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. [1]

• Dhamiri safi ni tandiko laini.
  • A clear conscience is a soft mat. [2]

• Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe.
  • The prayer of the fowl does not bother the hawk. [3]

• Fadhila ya punda ni mateke.
  • The gratitude of a donkey is a kick. [4]

• Fuata nyuki ule asali.
  • Follow bees that you may eat honey. [5]

• Haraka haraka haina baraka.
  • Hurry, hurry, has no blessings. [6]

• Hisani haiozi.
  • Kindness does not go bad. [7]

• Jogoo mtenda mema kaliwa.
  • The rooster, always beneficial, is eaten. [8]

• Kibarua hulima juani, tajiri hulia kivulini.
  • A day-worker cultivates in the sun, the master eats in the shade. [9]

• 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. [10]

• Ukijifanya asali nzi wote watakula.
  • If you make yourself [like] honey all the flies will devour you. [11]

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

• Pole pole ndio mwendo.
  • Slow, slow is the way to go. [12]

• Haraka haraka haina baraka.
  • Hurry, Hurry has no blessings. / More haste, less speed [13]

• Mtu ni watu.
  • A person is people. [14]

External Links

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