Proverbs in Zambia ∴ more demanding proverbs 1
Proverbs in Zambia: more demanding proverbs in Chibale 1
Of the two articles on proverbs that the people in Chibale consider more demanding, this is the one that presents proverbs that teach us how to avoid problems and how to solve them when they do occur. They can also be found in the second part of the digital book Mu Zambia Amano Mambulwa, see here. The whole book can be downloaded here.
Other articles in this series
The proverbs about how to behave and what to do when problems arise, considered simple in Chibale.
The proverbs about what to expect and how things work, considered simple in Chibale.
The proverbs about what to expect and how things work, considered more demanding in Chibale.
The proverbs about how to behave and what to do when problems arise, considered deep in Chibale.
The proverbs about what to expect and how things work, considered deep in Chibale.
Proverb 101
Ifunda talicenjela, ucenjela mwine we funda
Abantu, ukuteba ifintu, ebalufyanya.
Balupwa wambo baleta ebeshiba inshila sha kuwamishamo/kupwishishamo njo imilandu.
Kwaliba imilandu iyo icitika nawe mwine ulishi ati mulandu uyu. Boneni ubuteko bwalikanya ukwipaya inama ukwabula ipaso. Ulo we waya kwipaya inama mumpanga, ifunda lyobe talishibapo noko likoya, kanshi we mwine wandi funda niwe ulingile ukwishiba imyendele pakuti ukafishe uko ukofwaya. Ulo bakwikata, nawe waluka kubati lifunda. Ulupwa lobe ebakupususha.
The load is not careful, careful is the owner of the load
It is people who make mistakes, not things.
Those responsible for the youth are accountable for their mistakes. When a child, or indeed any family member, errs, it is the family that addresses the issue.
There are people who knowingly commit illegal acts. For example, the Government has established procedures for hunting game: a licence is required. Therefore, when you go out to hunt secretly, the meat you carry does not know where it is being taken. If you are arrested, you will appear a fool, and your family members will have to go to great lengths to bail you out.
The same proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 366) with a different explanation:
Ifunda talicenjela, icicenjela mwine we funda ∵ The bundle of meat is not crafty, what is crafty is the owner of the bundle.
If a man has meat given him at a certain village; on his going home, the meat will not hide itself, and the villagers will crowd round, and deprive him of it. If he be wise, he will hide it in a tree before he reaches home, and get it secretly into the village later.
Proverb 102
Akasuba kamo takaboosha nama/mbeba
Ukuteka umutima pakucita ifintu, tekucitapo mukasaku iyoo.
Fimo ifintu fifwaya akashita akatali pakuti fise fibe bwino.
Pakukumba ubwalwa, bapela amashiku asano na abili pakuti bupye ukufikapo.
Mu mikumbile mwaliba ifikomo ifyakukonka mpaka no bushiku bwa kunwa. Nga bwapya panshiku ishitapendwa ninshi tabulipo bwino. Ukukumba kufwaya akashita.
One day will not make the game/mouse rot
Take time to do things; don’t rush them.
Certain tasks require sufficient time to be fully accomplished.
In the brewing process of local beer, from start to the day of drinking, it takes seven days, as the whole process has stages to follow. If drunk earlier than these seven days, it is not the real thing. Brewing needs time.
The same proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 58), with a different explanation:
Akasuba kamo takabosha mbeba ∵ One day does not rot a mouse.
An excuse for putting off till tomorrow what is not absolutely urgent. If a mouse is caught in a trap it will still be good the following day. Certain kinds of mice, moles and cane-rats are esteemed very highly by the natives for relish: they are caught mostly at the time of the grass-burning. In the Lenje region: Akasuba kamo tokabosha nyama: One day does not rot the meat.
Proverb 103
Ngatwime kumaca, umufu wansala ili ucilele
Katucite mfi ulo ifitaweme tafingaisa mukucilinganya.
Ulo mwabuka, mulomfwa ukuba ababwangu na maka. Kuntanshi mungafilwa kupwishisha ifyo mutampile kumulandu wa kulema no kupwa maka elyo na mafya ayangesa muli nji nshita.
Let’s start early in the morning, while the hunger pangs are still asleep
Let’s do this before negative influences arise.
As you wake up, you still feel fresh and energetic. Later, you may fail to finish what you started due to tiredness or problems that arise in the meantime.
The same proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 986), with a different explanation:
Ngatwime kumaca, umufu wansala ili ucilele ∵ Let us rise very early, the death of hunger (comes) while you still sleep.
If one has spent a night on an empty stomach, it is wisest to rise betimes, and travel before one becomes too weak.
Proverb 104
Umucinshi wa nseba kwimina pamo
Imilimo yacintu bwingi yalinga ukubombela pamo elo yanguka.
Inseba tuni utwinji utwendela pamo, elo twaliba nomusango wakwimina pamo, takubapo akashalila.
Enco bapashanyako nakubantu ukuti kamo ngakwaba ukubomba imilimo yacintu bwingi, kano bonse mwaimina pamo. Taciwamapo bambi bashala pantu ulo ngulya mulimo wakupwa, ukalabombela bonse abantu.
Icilangililo kufika kwa bulalo pakanika apo abana baya mukusambililaku sukulu bangalokwabuka ukwabula ubwafya.
The respect of the nseba birds consists in flying out all together
Communal work should be done by all, and at the same time, so that it doesn’t take long.
The nseba, small birds that fly in large numbers, start flying out all at once, with none remaining behind. That is why a proverb was derived from this: people must act likewise.
When a communal job has to be done, it demands all concerned to stand up and do it. It is not good to see others evade their responsibilities. Once that project is completed, it will serve all the people in the vicinity.
An example of such a project is putting up a bridge across a stream to allow school-going children to cross it without problems.
Proverb 105
Nkoya! Nkoya! Nkoya! alepaisha
Mailo tekwisapo.
Bamo abantu tabafwaya ukubomba imilimo ingabaletela icuma kuntanshi.
Umuntu uwaishiba ubune bwa bulimi, alaya mukulima pakuti akakwate icakulya icingi. Nomba ye aikalila ati, nebo nkaya nibwangu noma umo mwine emo acelelwa nangu kuyapo. Pakulekelesha kucula mulandu wa nsala.
I will go! I will go! I will go! causes suffering
Tomorrow never comes; do it now.
Some people do not want to do work that will only bring them prosperity in the future.
Knowing the importance of farming, one goes out to cultivate so that there will be enough food to eat in the future. Then there are others saying, “I will be leaving for cultivation soon”, who never leave! In the end, they will starve.
The same proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 996):
Nkaya! Nkaya! alepaisha ∵ I’ll go! I’ll go! causes death.
Said to a man who doesn’t cultivate his garden, because he says that he is going away, but delays and delays, and at last is reduced to starvation.
Proverb 106
Nakana ifyakene mbwa kuseka/kufwala
Cilingile ukuba umo akofwaila.
Ukupashanya ifya kene mbwa ukuseka nangu ukufwala ecimo cine ukwebati ifyo ndefwaya nifyo fine takuli ukwaluka iyoo. Akaninina fyekefyo.
I refuse in the same way the dog refuses to laugh/to dress
It has to be exactly how he wants it.
By behaving in the same way as the dog that refused to laugh/dress, the person wants it their own way, and that is irreversible.
The same proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 824):
Nakana ifyakene mbwa ukuseka/ukufwala ∵ I have refused in the way the dog refused to laugh. OR: I have refused in the way the dog refused to dress.
Stating an absolute irreversible refusal. The dog wouldn’t laugh and nothing will ever make him do so.
Proverb 107
Uwaitwa tafwala bwino
Ukukonka akashita ulo cikofwayikwa.
Nga waitwa, cakubalilapo bona kati nshita ikulu eko ili angula iyo.
Wipela icilubo ku muntu pakukana fikilisha utukofwaikwa utunini libe ifya kucita ifikulu efikofwaikwa.
Calinga ukukonkana nobwite, ukwabula ukuposa inshita, ulo taulaishiba ico bakokwitila.
Ilyo waitwa, taulingile nomba ukutampa ukupekanya, ukumonati bushe nalafwala indo. Empali walacelwa ku bwite.
The one who is being called, does not put on nice clothes
Know when action is required.
When you are invited or called, consider the reason first. Does it allow for more time or not?
Do not blame a person for not fulfilling a less important requirement when other urgent action was needed.
If you are being called for an urgent matter, you must follow-up immediately without wasting time, as this may require your immediate intervention instead of, for instance, looking for nice clothes to put on.
The same proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 1437), with a different explanation:
Uwaitwa tafwala bwino ∵ He who is called does not dress carefully.
If you are called, don’t wait to dress.
Proverb 108
Mposa mabwe ninkanshi akwete
Tulokuba abacenjela mu fintu tucita pantu kuti fyatuletelela.
Ukwangalakubi kuti kwalenga waibika mu bwafya. Mukwangala ngali temwa ukuposa amabwe, ukalasa mwana wa bene pambi ukamutibule shiso ko mulemanika. Ba lupwa bakesa kufwayab ati apo wamulemanika, niwe ukomupa inkashi yobe ope, pantu bambi abanakashi tabakamusuminepo ukupwa kuli ngulya cilema.
If you like to throw stones, you should have a sister
If you take risks, you should be able to cover what happens when things do not work out well.
We must be very careful in what we do, because if we don’t, we shall be in trouble. Dangerous games can put you into trouble. In games, if you are fond of throwing stones at others, one day you will hit someone and damage his eye or make him lame. In the past, the relatives of the injured would demand your sister to marry him, because other girls would not accept him as he was handicapped.
Proverb 109
Akalulu pa mulamu kalikwata umukoshi
Bucibusa bwaba mukupimwa/ukulinganya.
Ico utangapela umuntu umbi, ku muntu waba mupepi nawe mu lupwa ena kuti wamupa.
Kwaliba limbi wakwatafye akamunani akanini, bambi abantu abatali balupwa lobe teti ubapeko, kusosa ati kacepa. Nomba uwamulupwa lobe nangu cibusa obe ukwafwa libili libili ena kumupako.
When you are with your brother-in-law, a rabbit has a neck
Friendship comes in different degrees.
What you would not give to an outsider, you can give to a close relative. With close friends and relatives, you feel less easily ashamed.
There are times and occasions when you have very little to share. You will not share certain foods with people who are not very close to you because you feel it is too little. But as for those close to you, it will be shared.
A similar proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 566):
Kolwe pa mulamu ali ne mukoshi ∵ With the brother-in-law, the monkey has a neck.
Words used in praise of a brother-in-law, who will always share the smallest trifle. A monkey has very little neck; and so if one begged from a friend a piece of monkey’s neck, the latter would answer that a monkey has no neck. A -brother-in-law, however, would do his best to oblige, even if it meant his giving breast as well. Since in Ilamba a sister is looked upon almost as the property of her brother, the man who marries her has to be very deferential to his brother-in-law.
Proverb 110
Sampa ukulwila nankwe ubulobo, balamulekela
Ukunakilila mukucita ifintu kulaleta insansa. Tekweshapo ukuba uwakutemwa ukukwatisha noku pupumina pa fintu bwangu bwangu.
Ilyo mwaya mukuloba isabi, calinga muletekanya empali mwalusa ubulobo pamo ne sabi line. Nga mwamona lilelila, imwe kunakulila pakufumya.
When the sampa fish fights with your hook, you give it the chance to do so
You must be flexible when handling things that can bring you happiness. Do not be greedy or jump on them too quickly.
When fishing, be steady, otherwise you will lose the hook and the fish. When the fish bites the bait, pull it out lightly.
The same proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 1036), with a different explanation:
Sampa ukulwila nakwe ubulobo balamulekela ∵ The Sampa fish fighting with the hook, one lets him be.
Don’t argue with an obstinate person, it will only make matters worse. If the Sampa is left on the hook he will weary in time, and be landed easily; but if one tries to take him when he is strong, the hook will probably be broken.
Proverb 111
Kokoto kokoto taileta
Icintu ukofwaisha makamaka umunani usuma uwa nama wisa ukufuma muku bombesha.
Icikasha teti ciye ngacakuti taubombeshe. Ngo kofwaya ukulya umunani wa nama, cili kuli iwe, pantu uku kokota ifupa kano wabombeshe sana.
Good meat doesn’t serve itself
Anything you want will only become real after you have worked hard for it.
A strong desire to eat good food is not enough to be served good food. To have meat, you have to work very hard.
A similar proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 557):
Kokoto talileta, bantu ili bamuleta ∵ A bone does not bring itself, it is people that bring it.
To procure food one must work; it does not come of its own accord.
Proverb 112
Tabalila bulungu ninshiku shileta
Ifiletwa nangu ukuboneka, Lesa emwine waishiba ico angakupela muli mbulya bushiku.
Icakulya pananda, indupwa shimi shimo shalasungilila pakuti tafipwile bwangu, nolo ulu lupwa taluleikuta pantu basubile ukwisa lya mu nshiku sha kuntanshi. Kanshi te kulingapo kati fyakulya ati mfi fyakutufisha muli mbulya bushiku.
Do not cry for beads, the days will bring them
Make the most of what you have, for you do not know what the future holds.
With a family’s food stocks, the mother strictly rations them to a minimum, ensuring they do not run out too soon, even if the family members remain unsatisfied. It is unwise to consume more, as the food would then be finished too quickly.
A comparable proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 617), with a different explanation:
Lamo mukoshi, ubulungu nishiku shileta! ∵ Take care of your neck, it is time that brings beads!
Said to a child crying for beads to wear round its neck. Beads are not to be cried about, if you had no neck you might grumble. Be thankful for your neck, and take care of it; and the beads will come in time.
Proverb 113
Nshilala mwesu, mano alimo
Nci cisoswa ulo muntu alabila ati akomba bwino ifyo bonse balesubila no kumfwikwa.
Ifintu fyonse fyaliba nakashita apo fitangacitika napo fingacitika. Umwana nga akula, alakwata ukufuma muba fyashi nokutampa ukulala eka mu nanda yakwe. Pali njilya mpindi, telinji engjila njila munanda yaba fyashi nokulala. Nomba ulo alwalisha, amano akukana ukulala mwabo alapwa icakwebati abafyashi bakwe abanakashi batampa nokumu pipa nga alilwalisha, pantu umufyashi mufyashi.
“I don’t sleep in my parents’ house” means you are sane
This phrase is used when someone states to do something that is to be expected or is already obvious.
Everything has its appropriate times and circumstances. When children grow up, they leave their parents’ house and begin to sleep elsewhere. From that point onwards, they do not frequently return to their parents’ house to sleep. However, a time may come when they fall ill, too ill to refuse sleeping in their parents’ house. This might even extend to their mother tending to them, as a parent is a parent.
Proverb 114
Mulinda bwalwa, alinda inkoto
Lintu tuli mukwangala, tukwate inshita yakuipima ati nomba capwa tubwelelemo ku nanda ukucila ukulindilila ico mutabwene.
Kwaliba ukwangala nabanensu, cibe limbi mukutandala nangu ukuya mukunwa ubwalwa. Nomba ilesa inshita umwine apekenye utu bwalwa alandati “ubwalwa bwapwa nomba”. Nomba apo iwe waumfwa bwino kwikalilila ukutayapo. Umuya inshita, pambi palya pese pabuke ulubuli elyo ku ceshamo bese bakupaminepo iciti walemana! Elyo waibukisha ati kanshi nganasa mwile akale.
Lingering when the beer is finished is lingering to be beaten
When we visit places, let us take care to leave on time instead of waiting for … we don’t know what.
When we are enjoying ourselves with friends at a certain place, the owner may say it is over now at a given moment. But you might feel you have to wait longer. As time goes on, a fight could break out and, unluckily, you might be hit by a stick; this is when you realise that you should have left earlier.
Proverb 115
Ifyakulya ubushiku bafibwena ku malushi
Tulokuba abaibukila ukuti ifintu tulokucita kuntanshi fikeshibikwa.
Umuntu uwatemwa ubucende, iciisa muku boneka lifumo. Ilyo bakokumana no mwanalume, takwali uwaishibe, nomba ukwisa ishibikilwa kwi fumo. Nangu kati walile amasana abene, ulo ukoisa kuliuka bonse bakeshiba ati niwe walile kumulandu wa musungushi.
What you ate at night will be known when you vomit
You may be secretive, but bear in mind that what you do will one day be known to others.
A person who is adulterous will be known through her pregnancy. While she was meeting the man, nobody knew what was happening until a pregnancy occurred. The same thing happens when you eat other people’s eggs; it will be known who ate them after you have vomited, as the yolk will show.
Proverb 116
Tailila apo yaikatila
Nga wapokela ubupe, tacawama ukusha kunuma muku kweba ati nakwisa kusenda nshita imbi.
Ukucita ico cikolanga ati tawasekelemo muli nco. Cenka nci kuti bacipela nakuli umbi, mukulanguluka ati twakumufwaila cimbi.
Nkalamo ngayaikata nokwipaya inama pa ncende imo, ilasesha nokufisa kumbi.
The lion never eats at the place where it has killed
When you receive a gift, it is unwise to leave it behind with the intention of collecting it later.
Doing so suggests you are not fully content with it. The same item might then be given to someone else, as those who gave it to you may have have found something else to replace your gift.
When a lion catches and kills an animal, it drags it to another place to hide it.
Proverb 117
Umweni wakolwe alya ifyo kolwe alyako
Calilinga ukukonka ifyo abo mukotandala, pantu teti musubile ifi bacilile.
We muntu ngawatandalila abakankala, tulakwata isubilo ilya kuti tukaya mukulala apaweme elyo nefyakulya fyakuba ifilondolokele ifiweme. Kati ni ncushi, tulingile ukupokelela ifyo batupekanishisha.
Visiting the monkeys, you eat what the monkeys eat
You’d better follow the practices of those you visit or the area where you have come to live. Try not to expect more than what can be offered.
When visiting a well-to-do person, you can hope for a good reception, such as blankets for sleeping and good food. But if the one visited is poor, we must accept what is offered.
Proverb 118
Akana kanshiwa kaumfwile mano mulukolo
Ngoli mwana wanshiwa, amano ukapula kuli bambi abatali bafyashi bobe.
Ukuba weka nangu wakukwafwa, ubwafwilisho bukatula kumbi kati wanakilila. Ecimo cine nobwana bwa nshiwa. We walilufya abafyashi bobe uko winga tola amano akubomfya mu bwikalo bobe. Ngoli umwana musuma, bambi aba ibelele ebaka kwebako ifyakucita ngawaba no bwafya.
The orphan gained knowledge while sitting outside the house
When you are an orphan, knowledge will be gained from people other than your parents.
You have lost both your parents who could have given you good advice on how to live. If you are well-mannered, other people will advise you on how to proceed when you are in trouble.
This applies to others too. When you are alone with no one you know to help you, the help you need will come from other people, as long as you are well-mannered.
Proverb 119
Tabunwa mukamfwilwa
Mubwalwa emo ilyashi lya nkama lisokolokwa pantu abantu nabakolwa.
Mu malo akunwenamo bwalwa, abantu bayamo balipusana pusana. Ngomo mwine mwingila abafwilwa, bata nangula bama, nabambi abaibelele ne ficitwa fyabo. Nomba ulo wakolwa, cilesa kumano ukulabila pafyo uli. Limbi ngauli muka mfwilwa watampa ukutopa abena buko kati balicelwa uku kupyanika, yangula ukulabila pa tupe bapita. Ili lyashi lyalingile ukwikala pamo pa ncende imbi, nomba we watwala pa bwalwa. Ici tacilangapo umucinshi.
Beer should not be drunk excessively by those in widowhood
Confidential information may be revealed after drinking, which is not advisable.
At drinking places, people exhibit various behaviours. Some, such as widowers and widows, may have personal, confidential issues. When they become drunk, they might begin to raise issues, such as accusing their in-laws of delaying in providing them with a new spouse, or discussing items that were snatched from them. Of course, these matters should be discussed at home with all relevant parties present, not in public.
Proverb 120
Ubweni bwapeteke ba mbwa umucila
Ulokusha imibele yobe ku ncende waikala kwenu.
Pela umucinshi kuli mbo wasanga ku ncende shimbi, nabo baka kulanga imibele yabo iweme. Umuntu aishibikwa ku ncende ekala, ecilenga nokuti ngawatandala ku ncende imbi, uicefye pakuti wanonkelamo na mano ambi ku fintu waishiba kale.
We muntu ngawatandalila balupwa obe kumbi uko tabakwishiba, walinga waicefya sana pakuti abantu tabakwishibe imisango wakwata. Imibele yobe wakwata ishale kwenu. Abo wasangako babike pa mulu elo bangafisulula ne misango yabo.
At a new place, the dog keeps its tail between its legs
Leave your usual behaviour at home.
Respect those whom you find in a new place, and they will eventually show you how well-behaved they are. You are well known in the area where you reside, but when visiting other areas, you must act differently so that you learn more from those whom you do not yet know.
When you visit relatives in a new area, the other people there do not know you. Now, you need to be humble, not displaying all the behaviour you are accustomed to at home.
Proverb 121
Nkaya nkaya ashilile ubunga mu katondo
Tacalinga ukulanda ku bantu amapange obe ilyo taulaishiba ati fili nokucitika.
Ilyo taulacita icintu, ba uwaipekanya ukucila ukukwata isubilo ukuti eko cikafuma. Umunobe kuti limbi akulaya ati tukese ya mu mpanga, ukapekanyepo utu bunga. Nomba inshita takwebele iyakwilapo, iwe waikalafye ukulolela wasuka wapwisha no tubunga wasungile utwakusenda mu mpanga.
“I’m going to …”, “I’m going to …” finished the mealie meal in the little pot
It is not advisable to mention your plans when you are not sure when they will take place.
Before you do something, be prepared with what is required, instead of hoping to get these things from someone else. A friend may ask you to go hunting in the wild with him and request that you prepare some food. Because he didn’t tell you when this would take place, you continue waiting until all that was to be used in the wild is consumed.
Proverb 122
Nyina ng’ombe pa bana tasela
Namayo ekasunga nokucingilila abana, emulandu wine abamwenapo.
Ulo abana baya mukwangala beka elo kwaumfwikapo ifyalubana, yangula kwaba ulubuli pali beka beka, ukuteka mitima nabafyashi kulingile kwakonkwa pantu tabeshibapo uwalutampa.
Umufyashi umo nga atampa ukukalipila mwana umbi, nci cingaleta ubonaushi.
Imisendele ilingile ukuba iyabucibusa. Abafyashi bonse ebalolesha pa bana bonse.
Mother cow never loses sight of her children
A mother is the custodian and protector of her children, so she takes great care.
When children play alone and something goes wrong, or when there is a fight among them, parents must exercise patience because no one knows who started the issue. If one parent blames another child, this may escalate the situation.
The approach should be friendly. All parents should take care of all children.
Proverb 123
Amano ndi ikwatile aile no tufi ku buko
Abengi bamona kwati balikwata amano ukucila abanabo. Tekuti tube lyonse aba mano ukucila bambi abanensu.
Umuntu utayapo ku tauni, afwile ukwipusha abayako pakuti aba uwaibukila.
I-have-the-wisdom went to his in-laws with shit on his clothes
It is better not to pretend to know everything. We cannot always be smarter than our peers.
People who have never visited a town, should first get impressions from those who have been there, so that they are aware of what awaits them.
The same proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 89), with a different explanation:
Amano-ndi-li-kwatile (w)alile ne tufi ku buko ∵ Wisdom-I-have-myself went with dung (on his clothes) to his wife’s village.
Pride goes before a fall. A man who won’t stand advising or correcting will someday make a fool of himself.
Proverb 124
Nawe, ulushimu lukakumema!
Nci cilabilwa ku muntu ngo uwakusenda ati walinakilila: ukacimfya ulo nomba ngu mulandu tawakapwe, ukwesha ku kumema nawe.
Nangu njino nshita kuti wanshupa, wibukishe bumbi bushiku ukeshibikwa ne cilandushi cika kuponena.
As for you, a bee will hover round you!
This is said to a person who wants to take advantage of your weakness: you may succeed now, but this issue will not stop; it will hover around you.
Though you may mistreat me this time, remember that one day you will be known, and vengeance will be taken on you.
The same proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 885), with a different explanation:
Nawe ulushimu lukakumema ∵ As for you, a bee will hover round you.
Even if you take advantage of my weakness and kill me now, one of my relations will hover about you to avenge me.
Proverb 1251Photo 154.
Umupama pamo watibwile ingoma
Bika amano pacintu ukofwaya, tepa fingi iyo.
Ukutibula ngoma ecomunga bwenako ukukonkanya. Ukubombela pa cintu cimo pakashita akatali, ku kulekelesha emo ungabwena ifyo walefwaya cibe fiweme angula fibi.
Mubwikashi bwesu fwe bantunse, kulaba ifyo tufwaisha, nomba ifi fintu fisa mukuboneka pa nshita ntali. Kanshi pakuti ici cintu cimoneke, kano watala waipelesha sana ukubombapo elyo panuma caisa moneka.
If you hit the drum in just one spot, it will break
Concentrate on achieving a few things, not on many.
Breaking the drum is a positive image of perseverance. Working on one thing for a long time will eventually yield results, whether good or bad.
During our time in this world, there are certain matters we would like to have or achieve, some of which may only come about after a long, long time. You must dedicate significant time and effort to them so that, in the end, you enjoy what you have achieved.
Proverb 126
Mutota nsha enda na kafunda
Kwateni icilangililo pakuti abantu bamusumine pafyo mukososa.
Uyo ulabila pali nakasha ulo abwela kufuma uko aile alinga aletako cipandwa ca nama paku shininkisha.
Ngawaile mukutandala ku tauni pakashita akatali, pa kubwelela ku mushi kano wapintako natumo tumo pakuti abali ku mushi bakabone. Tekwebapo bwaka twali kulila ku tauni ukwabula icilangililo.
Praising a duiker’s meat requires something to back it up
Carry with you a proof or a sample of what you are talking about so people will believe you.
One who talks about a duiker from a trip should bring with him a piece of it as proof.
After visiting towns for some time, when you return to the village, it is better to carry with you something that will make those you left behind accept what you say about town life.
A similar proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 773):
Mutota-nshe alenda ne kafunda ∵ The one who brings news about locusts, brings a bundle of them with him.
Do not make an assertion unless you can substantiate it with a token.
Proverb 127
Twishilila nshima ku muto
Kwateni nshita muku sosa ku malyashi: tekuya butusha mu kampapa ulo tamungakwata ilyashi lyonse.
Inshima yenda no munani, ungaba uwa buswete! Ilyo inshima baleta mu nsaka, tabatwalapo lubilo ukutampa ukulya, yangula ukutobela muli supu. Kubona ati fyonse baleta empali umunani wa nama ucili kunuma.
Langulukeni lupwa wenu uko ali pakwenda elo kwaba nobusanso bwapa musebo. Napo mungatwala ndi lyashi kucintu bwingi ukwabula kwishiba abalimo? Iyoo, pantu cingaleta isakamiko likulu kuli bonse abomfwileko.
Let us not finish off the nshima with soup alone
Take your time when dealing with issues. Do not hurry when you have too little information.
Nshima is served with relish, sometimes with meat. When it is brought to the eating place, do not rush to start eating it with soup only! Wait until all are served; perhaps meat is still being prepared for this meal.
Imagine a family member is travelling and a car accident occurs. Would you go public with a report about the accident without knowing who was actually involved? No, because that would cause great concern among the listeners.
Proverb 128
Nawe, niwe ntoshabape, tatota!
Tautotelapo ngaba kwafwa.
Utakwatapo mafunde aweme atampa no kulaka nabantu abamwafwa.
As for you, you quarrel with your benefactors; you don’t thank them!
This is said to someone quarrelling with those who support them.
Ill-mannered persons will quarrel with those who help them.
The same proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 872):
Nawe niwe ntoshabape, tatota ∵ As for you, you are one who quarrels with your benefactors, you don’t thank.
Said to an ungrateful person.
Proverb 129
Uwakwensho bushiku bamutotela abwaca
Uwa kwafwilisha nshita ya bushiku mutashe nga bwaca.
Cabafye ku fintu umuntu uli onse akucitila, pakulekelesha walinga ukumutasha pa mulimo ulya.
You thank the night guide at dawn
A guide at night is praised the following morning when it turns out that he has done his work well.
You don’t thank for work that is not yet finished.
Proverb 130
Nikwenkwe uyu, talalansala, nalelo alokupita
Ngu ni Kwenkwe, lyonse alafwaya nshila yakuisekeshamo nakambi tuli nankwe muli baifwe.
Ifi efilandwa pali ngo usekelela mu bufwayo (bwa bulale lale) bwakwe. Mwilanguluka ati abantu bamusango ngu bekala kumbi, baba muli baifwe.
This is a hyena who never sleeps hungry, and now you will see him passing by
This person is a hustler. He will always find a way to serve himself, and he is just among us.
This is said of someone who is keen on serving his own (sexual) needs. Do not think that such people live elsewhere; they are here among us.
The same proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 916), with a different translation and explanation:
Nikwenkwe uyu, talalansala, nalelo balukupita ∵ This is a beaten track, it does not sleep hungry, and today also people have been passing.
This track is frequented; it has food every day, i. e. the footprints of the people passing by.
Proverb 131
Mutuka bakulu tashuka
Ngata wakwata imisango ibipile, bonse tabakakutemwepo elo teti ukwate ne shuko.
Mu mikalile ya lutambi, abaice baling ukucindika abakulu epakuti bakwate ishuko. Abaice kano bakwata ukubomfya amashiwi aya mucinshi kubakulu, eku basalula iyo. Ng aba kutuma ukubomba akamulimo walinga ukubomba, wasanga abakulu nabapita icipe kano upoke ubafweko ukupinta.
Slandering an elder will not make one prosper
If you are ill-mannered, everyone will be against you, and you will have no luck.
In our culture, children should respect their elders to receive blessings. They should mind their language when speaking to elders and refrain from abusive speech. When asked to do some work, you must comply. If you see an elderly person carrying a load, try to help them carry it.
The same proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 779):
Mutuka-bakulu tashuka ∵ The reviler of an elder does not prosper.
Proverb 132
Umwaice aboseshe akatiti mwitumba
Ukubangila, kuweme. Mwilindila nshita itali limbi mungaisanga fyamu bipila ifya fumamo.
Uku kulanguluka kwabipa, ukuteshiba ati ulo kafwile fye, elintu kali nokwipikwa. Tekulindilapo ati njipailepo nakambi akali mu mpanga ekuti njipike tubili.
Umo nga ali nobulwele ubukofwaikwa kucitila pekapo, ishibishako nabambi bakulosheko ifya kubondapa ulo tabulafika panshita itali ya kukana citila.
Eventually, the small bird rotted in the boy’s pocket
The sooner, the better. Don’t wait too long, or you might end up with a bad outcome.
It is poor thinking not to realise that as fresh as the small bird was, it had to be cooked soon. Don’t wait until you kill another in the bush so you can cook two.
If one has an illness that requires immediate action, inform others for guidance to cure it before it becomes incurable.
Proverb 133
Umwana atomfwa omfwila mu musuku
Amafunde abafyashi bapela abana alinga ukuyakonka pantu bena balipitamo ukufuma ku kale, kanshi balishiba nefitumbukamo.
Ngefyo cili shino nshiku, amalwele nayaseka sana icakwebati abana misepela bapwa ukufwa. Necikolenga mulandu wakuti balilekele ukumfwa amafunde. Boneni abakulu bebati, mwebana tekwesha ukulala nabanakashi pantu limbi ulya mwanakashi alilwala akasele, nomba we kukana ati mubepelefye.
Icakulekelesha kusanga umwana alilwala akasele nomba abakulu epa kumushinina ati wabona nomba! Apo ninshi ali mukupelwa umuti ku bakulu.
The wayward child will only listen if it is already receiving treatment
Rules that parents give their children are best followed because they, the parents, have gone through similar experiences and know the consequences.
The child in this proverb only started listening when he was treated by the cupping horn.
Nowadays, there are many diseases that are claiming the lives of the young, as children do not take advice seriously. For example, the advice not to engage in casual sex. Imagine a boy having syphilis while rejecting such advice! In the end, when you are sick, you still call upon the elders for help with the treatment.
Proverb 134
Akoni kacenjele kalala pa nsansu
Ba uwapamulola.
Akoni kalishiba ukuti kalafwaikwa ku bantu. Emulandu wine icinsa cakako cibela pancende mpo patangafika na bantu nokuba akaibukila nga kwaumfwika icongo ca nsansu sha fiti ishumine mupepi ne cinsa.
We muntu wewapatwa, walinga ukoibaka ukwishiba myendele yobe, nefintu mulokulanshanya nabantu bambi.
The smart little bird sleeps where there are small dry, pieces of woods
Be on your guard.
A little bird knows that people want it as a relish for their food. That is why it makes its nest in a place not reachable by people and takes care to be notified by the noise they make while walking on the dry pieces of wood near the nest.
When you are hated by people, you must be very careful in the way you move around and how you communicate with others.
Proverb 135
Uwashingwana oonta nobuta bwakwe
Ngataukwete cimbi icakubomfya, kubomfya conse icilipo.
Ba cibinda ilyo baya mumpanga, mwaliba muncende shino umutaba nkuni, nomba acashupa balabula ubuta nokukonawila pa mulilo pakuti onteko.
When stranded, one even uses the bow as firewood
When there are no other options, one must use what is available.
In the past, when hunters went out hunting, there were areas where they could not find firewood, and when necessitated, they would have to use their bows to make fire for warmth.
Proverb 136
Mfunda buteshi e uwa
Tulokucenjelela pafyo tukocenjeshako abanensu.
Utushila tuya ku nika twaba utunini ukulinga amolu. Nelingi amwapalamina ku nika utu tushila tuba utwa telela sana. Icisa mukuboneka cakuti ulya uko cenjeshako banakwe ukuti babe abaibukila ati kuno kutelele ewisa mukuwa panshi nabonse eko babwena ati cacine kutelele.
Cibafye nakuli mbo abakopepesha, mukosanga abakofunda muma caliki ebakolufyanya pafyo bakufunda, bafilwa ukucita ifyo bakososa.
The one who is always warning for slipperiness is the one to fall
Let us be prudent when we warn others.
Little paths leading to the riverbanks are usually too narrow for two people walking abreast, and these paths are often slippery. What is observed is that the one who warns others about the ‘slippery’ spot often falls on that very spot. This confirms to others that the area is indeed slippery.
It is also the same for leaders in the church: they warn against all kinds of misbehaviour and are not rarely found to exhibit this same misbehaviour.
The same proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 239), with a different explanation:
Funda-buteshi e uwa ∵ The one who warns against slipping is the one who falls.
Practise what you preach.
Proverb 137
Ubwalwa tabunwa mwipi
Ubukali bwa bwalwa bukalenga walabila nefi kucilile cimo.
Icakonkapo cilangililo cimo pa nsoselo nji pamulu ngoli necikokushupa mu mano. Nga waya mukunwa bwalwa kulaba inshita ulo wakolwa, watampa lyashi likuucusha pancende apatalingile, mumano ati yangula banga ngafwako ababyanji.
Worried people shouldn’t drink beer
The strength of the beer will make you say things you shouldn’t.
The proverb applies to anyone with something troubling on their mind. When they go out to drink and get drunk, they bring the issues troubling them to the wrong place, mistakenly believing friends will help them.
Proverb 138
Ubushiku umwana afyelwe ne nsalu yakupapamo ilafya
Ukupekanya kufwaikwa kucitwa ulo mbulya bushiku tabulafika. Ukwabula ukupekanya umwana afyalwa takwatapo tumo utufwaikwa.
Abakofwaya ukumu tandalila balinga basanga ncende apa kulala nokutalubako icakulya icilingile nshiku bakuba namwe.
The day a baby is born, there is no cloth to carry him
Preparatory work must be done before the actual day arrives.
Without preparation, a newborn child would not have the necessary outfit.
If people wish to visit you, they need to find somewhere to sleep and remember to take enough food for the duration of their stay.
Proverb 139
Icila cansaka umo acileta
Nji nsoselo ikwete umwakulosha mubili. Ku lubali lumo ikokosho kwebati onse uwikala mu mushi ali nomulimo wakuleta ifiweme notwashala tumbi. Ulubali lumbi ikopanda mano akwebati ngo uwaletele ngalya mano alingile uku asunga mukubonati fyonse fyaletwa nokupwa ifyakuwamina bonse ngefyo cicitwa ulo umo atatula ulwimbo.
At the meeting place, one person brings a song/dance/discussion/activity
This proverb has a double meaning. On the one hand, it states that every person in a village has the responsibility to bring forward good things and issues. On the other hand, it advises that once something is brought forward, the starter must (be able to) keep the initiative to bring everything to a good end like it is done when someone brings a song.
Proverb 139
Icila cansaka umo acileta
Nji nsoselo ikwete umwakulosha mubili. Ku lubali lumo ikokosho kwebati onse uwikala mu mushi ali nomulimo wakuleta ifiweme notwashala tumbi. Ulubali lumbi ikopanda mano akwebati ngo uwaletele ngalya mano alingile uku asunga mukubonati fyonse fyaletwa nokupwa ifyakuwamina bonse ngefyo cicitwa ulo umo atatula ulwimbo.
At the meeting place, one person brings a song, dance, discussion, or activity
This proverb has a double meaning. On the one hand, it states that every person in a village has the responsibility to bring forward good things and issues. On the other hand, it advises that once something is brought forward, the initiator must be able to see it through to a good conclusion, as is done when someone brings a song.
Proverb 140
Tabatumfya citumfyetumfye
Ukwefya umuntu kulabwela. Ube uwa cenjela pakusosa ifinga kuletelela. Tawaishiba ifyo baba kunuma, icili cilubo. Waba nabo shani? Cabafye bwino ukutumfyanya nabafyala bobe ukucila nabonse bambi.
Despising someone will backfire
Be careful who you speak contemptuously of.
What is your relationship with them like? It is wrong if you do not know their background.
It is okay to make mocking jokes with cousins, but not with everyone else.
Proverb 141
Mutukamfumu tatuka imo, ili watuka iyo, imbi nayo ukaituka
Tawakwata umucinshi, nakambi tawakalukepo.
Nga tekuti ucindike umuntu umuleme, kuti wacita cimo cine nakuli umbi.
To insult a chief is to insult the entire chieftainship system
You are ill-mannered; you won’t change.
If you cannot respect that high-ranking person, you are likely to do the same to another similar person.
The same proverb was recorded for the Lamba region at the beginning of the last century, see Doke (1927, proverb 777):
Mutuka-mfumuta tuke mo: ili wa tuke yo, imbina yo ukaituka ∵ The reviler of a chief does not revile one (only); when he has reviled one, another also he will revile.
A man who tries to ingratiate himself to one chief by reviling the one with whom he used to live, is not to be trusted; later he will do the same to his present chief, when he wants to go elsewhere.
Proverb 142
Umupini umo tawipaya imbwa
Ukufikilisha kukwata amapange yobe kucitwa ayo fwaisha, ulingile ukubikishako amano. Tayakesepo nga meno mukanwa ka mwana.
Mu masambilio namo mwaliba umo yendela. Tekutipo pekampa waba mu masambilio ayapamulu, apo kwaba ukutampila panshi ukusambilako utwa kutampilako elyo mwalundapo ayapamulu.
One axe handle doesn’t kill a dog
To achieve your goals, you must make more effort. It will not come easily, like teeth appearing in a child’s mouth.
There are stages to education. You cannot become a secondary school student immediately; as you have to start off as a pre-school and then a primary school student.
Proverb 143
Ba mukolwe nga bafula ubushiku tabuca bwangu
Ciweme ukulekela umuntu umo ukutungulula.
Muntu umo aba ku mupando ngakuti uku kumana kwenu muku lanshanya kube bwino.
Bonse amwatampa ukulabila, tapapo uko umfwa. Tapali inshila imo iyakuti mupwishe muku kwata icakucita.
When you keep a lot of cocks, dawn takes a long time
It is better when one person takes the lead.
It takes one person to chair a meeting for it to be successful. When everyone starts talking, no one listens, and there is no way you are going to reach a good conclusion.
Proverb 144
Umutumfyo batumfya uwakutumfishepo
Awatumfya mbo utaishibana nabo bwino, ungabacena.
Ukutumfya tekwebapo ati nikuli onse. Tekubapo ukulingana ne mishinku yonse.
Cenjela mukutaba kalifya. Bo bangasenda amashiwi walabila ati efyo ulo wemwine wayatwele ati kwangala.
You can only fool people who have fooled you before
If you fool people, you are not familiar with, you could hurt them.
Fooling cannot be aimed at just anyone; it might not be appropriate for all age groups.
Take care not to embarrass others. They might take your words seriously even though you don’t mean them.
Proverb 145
Akafupa utemenwe ekakusho mucena
Ukutemwisha icintu cimo, kuti cakuletelela imilandu pa kulekelesha.
We muntu ngawalitemwisha amano abi, ku ntanshi kuti waba mubwafya. Ulubuli nalwena kuti wasangilwamo ne milandu. Kati ukoumfwikila mukulwa na bantu, mailo kuceshamo ukasanga ati waipaya umuntu. Tutaluke ku misango iibipile.
Fondness for gnawing bones will make you lose your teeth
Even a harmless habit of doing one thing all the time, may lead to problems in the end.
What will happen with bad habits? When you have bad manners, you will end up in trouble. If you are always fighting with other people, one day, if you are not lucky, you will kill someone! Let us abandon bad manners.
Proverb 146
Ubwalwa bwashila, palanganeni micila yenu
Ciweme ukumfwa nga ubwalwa bwashila. Ndi shiwi libomfiwa ulo abantu balindila ukupelwa bwalwa nga bulishilile angula uko balongene. Nci cilanga imisango bubi Ici ngaleta nokulwa. Ukumfwikisha baya sana nokulingwa kuli ba kolwe.
The beer is finished; get your tails out of here
It is really important to understand when the beer is done.
This expression is used when people linger after a beer or other party, hoping for some free beer. This is considered inappropriate behaviour and could lead to a fight. To make it clear they’re overstepping, they’re compared to monkeys.
Proverb 147
Akakubulile mfwa yaba noko katanshi
Ngawaikatwa ne nobu nkukwa, tawakwate amaka yakupituluka mu lyashi. Bambi nabo bakesa nelyashi ukukwebelapo nafimbi.
Ulo wapokela mbila ilibi kukufika nokwipaya ifintu walinokubomba, walinga kufwailisha nalimbi lyashi. Nomba pa kashita kamo kene ukoumfwa ukucenekwa na maka ukupwa. Naumbi nga aisa ne lyashi limo line ilya nshita ninshi naushipikisha. Pantu naulishiba akale.
The one who informs you of your mother’s death is the first one
When you are overwhelmed by grief, you won’t be able to process much information. Other messengers will come to tell you more.
When a message reaches you that upsets you to the extent that you cancel all plans, you must take care to gather as much information as possible. However, at the same time, you are feeling hurt and weak. When another messenger comes with the same message, you will have gathered some courage. This is because you already know.
Footnotes
- 1Photo 154.