Methali za Kiswahili

Discover the wisdom of East Africa through traditional Swahili proverbs

🌟 Proverb of the Day

Kunguru mwoga hukimbiza bawa lake
The timid crow withdraws its wings from harm
The cautious avoid danger

Meaning: He who is not in sight, is not in the heart

Context: Out of sight, out of mind

Meaning: He who is absent loses his share

Context: Presence is necessary to claim one's due

Meaning: Even he who has not many troubles has a few

Context: Everyone has some problems

Meaning: He who does not listen to his elder's advice comes to grief

Context: Disregarding wise counsel leads to trouble

Meaning: He who does not listen to an elder's advice gets his leg broken

Context: Ignoring advice results in harm

Meaning: He who does not ask questions has nothing to learn

Context: Curiosity leads to knowledge

Meaning: He who wanders around a lot by day, he knows

Context: Experience brings wisdom

Meaning: The one who allocates the tasks is not the son of the Livali

Context: Authority is not always inherited

Meaning: A sick person is cared for

Context: The ill receive attention

Meaning: He who is naked squats low

Context: Shame leads to humility

Meaning: The one that is famous in the sea is the shark; but then, there are many others

Context: Do not overlook others in the presence of a prominent figure

Meaning: Peace cannot be secured save at the point of the sword

Context: Sometimes strength is necessary to maintain peace

Meaning: The patient one eats ripe fruit

Context: Patience pays off in the end

Meaning: Haste has no blessing

Context: Rushing things often leads to problems

Meaning: He who is not taught by his mother will be taught by the world

Context: Parents should teach their children well

Meaning: A guest for two days, on the third day give him a hoe

Context: Don't let guests overstay their welcome

Meaning: One farmer cannot survive alone

Context: Cooperation is essential for success

Meaning: Slowly slowly is the way to go

Context: Take your time to do things properly

Meaning: A hungry person has no manners

Context: Desperation can make people act inappropriately

Meaning: He who chooses a hoe is not a farmer

Context: A real farmer uses whatever tool is available