps you well) and an evil purpose corrupts or destroys. Nifae la mvua, nikufae la jua..Help me during a rainy season and I shall benefit you during the dry season. Ni heri mbichi, kama ya kwoka.. Better raw than over-cooked or burnt. Ni heri yazidi kama kupungua..Better too much than too little. Ni jambo lipi, lisilo na nduguye, na mwamu wake.. What matter does not have a brother and an in-law"? Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth. Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I anointed you with perfume now and you in return anoint me with pepper. Njaa ya leo, ni shibe ya kesho..One who has hunger today will have enough to eat tomorrow. Njema haziozi. Good does not go bad. Njia mbili zilimshinda mzee fisi, alipasuka msamba.. The two paths(ways) overcame the old hyena, and split him in two. Njia ya mwongo fupi. Siku ya mwizi ni arobaini.. The way(life)of a liar is short. A thief only lasts forty days.(He soon comes to grief). Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A long path has no signpost. (A used key is always bright) Nta si asali nalikuwa nazo si uchunga. Wax is not honey; though I had them I did not keep them. Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The monkey(ape) does not see his own anus(backside), he only sees his companion's. Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. (Foreign)Songs which need to be taught do not last at a traditional dance. Nyoka, mlinzi wa pango lake..A snake guards his own hole. Nyota haionekani mchana.. A star cannot be seen in daytime. Nyuki huenda na maua yake. A bee is found amoungst it's own flowers. Nyumba haikimbii..A house does not run away. Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. (It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches) Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks. Nyuni ndogo, kitundu kidogo..A little bird for a small cage. Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted). Pabaya pako si pema pa mwenzako. Your bad situation is no better (so far as you are concerned) than your colleague's (which will do you no good). Padogo pako si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Though a small, unimportant place(situation) to you, it is not as big or significant a situation as your colleague's.(Your problem is nothing compared to his. So be content with what you have.)) Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it bends(slopes) down is where it raises up. . Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. When the cat goes away, the mice reign. (When the cat's away, the mice do play) Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie(sleep)on it's back. (Sometimes it is better to leave things as they are.) Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away. Palipo na kuku, simwagi mpunga.. Where there are chickens, I do not spill rice.(Speak only what you want heard.) Palipo na wengi ndipo pana (maneno) mengi..Where there are many people, there are also many words. Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept in line.) Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone.(Constant dripping wears away a stone.) Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabies are given to him who has no fingernails. (who cannot scratch himself). Pema usijapo pema; ukipema si pema tena. It is a good place if you don't go too often otherwise it is no longer good. (Familiarity brings contempt. Do not outstay one's welcome) Penye dhiki, hakuna chuki..Where there is suffering there cannot be hatred. Penye kuku wengi, hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not spilled. (Be discreet in the presence of a number of people). Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there is no lack of learners. Penye mawimbi, ndipo penye mlango.. Where there are waves, there is a door(opening).(Ride the waves to the shore.) Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where there is(a bad person)ill fortune, there is also(a good person) good fortune. Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders. Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way. Penye udhia, ndipo penye rupia..Where there is trouble, that is the place for a rupee.(Money can ameliorate a situation.) Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery/beauty, there also lies the snare( birdlime).(All that glitters is not gold) Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old(wise) people, nothing can go wrong. Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much said or done.(Of a good time. Many hands make light work.) Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there is God. Penye wimbi na mlango ni papo. The breakers(danger) and the channel(safety) are close together. Pesa na zawadi hufanya miadi.. Money and presents make commitments.(If you accept a gift you have to reckon with obligations in return.) Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?(Stay away from trouble.) Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick. Punda haendi ila kwa kigongo.A donkey does not move, except when beaten by a stick. Punge moja ya mtama, ni bora kuliko almasi.. A grain of millet is better than a diamond. Pungu huenda mbio, mbinguni hafikilii.. Even if an eagle flies fast, it cannot reach heaven. Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is).Radhi ni bora, kuliko mali. .Blessings are better than wealth. Radhi ya jogoo, yampamba koo.. The blessings of a cock adorn the breeding hen. Saa haingoji mfalme.. Time does not wait for a king. (Death does not wait for no man.) Saburi ni ufunguo wa faraja..Patience is the key to relief. Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden. Samaki akioza, ni mtungo pia.If just one fish rots, all others on the string will follow. Samaki huanza kuoza kichwani. A fish starts to rot at the head. Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, it rots the others. (A rotten apple spoils the bushel). Shibe ya mtu mwingine hanilazi mnene.. The satisfaction of someone else does not send me to bed fat(well-fed,well-to-do). Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold on! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work). Shimo la ulimi mkono haufutiki. A hole dug by the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand.(What has been done cannot be reversed) Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with no handle does not split firewood. Shoka husahau, mti hausahau. The ax forgets, the tree does not. Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni.. An axe with no handle does not split firewood.(Prepare for the task at hand.) Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear does not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip). Sikio halipwani kichwa/Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear is not greater than the head.(All that you hear is not true)(Use your head before you believe what you hear) Sikio la kufa halisikii dawa. The ear which is dying does not feel the medicine.(There is no medicine for the call of death.) Siku moja utapata kilango cha jaha.. One day you will receive(be granted) the small door(way) to paradise.(You will find your way to prosperity, honour,glory) Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning. Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother-in-law.(Be on guard at all times) Simba mwenda kimya ndiye mla nyama. The silent lion is the one that is eating meat.(brooding person.Still waters run deep.) Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much shaking or agitation(trouble). Sirudishe tende Manga(Arabia).. I do not return dates to Manga.(It is a waste of time. Manga exports dates.) Sitafunga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound. Subira ni ufunguo wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility. Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness(blessing), it brings near that which is far. Suluhu haija ila kwa ncha ya upanga. Peace does not come save by the sword. Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. (Tit for tat) Tai wameona mfu.. The vultures have seen a corpse. Tabia ni ngozi.. A habit is skin.(It is difficult to change habits) Tajiri na maliye,maskini na mwanawe.A rich man and his money is like a poor man and his sons. Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Place desire first and death will follow. Tamu tulikula sote, na uchungu vumilia..We have all eaten sweet things, so we should also be able to bear the bitter ones. Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Carefully is the way to go. Go carefully, go surely. Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe. A hen's kick does not hurt her chick. Tembo hashindwi na mkonga wake..An elephant is not overcome by it's trunk.(Use what you have.) Tonga si tuwi. The juice of an immature coconut Is not like the mature coconut juice. Tisa karibu na kumi.. Nine is close to ten.(Do not give up near the end) Titi la mama li tamu. A mother´s breast is sweet.(To love what you are doing.) Ubaya, hatima yake mbaya..The end of evil, is an evil person. Ubishi mwingi, huvuta matata..Controversial discussions(arguments) create problems(trouble). Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga la nyumba. The laughter of a child brightens the house. Uchwelewapo na jua lala pale.. If you are late because of the sunset, sleep right there.(Tomorrow is another day.) Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The pain of a child is felt by the parent.(The Iabour of childbirth is known only to the mother). Uchungu wa mtoto u katika nyonga ya mama yake. The pain(trouble) of a child is on it's mother's hip. Udongo uwahi ungali maji. Work the clay while it is still wet.(Strike while the iron is hot) Undugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni. The brotherhood of coconuts meet in the cooking pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late). Ujinga wa kuuza si baradhuli wa kununua. To be a foolish seller is better than to be duped as a buyer. Ukamba hukatika pabovu..The rope breaks at a place where it is rotten.(Weakest link.) Ukienda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye.( Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.In the presence of the under-privileged, it is wise to be humble.) Ukifunga kinywa, nzi hakiingii. If you close your mouth, flies cannot get in. Ukikosa titi la mama, hata la mbwa huamwa.. If you lacked your mother's breast, you will suck even that of a bitch.(A poor upbringing results in wayward ways.) Ukila na kipofu sahani moja, usimguse vyanda.If you eat from the same plate with a blind person,do not touch him.(He does not know who or why he has been touched. If you have an affair with another persons wife, make sure that he never sees you) Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely(destroyed).(Be comforted that your situation is not as bad as your neighbours.) Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for.(Mind your own business.) Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa.If you see them moving(floating), they have been created(built.)(Vessels are built before they can float. Things have a cause.) Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind. Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span(on an outstretched hand - from thumb to last finger, 9 inches, half a cubit), do not take 2 yards(the length of an outstretched arm,fathom,4 cubits). Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you.(Spare the rod and spoil the child) Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Fir-Auni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be even more astonished at Pharaoh's(Moses declared himself to be a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God) Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention(call) a snake, have a stick ready in your hand.(Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.) Ukitaka cha mvunguni, sharti uiname..If you want something which is under the bed you must bend down to get it.(You must humble yourself(eat dirt) to get some things.) Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyenona. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. (If you are going to hang yourself, have agood time doing it.)(Muslims are forbidden pork). Ukitaka kula wali, vumilia jua kali..If you want to eat rice, endure the hot sun. Ukitaka nyumba njema, utie msingi mwema..If you want a good(peaceful) house(home), lay a good foundation. Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must(first)be injured. Ukiujua (upande) huu, huu huujui..If you know this side, you do not know that side. Ukuu si pembe, kama mtu ataota..High status is not a horn that someone will grow. Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia. Ulacho ndicho chako, kilichobaki nicha mchimba lindi. What you eat is yours, that which remains is the grave-digger's(heir). Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone(unreliable).(The tongue can be twisted in any direction. You can speak the truth and also tell lies with the same tongue.) Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth. Ulipendalo hupati hupata ujaliwalo. That which you desire you do not get, you get what is predestined to you (by God). (Man proposes, God disposes) Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped (palm-wine), so you will drink(As you sow, so shall you reap. You have made your bed now you must lie on it.) Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, heaping live embers on yourself? Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck in that your mind is with your children? Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta in that you do not move? Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong in that you cannot bear a loud sound? Umwepuke, mwenda-pweke.. Avoid a solitary person. Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens. Unapogombana na wakwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi(mwizi)..While you quarrel with the one who knocks down coconuts, a thief has already eaten them.(When two persons quarrel a third person profits.) Undugu wa nazi, hukutania chunguni.. The brotherhood of coconuts is met in the cooking pot. (Slices of the fruit from different coconuts get together when put into a cooking pot. People of different origins, with different ideologies and opinions, attempt to co-operate when it is already too late.) Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey. Uniponye kwa jua, nitakuponya kwa mvua..If you protect me from the sun, I shall protect you from the rain. Upaa wa kanga u mdogo hauchukui mzigo..The head of a guinea fowl is too small to carry a load. (Some people have reached their competency.) Upikapo samaki, huachi kunuka vumba.. When you cook fish you will smell of it. Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on.(If you are offered friendship by a good person, do not let it go.) Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a full trap) for the setting (of others)(A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see as it passes. (Don't desert your old friend for a new acquaintance who may not be permanent.) Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. Do not play with a lion, you might put your hand in it's mouth. Usidharau kiselema chalima kikapita jembe zima. Don't despise a worn hoe, it is able to cultivate and even surpass a sound one. Usifuate nzi, usije ukala mavi. Do not follow flies, you may end up eating faeces. Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber, the coconut has been eaten by the moon. (Don't bite the hand that feeds you) Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a rare white fowl(important person). Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them)(Don't start quarrels among other people with your rumours) Usile na kipofu ukamgusa mkono. Don't eat with the blind, you might touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him)(You must be very careful with a simpleton lest you do something to make him suspicious of you) Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping, you too will sleep. Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head(Do not humiliate me.) Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill a crack, you will have to build a complete wall.(A stitch in time saves nine) Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's (lucky) star(Do not rely on someone else's good fortune) Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is like to be a sailor when you are a captain. Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God. Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists. Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.. Usiwashe taa, nyumbani mwa kipofu. Do not light a lamp in a blind person's home.(What he doesn't know won't hurt him) Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for bathing (wading). Uta hauui bila upote. A bow does not kill without a string. Uzuri wa godoro wa nje tu, kwa ndani mna pamba. The beauty of a mattress lies on the outer surface, the inside is filled with cotton only. (The mattress refers to a woman, a wife.) Uzuri wa mkakaya, undani hauna kitu. The beauty of a mkakaya-tree (delonix regia) is of no value, since it is hollow. Uzuri wa mkakasi, ndani kipande cha mti. An ornament casket may be beautiful, but inside it is only a piece of wood. Uzuri wa mke nguo, wa ngombe kulimwa. The beauty of a woman lies in her clothes, the value of an ox in hard labour. (The ox refers to the husband) Vikombe vikikaa pamoja, havina budi kugongana. If cups are together, they will hit each other. Vita havina macho. War is blind. Vita vya panga, haviamuliwi na fimbo.. A fight with machetes cannot be settled with a stick(club). Vita ya panzi, furaha ya kungu. War between grasshoppers brings joy to the crow. Wakati wa hari, watu wagombea kisima kimoja. In times of heat (drought) people quarrel over the one (only) well. Wanao usawa gani, hakimu na baradhuli. What equality is there between a wise man and a fool (idiot). Wapiganapo fahali wawili ziumiazo ni nyasi. When two bulls fight, only the grass is trampled. Waraka hauishi maneno. A letter does not end the words. (There is more to say than what one can put into a letter. Heartfelt feelings go deeper than the written words.) Waraka ni nusu ya kuonana. A letter is only half as good as seeing each other. Watafutao, hupata.. The searchers will find. Watatuavu, hutatua. Those who seek to solve problems, solve them. Watu wawili hawashibi: mtaka elimu na mtaka ulimwengu. Two people are never satisfied: There is the one who wants knowledge and the one who wants the world (riches). (Learning is a life long process.) Wema hauozi. Kindness does not rot. Weka siri moyoni, kunena ni kutolea. Keep a secret in your heart, to speak is to reveal it. Wengi wape. You cannot go against the opinion of the majority. Werevu mwingi, mbele kiza. Much cleverness(cunning), ahead is darkness.(Guile begets misfortune.) Ya kunya, haina wingu. A sudden rain shower has no clouds. (Be prepared.) Yaliyopita, yamepita, yaliyobaki, tuyatupe. What is past is past, what is left, let us throw it away. (Let bygones be bygones.) Yapitayo hayabadiliki, na yajayo hayaelimiki. The past cannot be changed and the future is not explained(known). Yu fahali nyati na mali hapati. He is a buffalo bull but he will never be rich. (He is big and strong but has no brains.) Zimwi likujualo halikuli likakwisha. A ghoul that knows you will not eat you completely. Zito huwa pesi (nyepesi) ukilichukua. A heavy burden becomes light when you bear it. (You solve your problems by confronting them.) | 2024-11-26T19:58:44.141599 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/members/jamiiforums.540/ | Current visitors Verified members Jamii Check Stories of Change Start Discussion Fichua Uovu (MDAU) Staff Online Menu Log in Register Navigation More options Change style Contact us Close Menu Navigation General Forums Sports & Entertainment Education, Tech & Professional JF English Only Forums East African Forums Fichua Uovu Stories of Change JamiiCheck Members JamiiForums JF Official Account · From Dar es Salaam Joined Nov 9, 2006 Last seen Oct 9, 2024 Posts 6,227 Reaction score 5,267 Points 2,000 Find Find content Find all content by JamiiForums Find all threads by JamiiForums Live New Posts Postings About JamiiForums posted the thread Nathanael Atanas Mpasi aibuka mshindi maalumu wa Taasisi ya Kuzuia na Kupambana na Rushwa (TAKUKURU). Ajinyakulia shilingi milioni 5 in Jukwaa la Siasa . Nathanael Atanas Mpasi ni Mwanachama hai wa JamiiForums.com ambaye ameonesha kuwa mmoja wa Wanachama wanaopinga suala la Rushwa katika... Sep 21, 2024 JamiiForums posted the thread JamiiForums yamtambua Dkt. Dorothy Gwajima kwa kutoa michango chanya katika kuwahudumia Wananchi Mitandaoni in Jukwaa la Siasa . Katika kuendelea kuchochea Uwajibikaji wa Viongozi mbalimbali wa Serikali, JamiiForums itautumia usiku wa kuwapa tuzo Washindi wa... Sep 21, 2024 JamiiForums posted the thread JamiiForums yazitambua na kutoa tuzo kwa Taasisi za Serikali zenye michango chanya kwa Jamii 2024 in Jukwaa la Siasa . Katika kuendelea kuchochea Uwajibikaji na Utawala Bora JamiiForums mwaka huu 2024 imekuja na kitu cha tofauti kwa kutambua mchango wa... Sep 21, 2024 JamiiForums posted the thread Wanachama wa JamiiForums waliotambuliwa kwa kuwa na michango chanya Jukwaani kwa mwaka 2024 in Jukwaa la Siasa . Katika kuendeleza dhamira yake ya kuthamini na kuhimiza uzalishaji wa maudhui yenye ubora na tija mtandaoni, JamiiForums usiku wa leo... Sep 21, 2024 JamiiForums posted the thread SoC04 Yanayojiri katika usiku wa kutoa zawadi kwa Washindi wa Shindano la Stories of Change 2024 in Stories of Change 2024 . Baada ya miezi mitano (5) tangu Msimu wa Nne wa Stories of Change 2024 ulipotangazwa, kuanza na baadaye kufuatiwa mchakato wa Majaji... Sep 21, 2024 JamiiForums posted the thread 2024 Stories of Change Award Ceremony: Zimebaki saa chache kuwajua Washindi. Upo Tayari? in Habari na Hoja mchanganyiko . Ile siku Imewadia! Bado saa chache kwenda kuwajua washindi walioibuka kidedea katika Msimu wa Nne wa Stories of Change 2024 Kupitia... Sep 21, 2024 JamiiForums posted the thread 2024 Stories of Change Award Ceremony: Imebaki Siku 1 tu kutoa Tuzo kwa Washindi. Upo Tayari? in Habari na Hoja mchanganyiko . One Day To Go! Hafla ya utoaji wa Tuzo za Shindano la Stories of Change Msimu wa 4 inatarajiwa kufanyika kesho, Septemba 21, 2024 Mwaka... Sep 20, 2024 JamiiForums posted the thread 2024 Stories of Change Award Ceremony: Zimebaki Siku 2 tu kutoa Tuzo kwa Washindi. Upo Tayari? in Habari na Hoja mchanganyiko . Zimesalia Siku 2 kuelekea Hafla ya utoaji wa Tuzo za Stories of Change Msimu wa 4. Septemba 21, 2024 maandiko bora yenye tija... Sep 19, 2024 JamiiForums posted the thread 2024 Stories of Change Award Ceremony: Zimebaki Siku 3 tu kutoa Tuzo kwa Washindi. Upo Tayari? in Habari na Hoja mchanganyiko . Zimebaki siku 3 tu kufikia hafla ya utoaji wa Tuzo za Shindano la Stories of Change Msimu wa 4 inayotarajiwa kufanyika Septemba 21... Sep 18, 2024 JamiiForums replied to the thread 2024 Stories of Change Award Ceremony: Zimebaki Siku 4 tu kutoa Tuzo kwa Washindi. Upo Tayari? . Hebu jaribu kusoma PM Mkuu Sep 18, 2024 Loading… Loading… Members JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more… Back Top Bottom Forums New posts Post thread Back | 2024-11-26T19:58:44.795742 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/forums/news-current-events.125/ | Happy Birthday Hon. Speaker, Madame, Dr. Tulia Akson Mwansasu! I am reverently writing you a birthday wish, my Heart is overflowing with emotional goose bumps of gratitude! Dear Madame speaker... In a case that has captured national attention, the arbitration dispute between Oryx and Oilcom has raised profound questions about business integrity, arbitration practices, and transparency in... The Go Green, Serve Nature camping and campaign event was successfully, marking a significant step in raising environmental awareness and promoting sustainability within Tanzania’s forest... Tanzania yazidi kufunguka Russia interested in joint projects with Tanzania in energy, agriculture, tourism - minister https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7C4qDNifPQ0 DAR ES SALAAM. Oct 28 (Interfax)... MWANAMKE INITIATIVE FOUNDATION (MIF) DEDICATED TO ERADICATE POVERTY IN ZANZIBAR Mwanamke Initiatives Foundation (MIF) under Chairperson, Hon. Wanu Hafidh Ameir in partnership with East PAC... In early 2015, when it was announced that the Kilimanjaro Tanzania Music Awards would no longer be held, the Tanzanian music industry was drenched into sadness. Fans were left in the lurch... The fierce rivalry between Simba Sports Club and Young Africans (Yanga), often referred to as the Kariakoo Derby, is the most celebrated football match in Tanzania and one of the most iconic in... Lamine Yamal is a young football prodigy, quickly capturing global attention for his extraordinary talent on the field. Born on July 13, 2007, in Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain, to parents of... Magufuli's leadership was so bad that Tanzanians never seen since independence but now according to what happened recently (abductions and killings of oponents) proves that SSH wants to break the... Vodacom Tanzania Plc and Stanbic Bank Tanzania officials paid a courtesy visit to Dodoma Regional Commissioner Ms. Rosemary Senyamule (centre) ahead of the arrival of the Twende Butiama Cycling... Kansas State Wildcats Football vs. Colorado Buffaloes Football Player Stats: A Detailed Breakdown HomeSports Kansas State Wildcats Football vs. Colorado Buffaloes Football Player Stats: A Detailed... Starmer Welcomes Tesla Investment After Musk Controversy In a recent statement, UK Labour Party leader Keir Starmer expressed a warm welcome to Tesla’s potential investment in the UK, following a... Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Overcoming Capital and Skills Barriers for Success The entrepreneurial landscape is rapidly evolving, yet women entrepreneurs continue to face significant barriers... Tanzania's Agriculture Minister, Hussein Bashe, has directed the World Food Program (WFP) to purchase maize directly from Tanzanian farmers at the government-approved price of Sh700 per kilogram... On Wednesday, the Russian Ministry of Transport press reported that an air transport agreement had been signed with Tanzania. Russian Deputy Minister of Transport Vladimir Poteshkin and Tanzanian... The rest of east Africa countries are genuinely seeking global information to stabilise their country's development . But in TANZANIA generally are busy with betting, music entertainers clubs and... The anti-corruption watchdog, along with nine other institutions, was recognized as one of the most responsive government bodies during the ‘Stories of Change 2024’ gala, held over the weekend in... The National Environment Management Council (NEMC) has received the prestigious “Stories of Change” accolade in the Government Institutions category for its outstanding public communication and... Tourism agents in the Kilimanjaro region have asked the government to immediately cancel the non-governmental organization called the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) because they... JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. | 2024-11-26T19:58:45.603136 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/posts/551489/reactions | New Posts Search forums Jamii Check Stories of Change Start Discussion Fichua Uovu (MDAU) Staff Online Menu Log in Register Navigation More options Change style Contact us Close Menu Navigation General Forums Sports & Entertainment Education, Tech & Professional JF English Only Forums East African Forums Fichua Uovu Stories of Change JamiiCheck Forums Educational, Tech & Prof Jukwaa la Lugha Kiswahili: Methali, Vitendawili, nahau, Misemo n.k Members who reacted to message #4 All (4) Thanks (4) Feb 4, 2021 Jasmoni Tegga JF-Expert Member Posts 11,392 Reaction score 22,903 Points 2,000 Jan 23, 2021 tpaul JF-Expert Member Posts 23,459 Reaction score 21,393 Points 2,000 Nov 15, 2018 Chrysanthemum JF-Expert Member Posts 1,387 Reaction score 5,228 Points 2,000 K Nov 14, 2018 kibaki45 New Member Posts 0 Reaction score 0 Points 0 Loading… Forums Educational, Tech & Prof Jukwaa la Lugha Kiswahili: Methali, Vitendawili, nahau, Misemo n.k JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more… Back Top Bottom Forums New posts Post thread Back | 2024-11-26T19:58:46.475316 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/members/tajiri-mkuu-wa-matajiri.32753/ | Current visitors Verified members Jamii Check Stories of Change Start Discussion Fichua Uovu (MDAU) Staff Online Menu Log in Register Navigation More options Change style Contact us Close Menu Navigation General Forums Sports & Entertainment Education, Tech & Professional JF English Only Forums East African Forums Fichua Uovu Stories of Change JamiiCheck Members TAJIRI MKUU WA MATAJIRI JF-Expert Member Joined Dec 1, 2010 Last seen Today at 8:31 PM Posts 7,122 Reaction score 13,733 Points 2,000 Find Find content Find all content by TAJIRI MKUU WA MATAJIRI Find all threads by TAJIRI MKUU WA MATAJIRI Live New Posts Postings About TAJIRI MKUU WA MATAJIRI replied to the thread Bacca hajawahi kuwa na ubora anaoimbwa nao ni average and midocore deffender . So what? Today at 8:30 PM TAJIRI MKUU WA MATAJIRI replied to the thread LGE2024 Rais Samia: Dhamira ya Serikali ni kuona Uchaguzi unafanyika kwa Haki . Idiotic idea. Today at 8:28 PM TAJIRI MKUU WA MATAJIRI replied to the thread Ni kosa gani au kitu gani mpenzi wako akifanya lazima umpige chini hata kama unampenda kiasi gani? . Demu akikutukana wewe, piga kibuti fasta Today at 8:27 PM TAJIRI MKUU WA MATAJIRI replied to the thread Wazazi wenzangu embu jifunzeni kitu hapa kwa nilichokiona nikiwa safarini . Mlee mtoto katika njia impasayo naye hatoiacha hata atakapokuwa mzee Today at 8:24 PM TAJIRI MKUU WA MATAJIRI replied to the thread How to respect yourself . Ngumu sana kueleweka Na mafukara hawa wa fikra na uchumi wa CCM Today at 8:20 PM TAJIRI MKUU WA MATAJIRI replied to the thread LGE2024 Nawatakia wana JF wote uchaguzi wa amani, Kesho . Kesho hamna uchaguzi, kuna UNYAFUZI WA DEMOKRASIA Today at 8:14 PM TAJIRI MKUU WA MATAJIRI replied to the thread Kuiba Misalaba, Mashada ya Maua Makaburini ni Laana . Umaskini/ ufukara ni laana. CcM ni chama fukara kilicholaaniwa Today at 8:10 PM TAJIRI MKUU WA MATAJIRI replied to the thread Wanawake wanasheria ni ngumu sana kuolewa, wakiolewa wengi ndoa zao hazidumu. Walimu wanaolewa sana na ndoa zao zinadumu kwanini? . Iweeeee, wagambaki? Today at 8:08 PM TAJIRI MKUU WA MATAJIRI replied to the thread Wanawake wanasheria ni ngumu sana kuolewa, wakiolewa wengi ndoa zao hazidumu. Walimu wanaolewa sana na ndoa zao zinadumu kwanini? . Mazuzumagic Today at 8:08 PM TAJIRI MKUU WA MATAJIRI replied to the thread Wanawake wanasheria ni ngumu sana kuolewa, wakiolewa wengi ndoa zao hazidumu. Walimu wanaolewa sana na ndoa zao zinadumu kwanini? . Umetisha Today at 8:07 PM Loading… Loading… Members JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more… Back Top Bottom Forums New posts Post thread Back | 2024-11-26T19:58:47.043196 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/forums/general-discussions.126/page-2 | Have you ever felt like you're trading in the dark, trying to predict market movements with limited information? What if I told you there's a powerful tool that could illuminate the intentions of... The recent report regarding the incredible legal claim figures in the Oryx/Oilcom arbitration case has raised significant questions. According to an article in The Citizen, the final award issued... Are you planning a trip to Arusha? Whether you're heading there for an exciting safari, business meetings, or just to explore the city, finding an affordable flight is important. Luckily, Skylink... There often exists an undeclared state of war among people involved in the struggle for liberation, as between those who support and those who are against the use of the name Azania as an... It clearly, when women strived for equal right they didn't take into consideration that, equal right will come with equal responsibility. What's the results of this? our society produce confused... Atomic Habits: A Masterpiece on Habit Formation and Self-Improvement Have you ever imagined unlocking your full potential by making tiny, seemingly insignificant adjustments to your daily... A serious escalation: Biden AUTHORIZES Ukraine to use Long-Range Missiles to attack deep interior Russia Hal Turner World November 17, 2024 Hits: 86473 Biden has GRANTED permission for Ukraine... Disaster za majengo kuanguka duniani..the worst 10 The sudden, terrifying collapse of huge buildings has caused countless tragedies throughout history, highlighting the importance of sound, safe... What you need to know: The application marks a significant step in Starlink's efforts to expand its global reach and bring high-speed satellite internet to underserved regions of Tanzania. Dar es... Angalizo ; huu uzi hauna maana mbaya wala kupangia watu namna ya kutumia pesa zao..!!! Tanzania tumeingia kipindi ambacho tunaona magari mengi sana ya kifahari, ukiwa barabarani sasa hivi... The arbitration case between Oryx and Oilcom has brought significant attention to the intricacies of oil importation contracts and the subsequent legal claims arising from them. The final award... The Hard Thing: Embracing Life's Voluntary Challenges What compels someone to push beyond their physical and mental limits, to endure grueling training, and confront the daunting challenge of a... The recent report regarding the incredible legal claim figures in the Oryx/Oilcom arbitration case has raised significant questions. According to an article in The Citizen, the final award issued... Kwa hari niliyofikia sasahivi stamani kuzungukwa na mtu yeyote anaenifaham, nataman niende mbali ambapo nitaonekana ni mgeni kwa kila mtu, asinijue mtu yeyote, na huku ntakapotoka wasiwe na habari... Sasa nimekua mkubwa, nimegundua kuna baadhi ya wazazi hawapendi kuona watoto wao wakifanikiwa kimaisha na wakiwa na maisha mazuri, Ukishafanikiwa kimaisha mzazi (Baba) anakupiga vita kali ili... In a highly publicized press conference meant to address Tanzania’s ongoing Local government election process, Tundu Lissu, CHADEMA's Vice Chairman for Tanzania Mainland, voiced deep skepticism... The hardships and struggles faced by street children raising themselves are not to be overlooked. They sleep on shop verandas, abandoned buildings, broken vehicles, and some are sexually exploited... The Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) in Kahama District, Shinyanga Region, has uncovered that some political party leaders are offering bribes to candidates to encourage them... Hii ni kutokana na jiografia na maandiko ya waasisi na viongozi waliokuwa nyanda za juu kUsini mfano MBUNGE wa eneo husika ndugu JM Makweta aliweza KUANDIKWA KATIKA vitabu vyake mbalimbali mfano... The Minister of State in the President’s Office for Regional Administration and Local Government, Mohamed Mchengerwa, has urged all candidates who are dissatisfied with the nomination of... JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. | 2024-11-26T19:58:48.080002 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/10-ways-to-develop-mindset.2281297/ | Pdidy JF-Expert Member - Nov 22, 2007 - 56,428 - 30,165 10 WAYS TO DEVELOP A TEACHABLE MINDSET. 1. Stay curious: Maintain a natural curiosity about the world and a willingness to learn from every experience. 2. Listen actively: Pay close attention when others are speaking, ask questions, and seek to understand their perspective. 3. Embrace feedback: Welcome constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth and improvement. 4. Read and educate yourself: Regularly read books, and articles, or take courses to expand your knowledge and skills. 5. Be open-minded: Approach new ideas and information without preconceived judgments, and be open to changing your views when presented with compelling evidence. 6. Seek mentorship: Find experienced individuals who can guide you and share their knowledge and experiences. 7. Reflect on your experiences: Take time to analyze your actions and learn from your successes and failures. 8. Stay humble: Recognize that there's always more to learn, and no one has all the answers. 9. Practice patience: Understand that learning and personal growth take time, and don't get discouraged by setbacks. 10. Collaborate with others: Work in teams and be open to learning from your peers, as collective knowledge often leads to innovation and growth. 1. Stay curious: Maintain a natural curiosity about the world and a willingness to learn from every experience. 2. Listen actively: Pay close attention when others are speaking, ask questions, and seek to understand their perspective. 3. Embrace feedback: Welcome constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth and improvement. 4. Read and educate yourself: Regularly read books, and articles, or take courses to expand your knowledge and skills. 5. Be open-minded: Approach new ideas and information without preconceived judgments, and be open to changing your views when presented with compelling evidence. 6. Seek mentorship: Find experienced individuals who can guide you and share their knowledge and experiences. 7. Reflect on your experiences: Take time to analyze your actions and learn from your successes and failures. 8. Stay humble: Recognize that there's always more to learn, and no one has all the answers. 9. Practice patience: Understand that learning and personal growth take time, and don't get discouraged by setbacks. 10. Collaborate with others: Work in teams and be open to learning from your peers, as collective knowledge often leads to innovation and growth. | 2024-11-26T19:58:50.171993 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/members/xxtycoon.694750/ | Current visitors Verified members Jamii Check Stories of Change Start Discussion Fichua Uovu (MDAU) Staff Online Menu Log in Register Navigation More options Change style Contact us Close Menu Navigation General Forums Sports & Entertainment Education, Tech & Professional JF English Only Forums East African Forums Fichua Uovu Stories of Change JamiiCheck Members xxtycoon Member Joined Jan 3, 2023 Last seen Nov 22, 2023 Posts 33 Reaction score 66 Points 125 Find Find content Find all content by xxtycoon Find all threads by xxtycoon Live New Posts Postings About The news feed is currently empty. Loading… Loading… Members JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more… Back Top Bottom Forums New posts Post thread Back | 2024-11-26T19:58:51.014623 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/members/honest-hatibu.606629/ | Current visitors Verified members Jamii Check Stories of Change Start Discussion Fichua Uovu (MDAU) Staff Online Menu Log in Register Navigation More options Change style Contact us Close Menu Navigation General Forums Sports & Entertainment Education, Tech & Professional JF English Only Forums East African Forums Fichua Uovu Stories of Change JamiiCheck Members HONEST HATIBU Member Joined Aug 19, 2020 Last seen Sunday at 2:54 PM Posts 63 Reaction score 151 Points 150 Find Find content Find all content by HONEST HATIBU Find all threads by HONEST HATIBU Live New Posts Postings About HONEST HATIBU posted the thread 🌴 Escape to Mnemba Island - Half-Day Adventure 🌊 in General Discussions . 🌴 Escape to Mnemba Island - Half-Day Adventure 🌊 Looking for an unforgettable getaway? Join us for a half-day tour to Mnemba Island... Sunday at 2:53 PM Loading… Loading… Members JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more… Back Top Bottom Forums New posts Post thread Back | 2024-11-26T19:58:51.588854 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/international-job.2250913/ | Richard mtao JF-Expert Member - May 13, 2018 - 258 - 357 Hellow JF members, its my hope that you all doing fine. Today i've decided to share with you my toughts about international jobs, Most of job seekers relay on local jobs only and this is becouse most of us we are not confident of whether we can be able to compete internationally, another issue is that, most job seekers from developing countries are not aware of how to start finding thses international job and others who knows how to do so most of them are not confident either and this is becouse of how they were prepared since on their primary school. Am saying this just to provide an overview on how this problem is big. But i want to inform all job seekers who find difficult of whether to apply or else. Am telling you guys it is possible to find job internationally. What you have to do is: 1. Make sure your qualifications meets international standards, or they matche with the requirements of an international employer. 2. Give yourself time to find appropriate company to work with and then email them about your intentions. 3. Make sure you are exploring new international job so as to find what match with ur qualification. 4. Do as quickly as possible to network with people from different country, they will help you to know new opportunity, help u to improve ur self etc. 5. Allocate enough time to understand internationa language. 6. Try to ur level best find interns, they matter becouse they will give u credit when applying for international organization. And lastly, if you real want to work abroad or internationally, try to be unique, be confident, be smart and remember passpprt is very important becouse each international job require passport for each candidate. For those who know more on this, help us more🙏 its my hope that you all doing fine. Today i've decided to share with you my toughts about international jobs, Most of job seekers relay on local jobs only and this is becouse most of us we are not confident of whether we can be able to compete internationally, another issue is that, most job seekers from developing countries are not aware of how to start finding thses international job and others who knows how to do so most of them are not confident either and this is becouse of how they were prepared since on their primary school. Am saying this just to provide an overview on how this problem is big. But i want to inform all job seekers who find difficult of whether to apply or else. Am telling you guys it is possible to find job internationally. What you have to do is: 1. Make sure your qualifications meets international standards, or they matche with the requirements of an international employer. 2. Give yourself time to find appropriate company to work with and then email them about your intentions. 3. Make sure you are exploring new international job so as to find what match with ur qualification. 4. Do as quickly as possible to network with people from different country, they will help you to know new opportunity, help u to improve ur self etc. 5. Allocate enough time to understand internationa language. 6. Try to ur level best find interns, they matter becouse they will give u credit when applying for international organization. And lastly, if you real want to work abroad or internationally, try to be unique, be confident, be smart and remember passpprt is very important becouse each international job require passport for each candidate. For those who know more on this, help us more🙏 | 2024-11-26T19:58:52.473137 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/conversation-between-a-mother-and-her-son.2281325/ | Pdidy JF-Expert Member - Nov 22, 2007 - 56,428 - 30,165 "MOTHER AND HER SON ❤️Conversation between a Mother and Her Son💕 Mother: I fought with death when I was giving birth to you. I spent sleepless nights when you were sick and crying. I never ate without feeding you first. I bore so many pains to bring you to the stage that you are in today. How will you repay me my son? Son: When I grow up, I will find a good job and earn lots of money for you so you can enjoy the pleasures of this world. Mother: Your father is doing this already and I do not expect this from you too. By the time you are earning I will be old and will not be in need of any worldly luxuries. Son: I will find a pious lady and marry her so she can cook for you and take care of you. Mother: That is not her duty my son and neither should you marry for that reason. It is not compulsory on her to do any service to me, neither do I expect this from her. Your marriage should be for you, a companion and a comfort for you as you go through this journey of life. Son: Tell me mother how can I repay you then? Mother: (With tears in her eyes) Visit or call me often. A mother only requires this much from you while she is alive. Then when I die give me your shoulder and bury me. Whenever you perform prayers, supplicate for me. Give out in charity for me. Remember your every good deed will benefit me in the hereafter so be good and kind always. Fulfill the rights of Allah (Almighty God) SWT and all those around you. The sleepless nights and pains I took to bring you up was not a favour to you but was for my creator. He blessed me with you as a beautiful gift and as a means for me to attain His pleasure. Your every good deed becomes my repayment. Will you do it my son? Son: (Cannot speak and has tears in his eyes) May we all be of those that are a coolness of our parents eyes and a means of their purification💕" ❤️Conversation between a Mother and Her Son💕 Mother: I fought with death when I was giving birth to you. I spent sleepless nights when you were sick and crying. I never ate without feeding you first. I bore so many pains to bring you to the stage that you are in today. How will you repay me my son? Son: When I grow up, I will find a good job and earn lots of money for you so you can enjoy the pleasures of this world. Mother: Your father is doing this already and I do not expect this from you too. By the time you are earning I will be old and will not be in need of any worldly luxuries. Son: I will find a pious lady and marry her so she can cook for you and take care of you. Mother: That is not her duty my son and neither should you marry for that reason. It is not compulsory on her to do any service to me, neither do I expect this from her. Your marriage should be for you, a companion and a comfort for you as you go through this journey of life. Son: Tell me mother how can I repay you then? Mother: (With tears in her eyes) Visit or call me often. A mother only requires this much from you while she is alive. Then when I die give me your shoulder and bury me. Whenever you perform prayers, supplicate for me. Give out in charity for me. Remember your every good deed will benefit me in the hereafter so be good and kind always. Fulfill the rights of Allah (Almighty God) SWT and all those around you. The sleepless nights and pains I took to bring you up was not a favour to you but was for my creator. He blessed me with you as a beautiful gift and as a means for me to attain His pleasure. Your every good deed becomes my repayment. Will you do it my son? Son: (Cannot speak and has tears in his eyes) May we all be of those that are a coolness of our parents eyes and a means of their purification💕" | 2024-11-26T19:58:53.021479 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/7-types-of-people-to-avoid.2280831/ | TAJIRI MKUU WA MATAJIRI JF-Expert Member - Dec 1, 2010 - 7,122 - 13,733 7 TYPES OF PEOPLE TO AVOID 1. Wheelbarrow People: These individuals drain your energy and waste your time. They expect you to do everything for them without considering your needs. They are consumers of your energy, time, and resources. 2. Mosquito People: These people only want to extract benefits from you while injecting negativity into your life. They have nothing positive to offer but always seek to take from others. 3. Scaffolding People: These individuals are glory seekers and controllers. They want to dominate your life because they helped you once. They aim to keep you under their control and restrict your independence. 4. Crocodile People: These are pretenders with no genuine intentions. They get close to you to learn your secrets and may use that information against you when conflicts arise. They are liars, backstabbers, and gossipers. 5. Chameleon People: These envious and jealous individuals are in constant, unhealthy competition with you. They secretly monitor your progress with negative intentions and amplify your mistakes while never supporting or celebrating your successes. 6. Naysayer People: These are dream killers who will never appreciate or support your dreams. They focus on your failures and always see the negative side of things, creating more problems instead of solutions. 7. Garbage Pusher People: These individuals bring negativity and bad news. Their lives are filled with debris and they spread discouraging and demoralizing information. They thrive on sharing unfortunate and heartbreaking news. It is your responsibility to evaluate the people around you and ensure you are surrounded by positive influences. Your life will move in the right direction when you associate with positive people and disconnect from negative ones. Have a nice week. HAPPY MONEY DAY | 2024-11-26T19:58:53.825378 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/forums/general-discussions.126/page-3 | It has been recently reported that hundreds of opposition candidates in the upcoming local government elections have been disqualified from participating. The ACT Wazalendo party reported that... Yes, finally America is coming to it's senses with President Elect Trump. America had reached a point where Americans could no longer tell what evil will befall them the next morning, America had... Growing up in a low-income family can leave its mark. Not just in the material sense, but also in the behaviors we carry into adulthood. These behaviors aren’t negative or positive, they’re... 1. Rip them from self love and respect 2. Crush their Identity :By forcing them into a system where being different is wrong 3. Confusing their Biology: Making them believe altering their bodies... Stapled Hemorhoidctomy - (The worst surgery for piles) (References / videos at the bottom of the article for public awareness) Hemorrhoid (Piles) (Bawasiri) patients should never do Stapled... Massive benefits of insurance provision to the society [emoji666] Reduced variability in consumption and reduced ex ante uncertainty through insurance are benefits in themselves, but demand for... The rumor that AI could dramatically change the market in all sectors has intensified thanks to the popularity of OpenAI and applications such as ChatGPT. This trend has also spread to the crypto... 1. Campaign Length Canada allows around 50 days for election campaigns, France allows 2 weeks, and Japan allows 12 days. The U.S. has no laws defining campaign length, and campaigns often start... The Head of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) to the upcoming National Assembly Elections in the Republic of Mauritius, Honourable Mohammed... I present this question to you. What sin did our African ancestors commit that made God justify African colonization and harsh treatments from western colonizers? Kutana na Mwanamke Maarufu mwizi zaidi duniani Phoolan Devi, Kutoka kwenye unyanyaswa kijisia, kuwa mwizi, kuingia jela na hadi kuwa mbunge kutetea wanawake nchini india. Anakumbukwa kwa famous... Can Billionaires' Success Rules Work in 2024? (8 MODERN Updates!) We've all seen them – those "rules for success" lists that billionaires love sharing on social media. You know the ones: wake up... LOKAPALA SABHAKHYANA PARVA Vaisampayana said, "While the splendid Pandavas sit in that sabha with the great Gandharvas, O Bhaarata, the Devarishi Narada arrives in that assembly, he who is a... Elon Musk—Powerful Critic Of Illegal Immigrants—Worked Illegally In U.S. At Start Of Career, Report Says Billionaire Elon Musk, who has become a staunch opponent of illegal immigration as a top... When a woman give birth, we always tend to get the mother baby presents and all but ever wondered may be they deserve a present, It's not easy to have a living being in a womb for 9 months with... ZANZIBAR WINS PRESTIGIOUS WORLD TRAVEL AWARD AS AFRICA'S LEADING FESTIVAL AND EVENT DESTINATION 2024 Zanzibar has once again solidified its position as a leading global destination by winning a... Part of Haile Selassie Speech to United Nations 1963 that until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned; that until... Tanzania's development trajectory has long been influenced by external funding, particularly in the form of grants and loans. However, a significant disproportional exists between the amount... This comes when God said whoever blesses Islael he will be blessed. Impliedly, whoever blesses the new 14 saints he will be blessed. Amen Rome was filled with joy this Sunday as Pope Francis... Is it not contradictory to say prayers to the same God who allowed Africans to be colonized, cudgelled and harshly treated by the Colonizers? I present my question to you. JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. | 2024-11-26T19:58:54.889750 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/think-bigger.2281338/ | Pdidy JF-Expert Member - Nov 22, 2007 - 56,428 - 30,165 "How to Think Bigger: Aim Higher, Get More Motivated, and Accomplish Big Things" by Martin Meadows is a guide to breaking through limiting beliefs and developing a mindset geared toward achieving ambitious goals. Meadows offers practical strategies to expand your thinking, overcome self-imposed limitations, and harness motivation to pursue meaningful accomplishments. Here are 10 lessons from the book: 1. Challenge Self-Limiting Beliefs: Meadows emphasizes that most limitations are self-imposed. Identifying and questioning these beliefs can help you expand your potential and pursue larger goals. 2. Set Big, Bold Goals: Thinking bigger starts with setting ambitious goals that push you out of your comfort zone. Meadows encourages setting targets that stretch your capabilities and inspire growth. 3. Visualize Success: Meadows advocates for using visualization techniques to imagine yourself achieving your goals. This practice helps reinforce belief in your ability and motivates you to take action. 4. Develop Resilience to Failure: Failure is a natural part of growth. Learning to see failure as a stepping stone rather than a setback is essential to maintaining momentum and building resilience. 5. Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Meadows highlights the importance of seeing challenges as opportunities to grow. A growth mindset encourages you to view obstacles as learning experiences, not reasons to give up. 6. Take Incremental Steps: While thinking big is important, Meadows also advises taking small, manageable steps toward your goals. Breaking down large tasks helps prevent overwhelm and ensures steady progress. 7. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences: Meadows suggests that the people you spend time with influence your mindset and ambition. Surround yourself with individuals who support your vision and inspire you to reach higher. 8. Practice Gratitude and Optimism: Focusing on the positives and being grateful for progress builds motivation. A positive outlook reinforces resilience and helps keep you focused on possibilities rather than obstacles. 9. Take Calculated Risks: Thinking bigger often requires taking risks. Meadows encourages taking well-thought-out risks that are necessary to achieve significant gains, as long as they're manageable and strategic. 10. Commit to Lifelong Learning: Continuously seeking knowledge and skills expands your horizons and helps you stay adaptable. Meadows emphasizes that personal growth and learning are integral to thinking bigger. In "How to Think Bigger", Meadows offers a roadmap for expanding your mindset and pushing past self-imposed boundaries. Through actionable advice and motivational insights, he encourages readers to challenge their assumptions, pursue ambitious goals, and take consistent steps toward meaningful success.🙌💯❤️ Here are 10 lessons from the book: 1. Challenge Self-Limiting Beliefs: Meadows emphasizes that most limitations are self-imposed. Identifying and questioning these beliefs can help you expand your potential and pursue larger goals. 2. Set Big, Bold Goals: Thinking bigger starts with setting ambitious goals that push you out of your comfort zone. Meadows encourages setting targets that stretch your capabilities and inspire growth. 3. Visualize Success: Meadows advocates for using visualization techniques to imagine yourself achieving your goals. This practice helps reinforce belief in your ability and motivates you to take action. 4. Develop Resilience to Failure: Failure is a natural part of growth. Learning to see failure as a stepping stone rather than a setback is essential to maintaining momentum and building resilience. 5. Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Meadows highlights the importance of seeing challenges as opportunities to grow. A growth mindset encourages you to view obstacles as learning experiences, not reasons to give up. 6. Take Incremental Steps: While thinking big is important, Meadows also advises taking small, manageable steps toward your goals. Breaking down large tasks helps prevent overwhelm and ensures steady progress. 7. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences: Meadows suggests that the people you spend time with influence your mindset and ambition. Surround yourself with individuals who support your vision and inspire you to reach higher. 8. Practice Gratitude and Optimism: Focusing on the positives and being grateful for progress builds motivation. A positive outlook reinforces resilience and helps keep you focused on possibilities rather than obstacles. 9. Take Calculated Risks: Thinking bigger often requires taking risks. Meadows encourages taking well-thought-out risks that are necessary to achieve significant gains, as long as they're manageable and strategic. 10. Commit to Lifelong Learning: Continuously seeking knowledge and skills expands your horizons and helps you stay adaptable. Meadows emphasizes that personal growth and learning are integral to thinking bigger. In "How to Think Bigger", Meadows offers a roadmap for expanding your mindset and pushing past self-imposed boundaries. Through actionable advice and motivational insights, he encourages readers to challenge their assumptions, pursue ambitious goals, and take consistent steps toward meaningful success.🙌💯❤️ | 2024-11-26T19:58:55.533329 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/threads/oilcom-tanzania-vs-oryx-energies-a-high-stakes-legal-battle-holding-up-the-nation-and-exposing-cracks-in-tanzanias-arbitration-framework.2279503/ | Don Gorgon Member - Nov 21, 2024 - 8 - 12 A high-stakes legal battle is taking place between Oilcom Tanzania Limited and Oryx Energies. It is capturing the attention of the nation, and casting a harsh light on the partiality and deficiencies of Tanzania’s arbitration framework, as well as the challenges for the judicial systems to handle flawed arbitration decisions. Concerns are rife within the investor and global business community. The case has evolved into a hold on both Oryx Energies and the Nation itself. The conflict originated from a series of agreements in 2016 involving transportation and the leasing of petrol stations. It then took a dramatic turn in 2020 when Oilcom initiated arbitration proceedings with the seat of arbitration in Tanzania, seeking over TSh 460 billion. Arbitration is generally seen as a neutral and fair means of conflict resolution. In this case, however, it has been marred by fraud and outright manipulation. Tanzanian Arbitration Under Scrutiny The arbitration faces criticism due to serious procedural concerns, leading to an undue and unfair process. The arbitration tribunal, comprising Prof. Mussa Juma Assad, Engera Kileo JA (Retired), and Sophia Wambura J (Retired), supported by the Secretary, Prof. Zakayo Lukumay, encountered contention from the start. Oryx Energies raised objections regarding Prof. Mussa Juma Assad's undeclared involvement due to his past consultancy work with Oilcom and therefore his clear lack of independence and objectivity to act as an arbitrator. Despite calls for his recusal and requests to stay the arbitration process until the outcome of this matter, the tribunal proceeded, casting grave doubts on the impartiality of the proceedings. The process drew sheer indignation when the tribunal awarded Oilcom TSh 468 billion based on Oilcom’s inflated damages claim. Oilcom did not provide any expert witnesses nor financial statements to support their groundless claims. On the other hand, a world-class quantum expert presented by Oryx Energies, whose analysis categorically contested the basis and scale of Oilcom’s claims was excluded. This raises questions about the fundamental right to be heard and the right to a comprehensive defense. Oilcom’s Underhand Tactics Oilcom has intentionally misrepresented the transportation agreement to serve its own interests, suggesting that such tactics are a recurring part of their business approach. Oilcom did not use the actual list of Oryx Energies’ customers as specifically agreed by both parties in the contract. They calculated their claims based on the total fuel volume that Oryx Energies imported into Tanzania, including for clients that are responsible for their own transportation, as well as transportation services that are required by local regulations to be fulfilled by other local transporters. Furthermore, instead of calculating losses based on the real profit margin, Oilcom used 100% of the total turnover without any deduction for relevant costs. Oilcom themselves failed to demonstrate having incurred any losses. This calculation method of total imported volumes multiplied by their own transit rate has resulted in an absurd and inflated claim that defies any logic or international legal norms. Last but not least, the specific clause allowing for transportation volumes obligation to be transferred from one year to another for the entire duration of the contract (the “catch up clause”), while discussed and agreed by both parties, was purposely ignored or distorted by Oilcom and the arbitrators. Had this clause been correctly applied the claim would have been nil. Operational Halt and Asset Freeze The stakes for Oryx Energies have escalated. A court execution order has been issued that includes an asset freeze affecting bank accounts, properties, and more recently shares in several Tanzanian companies owned by Oryx Energies, including TIPER, a joint venture between Oryx Energies and the Tanzanian government. Oryx Energies has been compelled to suspend an important part of its operations and hopes not to have to implement a definitive halt. This chronicle of a death foretold underscores the existential challenges facing Oryx Energies, a group serving Tanzania since 1999. It employs over 700 staff, creating an additional 25,000 indirect jobs, and contributes an average annual tax payment of TSh 262 billion. This is in stark contrast to Oilcom whose tax contribution falls significantly short. Furthermore, the situation at stake signals broader issues for the Tanzanian business environment and its attractiveness to foreign capital and international financing. International Repercussions and Legal Strategies Oryx Energies is determined to pursue all available national and international legal avenues that protect investors against unlawful expropriation and ensure fair treatment, depending on how the proceedings unfold. A Test for Judicial Integrity Oryx Energies calls for an impartial justice that will review the flaws of the unfair arbitral award and protect its affiliates from the predatory tactics of Oilcom. It is imperative to ensure that this case is handled with transparency and impartiality. The outcome will serve as a benchmark for Tanzania’s commitment to upholding justice and protecting genuine business interests. The legal community and international stakeholders are already closely monitoring developments, as the resolution of this case may influence the future of commercial dispute resolution in the region. Oryx Energies remains committed to be a responsible entrepreneur, a trustworthy business partner and an investor in Tanzania, providing jobs and access to energy products as well as fostering the development of the country and serving its customers. Summarized Swahili version here: Mvutano wa Kisheria Kati ya Oilcom Tanzania na Oryx Energies Wafichua Changamoto Katika Mfumo wa Usuluhishi Tanzania Also read: Oryx/Oilcom arbitration case has risen significant questions It is capturing the attention of the nation, and casting a harsh light on the partiality and deficiencies of Tanzania’s arbitration framework, as well as the challenges for the judicial systems to handle flawed arbitration decisions. Concerns are rife within the investor and global business community. The case has evolved into a hold on both Oryx Energies and the Nation itself. The conflict originated from a series of agreements in 2016 involving transportation and the leasing of petrol stations. It then took a dramatic turn in 2020 when Oilcom initiated arbitration proceedings with the seat of arbitration in Tanzania, seeking over TSh 460 billion. Arbitration is generally seen as a neutral and fair means of conflict resolution. In this case, however, it has been marred by fraud and outright manipulation. Tanzanian Arbitration Under Scrutiny The arbitration faces criticism due to serious procedural concerns, leading to an undue and unfair process. The arbitration tribunal, comprising Prof. Mussa Juma Assad, Engera Kileo JA (Retired), and Sophia Wambura J (Retired), supported by the Secretary, Prof. Zakayo Lukumay, encountered contention from the start. Oryx Energies raised objections regarding Prof. Mussa Juma Assad's undeclared involvement due to his past consultancy work with Oilcom and therefore his clear lack of independence and objectivity to act as an arbitrator. Despite calls for his recusal and requests to stay the arbitration process until the outcome of this matter, the tribunal proceeded, casting grave doubts on the impartiality of the proceedings. The process drew sheer indignation when the tribunal awarded Oilcom TSh 468 billion based on Oilcom’s inflated damages claim. Oilcom did not provide any expert witnesses nor financial statements to support their groundless claims. On the other hand, a world-class quantum expert presented by Oryx Energies, whose analysis categorically contested the basis and scale of Oilcom’s claims was excluded. This raises questions about the fundamental right to be heard and the right to a comprehensive defense. Oilcom’s Underhand Tactics Oilcom has intentionally misrepresented the transportation agreement to serve its own interests, suggesting that such tactics are a recurring part of their business approach. Oilcom did not use the actual list of Oryx Energies’ customers as specifically agreed by both parties in the contract. They calculated their claims based on the total fuel volume that Oryx Energies imported into Tanzania, including for clients that are responsible for their own transportation, as well as transportation services that are required by local regulations to be fulfilled by other local transporters. Furthermore, instead of calculating losses based on the real profit margin, Oilcom used 100% of the total turnover without any deduction for relevant costs. Oilcom themselves failed to demonstrate having incurred any losses. This calculation method of total imported volumes multiplied by their own transit rate has resulted in an absurd and inflated claim that defies any logic or international legal norms. Last but not least, the specific clause allowing for transportation volumes obligation to be transferred from one year to another for the entire duration of the contract (the “catch up clause”), while discussed and agreed by both parties, was purposely ignored or distorted by Oilcom and the arbitrators. Had this clause been correctly applied the claim would have been nil. Operational Halt and Asset Freeze The stakes for Oryx Energies have escalated. A court execution order has been issued that includes an asset freeze affecting bank accounts, properties, and more recently shares in several Tanzanian companies owned by Oryx Energies, including TIPER, a joint venture between Oryx Energies and the Tanzanian government. Oryx Energies has been compelled to suspend an important part of its operations and hopes not to have to implement a definitive halt. This chronicle of a death foretold underscores the existential challenges facing Oryx Energies, a group serving Tanzania since 1999. It employs over 700 staff, creating an additional 25,000 indirect jobs, and contributes an average annual tax payment of TSh 262 billion. This is in stark contrast to Oilcom whose tax contribution falls significantly short. Furthermore, the situation at stake signals broader issues for the Tanzanian business environment and its attractiveness to foreign capital and international financing. International Repercussions and Legal Strategies Oryx Energies is determined to pursue all available national and international legal avenues that protect investors against unlawful expropriation and ensure fair treatment, depending on how the proceedings unfold. A Test for Judicial Integrity Oryx Energies calls for an impartial justice that will review the flaws of the unfair arbitral award and protect its affiliates from the predatory tactics of Oilcom. It is imperative to ensure that this case is handled with transparency and impartiality. The outcome will serve as a benchmark for Tanzania’s commitment to upholding justice and protecting genuine business interests. The legal community and international stakeholders are already closely monitoring developments, as the resolution of this case may influence the future of commercial dispute resolution in the region. Oryx Energies remains committed to be a responsible entrepreneur, a trustworthy business partner and an investor in Tanzania, providing jobs and access to energy products as well as fostering the development of the country and serving its customers. Summarized Swahili version here: Mvutano wa Kisheria Kati ya Oilcom Tanzania na Oryx Energies Wafichua Changamoto Katika Mfumo wa Usuluhishi Tanzania Also read: Oryx/Oilcom arbitration case has risen significant questions | 2024-11-26T19:58:56.527408 | null |
https://www.jamiiforums.com/members/jidu-la-mabambasi.254481/ | Current visitors Verified members Jamii Check Stories of Change Start Discussion Fichua Uovu (MDAU) Staff Online Menu Log in Register Navigation More options Change style Contact us Close Menu Navigation General Forums Sports & Entertainment Education, Tech & Professional JF English Only Forums East African Forums Fichua Uovu Stories of Change JamiiCheck Members Log in You must be logged-in to do that. Your name or email address Password Show Forgot your password? Stay logged in Log in Send login link Don't have an account? Register now Members JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more… Back Top Bottom Forums New posts Post thread Back | 2024-11-26T19:58:57.024440 | null |
Subsets and Splits