SWAHILI PROVERBS

Ujana ni moshi.
Idiomatic Translation: Adolescence is smoke.
Literal Meaning: Youth is transient, disappearing like smoke. Once dissipated it can never be brought back.

Ukimwiga tembo kunya utapasuka mkundu.
Idiomatic Translation: If you imitate an elephant defecating you'll burst your ass.
Literal Meaning: If you run with the big boys you're going to get hurt.

Uking'wafua mnofu ukumbuke kuguguna mfupa.
Idiomatic Translation: When you are snapping at boneless meat, remember gnawing on a bone.
Literal Meaning: One who has seen good fortune should not forget hard times.

Ukistahi mke ndugu huzai naye.
Idiomatic Translation: If you respect your wife like a friend you won't have children with her.
Literal Meaning: If you fear and respect a person from whom you need help, your fear will prevent you from receiving their help.

Ukitaka salama ya dunia zuia ulimi wako.
Translation: If you want world peace then hold your tongue.
Meaning: If you want the world to be a peaceful place then stop talking trash about other people.

Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao.
Idiomatic Translation: Don't give up your old prayer rug.
Literal Meaning: Don't toss away old things or friends for new shiny ones.

Usimwamshe aliyelala, ukimwamsha utalala wewe.
Idiomatic Translation: Don't wake he who is sleeping, if you wake him, you will sleep yourself.
Literal Meaning: Don't trust a fool with your private matters, if you do, you will be the fool!

Usione simba kapigwa na mvua.
Idiomatic Translation: You shouldn't look at a lion as it is being rained on.
Literal Meaning: Don't ridicule the powerful when their situation takes a turn for the worse.

Usipoziba ufa, utajenga ukuta.
Idiomatic Translation: If you don't fill a crack, you will build a wall. OR A stitch in time saves nine.
Literal Meaning: If you ignore a small problem now it will only turn into a bigger problem later.

And much much more!

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