50+ wise Zulu proverbs and quotes about life, relationships, and beauty

50+ wise Zulu proverbs and quotes about life, relationships, and beauty

Africa is one of the continents that is richly endowed in culture. The continent believes in instilling knowledge through wise sayings and proverbs. Regardless of the origin of a saying, one can get the intended meaning of the saying. Zulu proverbs and quotes equally carry enough weight as the rest of African quotes.

Zulu proverbs and quotes
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Source: UGC

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Zulu is one of the South African tribes best known for upholding its culture. Its history lives on in the community's dress code, traditional ceremonies, and Zulu proverbs and idioms. The sayings are still in use, even in the modern world. They have not changed in any way; neither has the context in which they are used changed. These wise sayings are also ideal for spicing up conversations.

Wise Zulu proverbs and quotes

Zulu proverbs and sayings have been used to inspire people since time immemorial. Here is a collection of some proverbs attributed to the Zulus of South Africa.

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Famous Zulu sayings

Like most African communities, the Zulu have a set of wise sayings whose meanings are symbolic. These sayings are, in most cases, used to reinforce specific topics. Even though they are in Zulu, they can be translated into English without losing their intended meaning. Here are some of the proverbs in the Zulu.

1. Isitsha esihle asidleli

  • Translation: A nice plate is not long eaten off from.
  • Meaning: It is used to express sentiments on the damage that has been done on a good thing.

2. Uthanda ukubukwa njengesiyephu

  • Translation: He likes to be looked at is like a long-hairy goat.
  • Meaning: It is used to describe someone who is an attention seeker.

3. Ikhiwane elihle ligcwala izibungu

  • Translation: The nice fig is often full of worms.
  • Meaning: It is used to warm people who are fond of focusing on the good side of something, forgetting on the negative side of it.

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4. Uphakathi komhlane nembeleko

  • Translation: he is between the back and the sack.
  • Meaning: It is used to refer to someone who is in the middle of cosy situations.

5. Kuhlonishwa kabili

  • Translation: Respect is two ways.
  • Meaning: For you to earn respect you have to give it.

6. Akukho mango ongenaliba

  • Translation: There is no hillside without a grave.
  • Meaning: Death is one of the unavoidable occurrences.

7. Uchakide uhlolile imamba yalukile

  • Translation: The weasel is at ease because the mamba has gone out.
  • Meaning: When the oppressor is away, the oppressed will find their way into doing what they like.

8. Udla indlu yakho njengentwala.

  • Translation: You eat your hut (hair) like a lice.
  • Meaning: You should not despise someone or something that was once beneficial to you.

9. Inkunzi isematholeni

  • Translation: The bull is among the calves.
  • Meaning: A great leader was once an ordinary man, in the same way, the leaders of tomorrow are the youths of today.

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10. Amanxiwa Kamili Mbuya

  • Translation: A rolling stone gathers no moss.
  • Meaning: Someone who does not settle in one place doing something does not accumulate any wealth.

11. Isikhuni sibuya nomkhwezeli.

  • Meaning: The lit fire-brand has returned with one tending fire.
  • Translation: If you choose to play with a risky situation, be sure that you will have to suffer the consequences.

12. Enethunga ayisengeli phansi.

  • Translation: He who has a milking-pail should not be obliged to milk on the
  • ground.
  • Meaning: If you have an opportunity, do not let others have it and be inconvenienced, all in the name of kind.

13. Libunjwa liseva.

  • Translation: The day is worked while it is still fresh.
  • Meaning: Make good use of opportunities when they are available.

14. Ukubona kanye ukubona kabili

  • Translation: Once beaten twice shy.
  • Meaning: Once you get into an unpleasant situation, you learn the art of being cautious.

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15. Iso liwela umfula ugcwele

  • Translation: The eye crosses the full river.
  • Meaning: If you have a desire to do something, you cannot be stopped by anything.

16. Amaqili kathengani

  • Translation: Cunning men do not deal with each other.
  • Meaning: People of the same mischievous character cannot relate with one another.

17. Akukho nkwali yaphendela enye

  • Translation: There is no partridge that scratches for another.
  • Meaning: Everyone must learn to do things by themselves.

18: Ishwa lomhluzi wamanqina

  • Interpretation: Misfortune of soup made of shanks and feet.
  • Context: Describes an individual who never progresses but instead keeps getting into scrapes.

19. Unebhungan' ekanda

  • Interpretation: He has a beetle in his head
  • Context: Describes a person who is acting strangely.

20. Akuko mpukane inqakulela enye

  • Interpretation: One fly does not provide for another.
  • Context: This saying is meant for the idle, and it tells them that everyone should work for themselves as the fly does.

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Zulu proverbs and quotes
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Source: UGC

21. Indonga ziwelene

  • Interpretation: The walls have come into collision.
  • Context: This phrase is used during disputes between persons of consequence.

22. Akunyoka yakhohlwa ngumgodi waya.

  • Interpretation: No snake forgets its home.
  • Meaning: The proverb has the same meaning as the English proverb: East or west home is best

23. Uyakulila ngasonye uxele inkawu

  • Translation: You will shed tears with one eye like a monkey.
  • Use: A monkey is believed to shed tears with one eye when caught in a trap. The saying is used when warning a person against being deterred from any snare.

24. Nala kungekho qhude liyasa.

  • Interpretation: Even when the rooster is not present, day dawns.
  • Use: Used to describe a person who thinks they are exceptional and often have a selfish attitude.

25. Impungushe kayivalelwq nezmvu

  • Interpretation: The jackal is not kept on the same kraal with the sheep.
  • Use: This saying warns an individual from bringing together things or people that do not mesh.

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26. Yimbabala yolwantunge

  • Interpretation: He is a buck of an endless forest.
  • Use: It is used to refer to a shiftless individual who hardly stays in any workplace.

27. Ingwe ikhontha amabala ayo amlhlope namnyama.

  • Interpretation: The leopard licks both its black and white spots.
  • Context: It emphasizes equal justice by those in authority.

28. Aku’qili lazikota emhlana

  • Interpretation: There is no cunning person who licked himself on the back.
  • Use: The saying is used to describe an individual who tried to use trickery of some sort but was discovered.

29. Amaqili katengani

  • Translation: Cunning men do not deal with each other
  • Use: Refers to two individuals who know each other's dealings and never interact.

30. Upakati kwomhlana nembeleko

  • Translation: He is between the back and the sack (Mother carrying her baby on the back)
  • Use: It is used to refer to someone with a protector to help him.

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31. Isihlala ‘ndawonye sidhla amajwabu

  • Interpretation: The sitter-in-one-place eats the skin-scrapings.
  • Use: Used to refer to a lazy person who lacks the insight of his laziness.

32. Ubude abupangwa

  • Translation: Height is not reached in a hurry
  • Meaning: Things take time before they fall in place.

33. Inhlwa aibanjwa ngekanda isavela

  • Translation: The winged termite is not caught by its head as soon as it appears.
  • Meaning: Do not jump to make a judgment before you hear the whole story.

34. Akulahlwa imbeleko ngokufelwa

  • Translation: The child's sack is not thrown away after the death of one child.
  • Meaning: Never lose hope no matter the intensity of your adversities.

35. Kude e-Bakuba, akuyiwanga mntu

  • Interpretation: Bakuba is far away; no person ever reached it.
  • Context: Bakuba is an ideal country. It teaches us to be content with whatever we have as Bakuba is out of reach.

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36. Izinto azimntaka Ngqika zonke

  • Interpretation: It is not everyone who is a son of Gaika.
  • Context: Gaika was a mighty chief of the Kei. The proverb acknowledges that we are all different and can never be equally fortunate.

37. Lukozo lomya

  • Translation: It is the seed of the umya.
  • Meaning: Umya is a small jet black bead, and the proverb is used when referring to someone or something very beautiful.

38. Isikhathi sibuye ngokubili

  • Translation: Time returns as a circle.
  • Meaning: It is meant to convey the idea that history often repeats itself and that events that have occurred in the past are likely to occur again in the future.

39. Inkosi yinkosi ngabantu

  • Translation: A king is a king because of the people.
  • Meaning: It is meant to convey the idea that leaders are only as powerful as the support they receive from their followers.

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40. Igama lenkosi liyabhubha ezulwini.

  • Translation: The name of a king reaches the heavens
  • Meaning: It is meant to convey the idea that powerful leaders are recognized and respected not only on earth but also in the spiritual realm.

Proverbs in Zulu Bible

proverbs in zulu bible
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Source: UGC

Like many other tribes, the Zulu culture also has their Bible translated into their own language for easy understanding. Here are some of the quotes from the Book of Proverbs translated into Zulu.

1. IBhayibheli liyaxwayisa: “Lapho [umkhohlisi] enza izwi lakhe libe mnandi, ungakholwa nguye.” - IzAga 26:24, 25

  • Translation: Although [the deceptive talker] makes his voice gracious,” the Bible warns, “do not believe in him.” - Proverbs 26:24, 25

2. Isidakwa nesiminzi bayoba mpofu. - IzAga 23:21

  • Translation: A drunkard and a glutton will come to poverty.” - Proverbs 23:21

3. Ngokuqinisekile akunjalo; ngakho kusebenzele kanzima ukwazisa okuhle kumngane wakho womshado, futhi mtshele ukuthi uyamazisa. - IzAga 31:28

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  • Translation: Surely not; so work hard to appreciate the good in your mate, and put your appreciation into words. - Proverbs 31:28

4. Iqinisekiseni ukuthi iyadingeka, iyaziswa, futhi iyathandwa—yebo, ithandwa nguJehova nabafowabo nodadewabo. - IzAga 12:25

  • Translation: Reassure them that they are wanted, valued, and loved —yes, by Jehovah and also by their brothers and sisters. - Proverbs 12:25

5. Futhi, uNkulunkulu uyachaza ukuthi uzizwa kanjani uma izinceki zakhe zihlushwa izitha: “Othinta nina uthinta inhlamvu yeso [lami].” - IzAga 27:11

  • Translation: Also, God describes how he feels when his servants are made to suffer by enemies: “He that is touching you is touching my eyeball.” - Proverbs 27:11

6. Indlela yoyisiwula ilungile emehlweni akhe,” kusho inkosi yakwa-Israyeli, “kodwa olalela iseluleko uhlakaniphile.” - IzAga 12:15

  • Translation: “The way of the foolish one is right in his own eyes,” says the king of Israel, “but the one listening to counsel is wise.” - Proverbs 12:15

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7. Isimo esinomusa, ukuqonda nothando sibalulekile uma nifuna ukufinyelela inhliziyo. - IzAga 20:5

  • Translation: An atmosphere of kindness, understanding, and love is important if you want to reach the heart. - Proverbs 20:5

8. Yeka ukuthi buba bukhulu kangakanani ubuhlungu obuzwiwa abazali lapho ingane iyeka ukukhulekela uNkulunkulu weqiniso! - IzAga 17:25

  • Translation: What deep sorrow parents experience when a child forsakes the worship of the true God! - Proverbs 17:25

English Zulu proverbs and quotes

romantic zulu phrases
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Source: UGC

Here is another collection of popular Zulu proverbs and quotes.

1. The lion is a beautiful animal when seen at a distance.

This saying has the same meaning has not all that glitters is gold. It means that things may not be as they seem at first glance.

2. Even the most beautiful flower withers in time.

Nothing is permanent, so enjoy it while it lasts.

3. You cannot cross a river without getting wet.

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Nothing comes free but only by hard work.

4. Old age doesn't announce itself at the gate of the kraal.

Old age does not announce its arrival. Instead, it sneaks up on you.

5. Guessing breeds suspicion.

Lack of concrete evidence leads to overthinking and false conclusions.

6. Every stream has its source.

Every situation has a beginning.

7. The horse that arrives early gets good drinking water

The saying resembles that of the early bird catches the best worm.

8. Blessed are those who can please themselves

Self-joy is paramount

9. When you bite indiscriminately, you end up eating your tail.

Think before acting as it may have grave consequences.

10. The sun never sets that there has not been fresh news.

Change is constant.

11. The baboon does not see its forehead.

Do not judge as you also have flaws.

Zulu words and meanings

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romantic zulu phrases
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Source: UGC

After reading through these Zulu sayings, you may be interested in learning a few of the most common Zulu words. Apart from the proverbs, the Zulu also has interesting words that are closely related to that of the proverbs.

  • Woman: Umfazi
  • Man: Umuntu
  • Child: Umntwana
  • Father: Ubaba
  • Mother: Umama
  • Dog: Inja
  • Bird: Inyoni
  • Meat: Inyama
  • Egg: Iqanda

Zulu quotes

Besides these rich sayings, there are interesting Zulu quotes that are also part of the community's culture. They include:

1. Ukuph' ukuziphakela

  • Translation: Giving is to dish out for oneself.

2. Kuhlonishwana kabili

  • Translation: Respect is mutual.

3. Bonke abantu bazalwa bekhululekile belingana ngesithunzi nangamalungelo. Bahlanganiswe wumcabango nangunembeza futhi kufanele baphathane ngomoya wobunye.

  • Translation: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

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Zulu phrases that you may find useful

zulu idioms about beauty
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Source: UGC

Some of the most common phrases in Isizulu.

1. Uphumaphi?

  • Translation: Where are you from?

2. Uhlala kuphi?

  • Translation: Where do you stay?

3. Igama lami ngu...

  • Translation: My name is...

4. Ngisaqala ukufunda isiZulu

  • Translation: I've just started learning Zulu.

Romantic Zulu phrases

The Zulu language offers a wealth of beautiful words and expressions that can convey love and affection in a unique and captivating way. Below is a list of relationship Zulu love quotes.

1. Ngikuthanda kakhulu

  • Translation: I love you so much

2. Nami ngiyakuthanda

  • Translation: I love you too

3. Ngiyakukhumbula kakhulu

  • Translation: I miss you so much

4. Umuhle kakhulu

  • Translation: You are very beautiful

5. Uyindoda ebukekayo

  • Translation: You are very handsome

6. Ngiyathand’ukuphila nawe, ngoba uyandihlolisisa ngezindlela ezimbi.

  • Translation: I love living with you, because you make the difficult paths easier.

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7. Indlela yokuphila yami nguwe, ngoba ngizokubambelela ngawe.

  • Translation: You are my way of life, because I will hold onto you.

8. Ungumthombo wokuphila kwami, ngoba ngikuthanda ngempilo yami yonke.

  • Translation: You are the source of my life, because I love you with all my life.

9. Ngingakuthanda ngempilo yami yonke.

  • Translation: I love you with all my life.

10. Inkazimulo yami ithi ‘awukho umuntu oyisihlangu sakho,’ kanti mina ngithi wena ungumsizi wami.

  • Translation: My pride says ‘there is no one like you,’ but I say you are my support.

12. Ngiyathand’ukwenza imiyalo nje nawe, ngoba uyandihlolisa ngokuphelele.

  • Translation: I love doing things with you, because you make me laugh completely.

13. Ungumuntu ongasindiswa ngaye, ongiphindisela kumbe ngisindisele ngaye.

  • Translation: You are a person who saves me, either by bringing me back to life or saving me from harm.

14. Ngiyathand’ukukwazi ukuthi ngabe ubani ongakwenza nje ngiyamthanda.

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  • Translation: I love knowing that there is no one else who can love you like I do.

15. Ngiyakuthanda futhi nginawe zonke izinsuku zokuphila kwami.

  • Translation: I love you, and you are with me every day of my life.

Zulu idioms about beauty

Zulu proverbs and quotes
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Source: UGC

Zulu idioms are a rich part of the language and culture, often expressing wisdom and insight in a memorable way. Here are a few idioms related to beauty in the Zulu language:

  • Inhlanhla ibuzwa kwabaphambili: This idiom means that good fortune is recognized by those who have already achieved it. It is often used to describe someone who is attractive or successful and is therefore admired by others.
  • Ukuphila kwezinyosi kungumgibe: This idiom compares the beauty of a butterfly to that of a young girl. It suggests that both are fragile and fleeting and should be appreciated while they last.
  • Ubuhle bendoda zinkomo zayo: This idiom means that a man's beauty is in his cattle. It reflects the traditional Zulu practice of measuring a man's wealth and status by the size of his cattle herd.
  • Ukukhanya kwezibongo zithi ngokufa kwezwe: This idiom means that the brightness of one's praise songs is measured by the death of the land. It suggests that beauty and success are often achieved through sacrifice and hard work.

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What are wise Zulu proverbs?

The Zulu culture is well-known for its rich collection of proverbs, which are used to convey wisdom, insight, and guidance. An example of a Zulu proverb is "Ukukhula kukubili, okweswini nokwandisa." This proverb translates to "Growing up has two sides, the dry and the wet." It is meant to convey the idea that life has its ups and downs and that both good and bad experiences are necessary for personal growth.

What is the proper Zulu greetings?

In Zulu culture, there are different ways to greet someone depending on the time of day and the level of formality of the situation.

For example, the most common greeting is "Sawubona", which means "I see you". This greeting is used throughout the day and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

Are Zulu proverbs good?

Like many other African cultures, the Zulu people have a rich tradition of oral storytelling, and proverbs are an important part of this tradition. Zulu proverbs convey a message or lesson in a memorable way.

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Proverbs and wise sayings are one of the easiest ways of making a conversation fun. These Zulu proverbs and quotes are simple to master and carry the community's culture.

Wise Zulu proverbs and quotes
Photo: canva.com (modified by author)
Source: Original

Briefly.co.za recently published an article with cute Zulu names for boys and girls. Zulu names can have several meanings depending on a variety of important elements, such as the moment of birth or an emotion.

African names are incredibly beautiful in a variety of languages, each with unique pronunciations. Therefore, you must be aware of and comprehend the various meanings of Zulu names before making your ultimate choice.

Source: Briefly News

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