Africa is a continent richly endowed with 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. Discover wise Zulu proverbs and quotes below.
Zulu proverbs and quotes convey wisdom, insight, and guidance to the community. Photo: pexels.com, @Pixabay (modified by author) Source: UGC
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. Check out some popular Zulu proverbs and meanings below:
Wise Zulu proverbs and quotes
Like most African communities, the Zulu have a set of symbolic sayings. In most cases, these sayings are used to help people make wise choices and reinforce discipline in the community. The following Zulu proverbs have been translated into English without losing their intended meaning:
Zulu proverbs are culturally specific, but people worldwide can relate to their meaning. Photo: pexels.com, @Jo Kassis (modified by author) Source: UGC
7. 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.
8. Isikhuni sibuya nomkhwezeli
Translation: The lit fire-brand has returned with the one tending fire.
Meaning: If you play in a risky situation, you must suffer the consequences.
9. Libunjwa liseva
Translation: The day is worked while it is still fresh.
Meaning: Make good use of opportunities when they are available.
10. Ukubona kanye ukubona kabili
Translation: Once beaten, twice shy.
Meaning: Once you get into an unpleasant situation, you learn the art of being cautious.
11. Iso liwela umfula ugcwele
Translation: The eye crosses the full river.
Meaning: If you desire to do something, nothing can stop you.
12. Akukho nkwali yaphendela enye
Translation: No partridge scratches another.
Meaning: Everyone must learn to do things by themselves.
Translation: Misfortune of soup made of shanks and feet.
Meaning: The saying describes an individual who never progresses but keeps getting into scrapes.
14. Akuko mpukane inqakulela enye
Translation: One fly does not provide for another.
Meaning: The saying is for the idle, telling them everyone should work for themselves as the fly does.
15. Indonga ziwelene
Translation: The walls have come into collision.
Meaning: The phrase is used during disputes between persons of consequence.
There is a Zulu proverb for almost any situation, and the sayings usually describe or predict a common truth. Photo: pexels.com, @Mark Broadhurst (modified by author) Source: UGC
16. Akunyoka yakhohlwa ngumgodi waya
Translation: No snake forgets its home.
Meaning: The proverb has the same meaning as the English proverb: East or West home is best.
17. Uyakulila ngasonye uxele inkawu
Translation: You will shed tears with one eye like a monkey (a monkey is believed to shed tears with one eye when caught in a trap.)
Meaning: The saying warns people against cunningness and other bad behavior.
Translation: The sitter-in-one-place eats the skin-scrapings.
Meaning: Used to refer to a lazy person who lacks the insight of his laziness.
Sometimes, people do not understand a big lecture but can easily understand a small proverb. Photo: pexels.com, @Pixabay (modified by author) Source: UGC
24. Ubude abupangwa
Translation: Height is not reached in a hurry
Meaning: Things take time before they fall in place.
25. 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.
26. 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.
27. Kude e-Bakuba, akuyiwanga mntu
Translation: Bakuba is an imaginary country that no person has ever reached.
Meaning: Whatever we have as Bakuba is out of reach.
Zulu proverbs are a quick or succinct way of making a truthful statement that most people will immediately understand. Photo: pexels.com, @Aphiwat chuangchoem (modified by author) Source: UGC
Meaning: The proverb emphasizes the importance of sharing.
39. Izandla ziyagezana
Translation: Help each other and build each other up.
Meaning: The proverb encourages teamwork.
40. Ukukhula kukubili, okweswini nokwandisa
Translation: Growing up has two sides, the dry and the wet.
Meaning: The ups and downs of life are necessary for growth and maturity.
Funny Zulu proverbs and quotes
You can use Zulu proverbs to impart knowledge and offer advice to someone. Photo: pexels.com, @Magda Ehlers (modified by author) Source: UGC
Zulu proverbs evoke thinking that can help someone make wise decisions or improve their character. Here are some Zulu sayings that sound funny but have important meanings:
1. Uphakathi komhlane nembeleko
Translation: He is between the back and the sack.
Meaning: It refers to someone in a dilemma or the middle of a tricky situation.
2. Unebhungan' ekanda
Translation: He has a beetle in his head
Meaning: The saying describes a person who is acting strangely.
You can use Zulu proverbs to teach or reinforce morals in someone, make an argument, or aid their understanding. Photo: pexels.com, @Kerry (modified by author) Source: UGC
Zulu proverbs 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. Here is a collection of short Zulu proverbs and quotes in English.
1. The lion is a beautiful animal when seen at a distance.
Meaning: Not all that glitters is gold or things do not always as they seem at first glance.
2. Even the most beautiful flower withers in time.
Meaning: Nothing is permanent, so enjoy it while it lasts.
3. You cannot cross a river without getting wet.
Meaning: Nothing comes free, but only through hard work.
4. Old age doesn't announce itself at the gate of the kraal.
Meaning: Old age does not announce its arrival. Instead, it sneaks up on you.
Meaning: Polygamy breeds envy and jealousy among the wives and the children.
Zulu proverbs and quotes about love
Zulu proverbs have been used for centuries and are essential to people's culture. Photo: pexels.com, @Alex Green (modified by author) Source: UGC
Zulu proverbs and sayings have been used to inspire people since time immemorial. Here is a collection of famous proverbs and quotes about love that are attributed to the Zulus of South Africa:
The quarrel of lovers is the renewal of love.
Love, like rain, does not choose the grass on which it falls.
One who loves the vase also loves what is inside.
Love is a painkiller.
He who loves loves you with your dirt.
Love doesn't rely on physical features.
Let your love be like the misty rain, coming softly but flooding the river.
One who marries for love alone will have bad days but good nights.
If the full moon loves you, why worry about the stars?
Don't try to make someone hate the person he loves. He will go on loving, but he will hate you.
It's easy to have chemistry when nobody is sitting on the bench.
Do not treat your loved one like a swinging door: you are fond of it, but push it back and forth.
The Zulu culture has the Bible translated into their language for easy understanding. Photo: pexels.com, @Nicola Barts (modified by author) Source: UGC
Work on the first Zulu bible began in 1845, and William C. Wilcox led the translation effort. The first version was completed in 1883, and a revised edition was released in 1893, which is still in print today. Here are some of the quotes from Proverbs in the Zulu Bible:
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
Translation: What deep sorrow parents experience when a child forsakes the worship of the true God! - Proverbs 17:25
Zulu words and meanings
Learning isiZulu is easier if you are passionate about the language. Photo: pexels.com, @Agung Pandit Wiguna (modified by author) Source: UGC
After reading these Zulu sayings, you may be interested in learning a few of the most common Zulu words. Here are some simple Zulu terms you can use daily:
Woman: Umfazi
Man: Umuntu
Child: Umntwana
Father: Ubaba
Mother: Umama
Dog:Inja
Bird:Inyoni
Meat:Inyama
Egg: Iqanda
Zulu phrases that you may find useful
Knowing the most common isiZulu phrases can be helpful when chatting with Zulu people, especially in the remote areas of Zululand. You can memorize these words and sentences and use them in everyday life conversations with Zulu people:
15. Lala kahle! (to a person) or Lalani kahle! (to people)
Translation: Good night!
16. Sizobonana!
Translation: See you later!
17. Sala kahle!
Translation: Good bye! (to host)
18. Hamba kahle!
Translation: Good bye! (to guest)
19. Salani kahle!
Translation: Good bye! (to hosts)
20. Hambani kahle!
Translation: Good bye! (to guests)
21. Ngilahlekile
Translation: I'm lost
22. Ngingakusiza na?
Translation: Can I help you?
Don't worry about perfect grammar when learning isiZulu because that comes with time and requires patience. Photo: pexels.com, @Bigshow Lamar Campton (modified by author) Source: UGC
The Zulu language has a wealth of beautiful words and expressions for love. Photo: pexels.com, @Andres Ayrton (modified by author) Source: UGC
The Zulu language has a wealth of beautiful words and expressions that can convey love and affection uniquely and captivatingly. Below is a list of relationship Zulu love quotes.
Translation: I love you, and you are with me every day.
Zulu idioms about beautyBlack and white cows in the field. Photo: pexels.com, @Matthias Zomer Source: UGC
You can use Zulu idioms about beauty when the right opportunity presents itself. Photo: pexels.com, @nappy (modified by author) Source: UGC
Zulu idioms are a rich part of the language and culture, often expressing wisdom and insight memorably. Here are a few idioms related to beauty in the Zulu language:
Inhlanhla ibuzwa kwabaphambili: The idiom means that good fortune is recognized by those who have already achieved it. It describes someone attractive or successful who is admired by others.
Ukuphila kwezinyosi kungumgibe:The 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: The 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: The idiom means that the death of the land measures the brightness of one's praise songs. Beauty and success can be achieved through sacrifice and hard work.
Zulu proverbs are important as they advise, rebuke, correct, and guide people.
What is the proper Zulu greetings?
The most common Zulu greeting is "Sawubona," which means "I see you."
What are wise Zulu proverbs?
The Zulu culture has a rich collection of sayings that convey wisdom, insight, and guidance. For instance, some famous Zulu sayings and quotes about marriage are:
"Two wives, two pots of poison" means "Polygamy breeds envy and jealousy among the wives and the children."
"Getting married is like putting a snake in your pocket" means "No marriage or spouse is perfect."
What is the Zulu proverb for respect?
The Zulu proverb "Kuhlonishwa kabili" means "Respect is two-way."
What is the Zulu proverb for freedom?
The Zulu proverb "Bonke abantu bazalwa bekhululekile belingana ngesithunzi nangamalungelo. Bahlanganiswe wumcabango nangunembeza futhi kufanele baphathane ngomoya wobunye," means all human beings are born free and equal, so they should uphold the spirit of brotherhood.
"Phakamisa isizwe sakho" means "Uplift your nation."
"Lapha kuyakhanya" means "Here, there is light."
"Uthando lwakho lungakhohlwa" means "Never forget your love."
"Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu" means "A person is a person through other people."
"Ukukhala kungezwa ndoda" means "Crying is not a sign of weakness."
What are some African proverbs?
Every African culture has wise proverbs or sayings, usually passed down from generation to generation. Here are some wise African proverbs:
"No matter how hot your anger is, it cannot cook yams," means "Anger resolves nothing."
”Do not call the forest that shelters you a jungle” means "Do not disrespect someone who cares for you or shares your burdens and responsibilities."
”Rain does not fall on one roof alone” means "Everyone faces problems at some point."
“It takes a village to raise a child” means "Every adult should nurture the younger generation."
”Ears that do not listen to advice, accompany the head when chopped off” means "A person who does not heed advice will suffer the consequences."
The Yoruba phrase "Iya ni wura” means "A mother is gold."
Yoruba's say “Orisha bi Iya kosi” meaning “ there is no god/Orisha like a mother."
Sotho people of South Africa say “Mosadi o tshwara thipa ka bogaleng” meaning “A woman holds the knife at the sharp end.” The saying means women and girls face many hardships in their lifetime.
The isiZulu say, “Umuthi ugotshwa usemanzi” meaning "Discipline a child while still young."
The isiZulu saying, “Izandla ziyagezana” means "Help each other and build each other up."
The isiZulu saying, “Wathinta abafazi, wathinta imbokodo” means “You strike a woman, you strike a rock.” It represents the strength of a woman.
The isiZulu proverb, "Ukukhula kukubili, okweswini nokwandisa" means "Growing up has two sides, the dry and the wet." It means the ups and downs of life are necessary for growth.
The isiZulu proverb, "Ukuph' ukuziphakela" means "Giving is to dish out for oneself." It emphasizes the importance of sharing.
Zulu proverbs are usually passed down from one generation to the next. Photo: pexels.com, @Dick Scholten (modified by author) Source: UGC
What are the best quotes from Proverbs?
Some of the best quotes from the Book of Proverbs in the Bible are:
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline. - Proverbs 1:7
Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life. - Proverbs 4:23
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. - Proverbs 3:5
Don’t rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke the wise, and he will love you. - Proverbs 9:8
A wise son responds to his father’s discipline, but a mocker doesn’t listen to rebuke. - Proverbs 13:1
A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath. - Proverbs 15:1
Zulu proverbs and quotes are defined as pithy sayings or bits of advice. Their purpose is to give advice or teach a lesson. When older people use those proverbs with younger people, they pass on the wisdom of those who came before.
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