SWAHILI PROVERBS: METHALI ZA KISWAHILI

Ukurasa (Page): wa Kwanza(1) wa Pilii(2) wa Tatu(3) wa Nne(4)

Methali: KIKULACHO KIKO NGUONI MWAKO
Meaning: That which eats you is in your clothing.
Application:
It is possible to be harmed by those you trust or your close friends. Your enemies are amongst your friends.

Methali: KILA MLANGO KWA UFUNGUO WAKE
Meaning: Every door has its own key.
Application: Every problem has its solution.

Methali: KIMYA KINGI KINA MSHINDO MKUU
Meaning: Prolonged silence has a strong bang.
Application: Lack of communication is a sign of strained relations.

Methali: KUISHI KWINGI NI KUONA MENGI
Meaning: To live long is to see much.
Application: Experience comes with age.

Methali: KUKOPA HARUSI KULIPA MATANGA
Meaning: Borrowing is like a wedding, repaying is like mourning.
Application: It is good to honor your debts/keep your word.


Methali: KUPOTEA NJIA NDIKO KUJUA NJIA
Meaning: To loose the way is to learn the way.
Application: Making mistakes is part of learning/practice makes perfect.

Methali: MACHO HAYANA PAZIA
Meaning: Eyes have no screens, they see all that is within view.
Application
: Don't expect people not to see what they want to see.

Methali: MCHELE MMOJA MAPISHI MENGI
Meaning: Rice is all one, but there are many ways of cooking it.
Application: It’s the cooking that counts. There are different ways/approaches of addressing/solving problems.

Methali: MOTO HAUZAI MOTO
Meaning: Fire does not beget fire (because in the end, all it begets is ash).
Application: Character is formed and not inherited or imitated.

Methali: MPANDA OVYO, HULA OVYO
Meaning: He who sows in a disorderly fashion will eat likewise.
Application: As you sow so shall you reap/ you reap what you sow.