December 5, 2024

Wisdom in words: 29 timeless Swahili proverbs to live by

  1. Haraka haraka haina baraka.
    • Meaning: Haste makes waste. (Quick actions often lead to mistakes.)
  2. Chanda chema huvikwa pete.
    • Meaning: A good person is appreciated. (Good deeds are recognized and rewarded.)
  3. Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake.
    • Meaning: Every bird flies with its wings. (Everyone has their own abilities and strengths.)
  4. Pesa ni mfalme.
    • Meaning: Money is king. (Wealth often holds significant power and influence.)
  5. Usikate tamaa.
    • Meaning: Don’t lose hope. (Always maintain optimism in difficult situations.)
  6. Mgeni njoo, mwenyeji apone.
    • Meaning: The guest comes, and the host benefits. (Welcoming guests can lead to mutual benefits.)
  7. Kiongozi ni mfano.
    • Meaning: A leader is a role model. (Leaders should set a good example for others.)
  8. Kila mtu ni mfalme katika nyumba yake.
    • Meaning: Every person is a king in their own house. (Everyone has authority and respect in their own domain.)
  9. Maji ukiyavunja, hutavunja sikio.
    • Meaning: If you break water, you won’t break an ear. (Some actions have no negative consequences.)
  10. Fikira mbaya ni adui wa maendeleo.
    • Meaning: Bad thoughts are enemies of progress. (Negative thinking hinders growth.)
  11. Akili ni nywele, kila mtu ana zake.
    • Meaning: Intelligence is like hair; everyone has their own. (Everyone has their own unique thoughts and ideas.)
  12. Jenga nyumba, usijenge kuta.
    • Meaning: Build a house, don’t just build walls. (Focus on creating a solid foundation rather than superficial appearances.)
  13. Ukitaka kufa, fanya kazi ya mwenzio.
    • Meaning: If you want to fail, do someone else’s work. (Focus on your own responsibilities for success.)
  14. Mtu ni watu.
    • Meaning: A person is a community. (Individual actions contribute to the society as a whole.)
  15. Wakati ni dawa.
    • Meaning: Time is a healer. (With time, wounds and problems can be resolved.)
  16. Asiyekubali kushindwa si mshindani.
    • Meaning: He who does not accept defeat is not a competitor. (True competitors acknowledge losses and learn from them.)
  17. Ndege mmoja hairehemu shingo.
    • Meaning: One bird does not lift the neck. (Teamwork is essential for success.)
  18. Kila mti huanguka kwa mti wake.
    • Meaning: Every tree falls to its own tree. (You are affected by your own actions.)
  19. Kuwa na subira ni kunyoosha mti.
    • Meaning: Patience is like straightening a tree. (With patience, you can achieve your goals.)
  20. Ukimwita mzee, huwezi kumwita mtoto.
    • Meaning: If you call an elder, you cannot call a child. (Respect the hierarchy in society.)
  21. Mambo hayaendi bila shingo.
    • Meaning: Things do not go without a neck. (Leadership is essential for progress.)
  22. Nyota ya mtu haiwezi kufichwa.
    • Meaning: A person’s star cannot be hidden. (True talent and potential will eventually shine through.)
  23. Kila jua lina mwangaza wake.
    • Meaning: Every sun has its own light. (Everyone has their own unique qualities.)
  24. Siku njema huonekana asubuhi.
    • Meaning: A good day is seen in the morning. (The beginnings often determine the outcomes.)
  25. Usimwambie mtu utafanya, mwambie umefanya.
    • Meaning: Don’t tell someone you will do it; tell them you have done it. (Actions speak louder than words.)
  26. Kila alicho nacho, ni sawa na chako.
    • Meaning: What someone else has is equal to what you have. (Value others’ possessions as you value your own.)
  27. Kujua ni nusu ya kutenda.
    • Meaning: Knowing is half of doing. (Knowledge is a crucial step toward action.)
  28. Mtu ni maarifa.
    • Meaning: A person is knowledge. (The true value of a person lies in their knowledge and wisdom.)
  29. Kila mzuri ana mbaya.
    • Meaning: Every good has its bad. (There are pros and cons to everything.)