Some sensible Tanzanian sayings

Some sensible Tanzanian sayings (metaphors)

By Elias Mhegera

1. Chekuenda chethi kuthoba –
From Pare-Kilimanjaro region
Meaning: When one is destined to falling down there is no way you can resist.
Context: The saying means to console whenever relatives have tried to rescue their beloved one without success.

2. We mwana hena chekuhete-
From Pare
Meaning: You child, whoever does not listen to their elders they are doomed to failure
Context: These are words used by parents whenever they are almost despairing because of their children’s bad behaviours.
3. Omuzele tatanaka asesemkwa
From Zinza-Mwanza region
Meaning: A parent can only feel nausea they never vomit
Context: It used to console parents who are almost giving up after being frustrated by their children because of bad behaviuors.


4. Fujaga ndimu, otizo fuja nhola
From Sukuma-Mwanza
Meaning: Do miss an antelope, not a life partner
Context: This metaphor is used to warn young people who are about to be married to be careful with the choice of their life partners (sposes).
5. Omubhisa bhisa burwaire ikililo kilambura
From the Zanaki, Mara region
Meaning: Whoever hides sickness will be exposed by death
Context: Whoever does not want to share their problems they finally end up in pain.

6. Mwana tegereza wakulu dokulongela dinoga
From the Kwere, Coast region
Meaning: Listen to the elders whatever they say is sensible.
Context: Whenever the youths are adamant in not listening to the parents they area told such words.

7. Mtizalizala biteka kalilimile mtizalilonga ubite ukalinyamalile.
From the Gogo, Dodoma region
Meaning: If you want to get rid of famine go and cultivate, if you want to get rid of fussy (noise) remain mum.
Context: deal with things that are productive, do not waste your time in trivial matters.

8. Malogo gagwa chibiteku usumi masigawa yetu
From Gogo
Meaning: Youths, our land is now dry you should seek for greener pastures from our neighbours.
Context: These are words used to encourage grown ups to practice self-reliance somewhere else rather than depend on their parents.

9. Mwanangu kalagale wavya gana
From Gogo
Meaning: My child you have grown up, the world is not that kind.
Context: These are words that are used to warn children that do not want to listen to their parents by taking things for granted.
10. Twebhapina tuungataganaga
From Gogo
Meaning: we the poor should unite
Context: These are words of encouragement in order to help a fellow who is not well to do from their colleagues of a similar social status.
11. Mukahadeha yakojela mbeho
From Gogo
Meaning: The lazy
12. Mwanangu upilikisyege isyabhakusi
From Nyakyusa, Mbeya region
Meaning: Listen to the grown ups, their words are meaningful.
Context: These are words that are aimed at shaping youths who have gone astray.

13.Lingukopile fyabanhu ubhujisyaga
From Nyakuysa again
Meaning: Once you lend things from other people you must remember to return those.
Context: When one is in trouble by failing to return other people’s belongings.

14.Wakumwana chilambo vanhu
From Makonde, Mtwara
Meaning: One needs to maintain good relations with people in order to strive smoothly
Context: These are words used to warn people who fail to maintain good relations with their colleagues in various settings.

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