Swahili proverbs

Proverbs of the Swahili language

Proverbs (alphabetical)

A traditional kanga with a Swahili proverb written upon it, which reads: Usijaze masusu kwa mambo yasokusuhu. English translation: Do not get involved in matters that do not concern you.

• Ngozi ya chui uzuri kwa macho, ndani adui.
  • A leopard skin is beautiful to see, but inside there is an enemy.

• Dhamiri safi ni tandiko laini.
  • A clear conscience is a soft mat.

• Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe.
  • The prayer of the fowl does not bother the hawk.

• Fadhila ya punda ni mateke.
  • The gratitude of a donkey is a kick.

• Fuata nyuki ule asali.
  • Follow bees that you may eat honey.

• Haraka haraka haina baraka.
  • Hurry, hurry, has no blessings.

• Hisani haiozi.
  • Kindness does not go bad.

• Jogoo mtenda mema kaliwa.
  • The rooster, always beneficial, is eaten.

• Kibarua hulima juani, tajiri hulia kivulini.
  • A day-worker cultivates in the sun, the master eats in the shade.

• Msinji ukiinama hauna nguvu; usiushtaki ukuta ukianguka.
  • A foundation that is not level is not strong; don't blame the wall if it falls down.

• Ukijifanya asali nzi wote watakula.
  • If you make yourself [like] honey all the flies will devour you.

• Usisafirie nyota ya mwenzio.
  • Don't set sail using somebody else's star.

• Pole pole ndio mwendo.
  • Slow, slow is the way to go.

• Haraka haraka haina baraka.
  • Hurry, Hurry has no blessings. / More haste, less speed

• Mtu ni watu.
  • A person is people.