December 5, 2024

The art of expression: Explore the beauty of Hausa proverbs

  1. “In ba ka da gashi, ka yi girki.”
    • If you don’t have hair (to show), then you should cook (implying focus on what you can control).
  2. “Gani ga wane, jiya ga wane.”
    • What you see belongs to someone; you can’t have everything.
  3. “Ruwan sanyi ba ya yi zafi.”
    • Cold water does not burn; gentle actions are often more effective.
  4. “Kada a ce gizo ya tashi, a ce ba a ji ba.”
    • Don’t say a spider has risen when you haven’t heard it; be careful about assumptions.
  5. “Duk wanda ya ba ka hakuri, ya ba ka makami.”
    • He who gives you patience gives you a weapon; patience is a valuable asset.
  6. “Gida ba ya zama gida ba tare da mata ba.”
    • A house is not a home without a wife; the importance of family.
  7. “Kura ta yi hula, ta yi tunanin ta na da kai.”
    • When a rat wears a cap, it thinks it has a head; false pride.
  8. “Idan ba ka da kyau, ka yi kyau.”
    • If you have no beauty, create beauty; improve yourself.
  9. “Kowa ya san inda a ke shan ruwa, ya san inda a ke fitar da shi.”
    • Everyone knows where to drink water, knows where to dispose of it; understanding consequences.
  10. “Komai ya faru, ka yi hakuri.”
    • Whatever happens, be patient; patience is key in life.
  11. “Mai dafa abinci, ba ya jin yunwa.”
    • The one who cooks food does not feel hunger; those who provide for others benefit.
  12. “Duk wanda ya ci abinci a gidan wani, ya yi hakuri da hakkin maigida.”
    • He who eats from someone else’s house must respect the owner’s rights.
  13. “Kowa ya yi magana, amma ba kowa ya yi magana da kyau ba.”
    • Everyone speaks, but not everyone speaks well; choose your words wisely.
  14. “Ruwa mai kyau ba ya shige rijiya.”
    • Good water does not overflow the well; moderation is important.
  15. “Garin da ba a yi amfani da shi, ba ya ba da huta.”
    • A town that is not utilized does not give rest; action breeds progress.
  16. “Kowane kifi yana da gashinsa.”
    • Every fish has its scales; everyone has their own issues.
  17. “Idan ba ka da masoya, ka nemi masoya.”
    • If you have no friends, seek friends; the importance of relationships.
  18. “Mai kyauta, ya ba da kyauta.”
    • The generous person gives gifts; generosity is rewarded.
  19. “Duk wanda ya zo da ruwan sama, ya zo da iska.”
    • He who comes with rain also brings wind; every good thing may have its downsides.
  20. “Kowa ya san inda aka ajiye bawa.”
    • Everyone knows where the slave is kept; secrets are often known.
  21. “Gani na sama, ba ya shafi.”
    • What is seen from above does not affect; perspective matters.
  22. “Idan ka yi wa kowa kyauta, ka yi wa kanka.”
    • When you give a gift to everyone, you give to yourself; selflessness brings joy.
  23. “Hannu biyu ba su rabu da juna.”
    • Two hands do not part; unity is strength.
  24. “Duk mai kyau ba ya yi jinkirin sa.”
    • All good things do not delay; good opportunities come quickly.
  25. “Kada ka daina tunani, ka yi tunani mai kyau.”
    • Do not stop thinking; think positively.
  26. “Rana ta biyu ba ta shafe ta.”
    • The second day does not erase the first; past experiences shape us.
  27. “Ruwa mai kyau ba ya yi tsami.”
    • Good water does not spoil; quality remains unchanged.
  28. “Gida mai kyau ba ya yi shiru.”
    • A good home does not remain silent; communication is key.
  29. “Idan kun san inda aka ajiye kudi, ku san inda aka ajiye su.”
    • If you know where money is stored, know where it has been; knowledge is power.
  30. “Gani mai kyau ba ya yi koyi da banza.”
    • Good sight does not imitate the foolish; wisdom is valuable.
  31. “Kowanne gashi yana da nasa gashinsa.”
    • Every hair has its own root; everyone has their own foundation.
  32. “Duk wanda ya yi dariya, ya yi dariya.”
    • He who laughs has laughed; joy is contagious.
  33. “Aiki ba ya yi gajiya.”
    • Work does not tire; diligence pays off.
  34. “Kada ka shigar da kanka a cikin rijiya.”
    • Do not throw yourself into a pit; avoid unnecessary trouble.
  35. “Idan ka gaji, ka yi hutu.”
    • If you are tired, take a rest; self-care is important.