Sukuma Proverbs

396. WANEKA MHINDI KUNUMA.

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo yingilile kujito cha ng’wa munhu guneka Mhindi kunuma. Umhindi lili lina lwa nkima uyo akalekwa numa nu ngoshi okwe.             Gashinaga ulu, umunhu uyo atolile ideb’elaga uguneka numa nkima okwe. Hunagwene abhanhu ulu bhumona munhu onekaga numa umkima okwe, bhagayombaga giki, ‘waneka Mhindi kunuma.’

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo alifundi ogub’eja ginhu jileb’e. Aliyo lulu, ufundi ng’wunuyo agajilekaga kunuma ijitumamilo jakwe, usiminza makono duhu. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agadumaga ugutumama chiza imilimo yakwe, kunguno ya gujileka kunuma ijitumamilo jakwe jinijo. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wilaga giki, ‘waneka Mhindi kunuma.’

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gwikala kihamo ni jitumamilo jabho, kugiki bhadule uguitumama chiza imilimo yabho.

Yohane 11:32 – 36.

Kutoka 32:1- 6.

KISWAHILI: UMEMUACHA MHINDI NYUMA.

Chanzo cha methali hiyo chatokea kwenye kitendo kwa mtu kumuacha Mhindi nyuma. Mhindi ni jina la mtu wa kike aliyeachwa nyuma na mume wake. Kumbe mtu akiwa na mke wake haipendezi kumuacha nyuma mke wake huyo. Ndiyo maana watu wakimuona mtu ambaye amemuacha nyuma mke wake, humwambia kwamba, ‘umemuacha Mhindi nyuma.’

Methali hiyo hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye ni fundi wa kutengeneza vitu mbalimbali. Lakini fundi huyo, huviacha nyuma vifaa vyake vya kufanyia kazi. Mtu huyo hushindwa kufanya kazi zake vizuri, kwa sababu hiyo ya kuviacha nyumba vitendea kazi vyake. Ndiyo maana watu humwambia kwamba, ‘umemuacha Mhindi nyuma.’

Methali hiyo hufundisha watu juu ya kuishi pamoja na vifaa vyao vya kufanyia kazi, ili waweze kuyatekeleza vizuri majukumu yao, hayo ya ufundi.

Yohane 11:32 – 36.

Kutoka 32:1- 6.

construction

carpenter-

 

ENGLISH: YOU HAVE LEFT MHINDI BEHIND.

The source of the above saying comes from the act of leaving Mhindi behind. Mhindi is the name of a girl left behind by her husband as they walk towards somewhere. If a man has a wife he doesn’t have to leave his wife behind when walking. That is why when people see a man who has left his wife behind, they can say ‘you have left Mhindi behind.’

The saying can be compared to a man who is a master of craft but he is used to leaving behind his craft equipment. Such a person is likely to fail in performing his/her duties properly, because of not having the work equipment. That is why people can tell him/her that ‘you have left Mhindi behind’ to communicate the idea of not being complete in his/her technical aspect for failing to have working tools.

The saying teaches people to live with their work equipment. This can help them to continue doing their daily activities without any interference.

John 11:32 – 36.

Exodus 32: 1-6.

395. UDIZUB’ULEKA B’UKINDILE NDINHO.

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo yingilile kub’uzugi bho jiliwa guti bhugali, nulu bhuchele. Unzugi ng’wunuyo ulu wandya ugubhukinda ndinho ubho alibhuzuga, mumho wegela ugubhubisha. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayombaga giki, ‘udizub’uleka b’ukindile ndinho.’

Usulumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo alina wizang’holo bho gub’akarib’usha gwiza gulya jiliwa jakwe abhiye. Umunhu ng’wunuyo adebhile igiki, umunhu uyo ali mulugendo lokwe adulile gusanga makoye ga gugayiwa jiliwa uko ajiile kunuko. Gashinaga lulu, ili chiza unsimizi ng’wunuyo, apandike jiliwa haho atali ugwandya ulugendo lokwe. Hunagwene abhanhu bhabayombaga giki, ‘udizub’uleka b’ukindile ndinho.’

Usulumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gub’iza na wizang’holo bho gub’inha bhichabho ijiliwa jab’o, kugiki bhadule guyega halumo nabho, umuwikaji bhobho.

Luka 24:29-30.

KISWAHILI: USIACHE MWIKO UMECHOMEKWA KWENYE CHUNGU.

Chanzo cha methali hiyo chatokea kwenye upikaji wa chakula, kama vile ugali au wali. Mpishi huyo akianza kukichoma kwa mwiko kile anachokipika, maana yake amekaribia kuivisha chakula hicho. Ndiyo maana watu husema kwamba, ‘usiache mwiko umechomekwa kwenye chungu.’

Methali hiyo hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye ana ukarimu wa kuwakaribisha pia wenzake kwenye chakula chake. Mtu huyo aelewa kwamba, mtu anayesafiri aweza kukuta matatizo ya kukosa chakula kule aendako. Kumbe basi, yafaa msafiri huyo, apate chakula kabla ya kuanza safari yake kwenda kule aendeko. Ndiyo maana watu husema kwamba, ‘usiache mwiko umechomekwa kwenye bhungu.’

Methali hiyo hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na ukarimu wa kuwapatia pia wenzao chakula chao, ili waweze kufurahi wote kwa pamoja.

Luka 24:29-30.

goulash1

chocolate

 

ENGLISH: DO NOT LEAVE THE COOKING STICK BEING DIPPED IN THE POT.

The source of the above proverb comes from cooking food, such as porridge or rice. When the cook begins to put the cooking stick or spoon on what he/she cooks, it means he/she is about to finish cooking the food. That is why people can say, ‘do not leave the cooking stick being chopped in the pot.’

The proverb can be compared to a person who is generous enough to invite his/her fellow guests for meal.  Such a person understands that the traveler may find himself/herself experiencing problems of scarcity of food. However, the traveler must be provided with food before starting his or her journey towards his/her destination. That is why people can say, ‘do not leave the cooking stick being chopped in the pot’ as a way to encourage such a person to continue being generous to others.

The proverb teaches people to be generous in giving food to others. This will help them to have safe journey.

Luke 24: 29-30.

394. BHALEKAGI BHAGWIILANGAGA BHATINA SHIGA UKO BHAJILE.

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo yingilile kukikalile ka b’ananzengo, abho bhalimulegendo lo gushiga haleb’e. Abhanhu bhenabho bhatali uguimana chiza inzila iyo idulile gubhashisha ukobhajile.

Kuyiniyo lulu, achibhab’o bhagayihub’ilaga nzila yiniyo bhalondeja iyo yilolile kungi. Hunagwene abhanhu abho bhayideb’ile inzila yiniyo, bhagayombaga giki, ‘bhalekagi b’agwilangaga b’atina shiga uko b’ajile.’

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kubhanhu abho bhali bhakenaguji bhajikolo ja hakaya. Abhanhu bhenabho bhadina ndilili ya gujilanghana chiza isabho jinijo.

Abhoyi bhikolile nu munhu uyo alina nzwili, ulu ujimoja agusaga ni pala. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayombaga giki, ‘b’alekaji b’agwilangaga b’atina shiga uko b’ajile.’

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gujilanghaha chiza isabho jab’o, na gubhalela chiza abhana bhab’o, kugiki nabho bhadule ugujilanghana jisoga isabho jinijo.

Mathayo 6:19-20.

KISWAHILI: WAACHENI WANAJIFUNZA HAWAJAFIKA KULE WAENDAKO.

Chanzo cha methali hiyo chatokea kwenye maisha ya wanakijiji, ambao wako katika safari ya kwenda sehemu fulani. Watu hao bado hawajaihafamu vizuri njia ya kuweza kuwafikisha kule waendako. Kwa hiyo, hali hiyo hupelekea kwa baadhi yao kupotea njia kwa kufuata njia nyingine. Ndiyo maana wale wanaoifahamu njia hiyo, husema kwamba, ‘waacheni wanajifunza hajawafika kule waendako.’

Methali hiyo hulinganishwa kwa watu ambao ni waharibifu wa vitu vya nyumbani kwao. Watu hao hawana hali ya kuzijali mali za kwenye familia yao.

Wao hufanana na mtu mwenye nywere kichwani, akizinyoa atabaki na upaa. Ndiyo maana watu husema kwamba, ‘waacheni wanajifunza hajawafika kule waendako.’

Methali hiyo hufundisha watu juu ya kuzilinda vizuri mali zao, na kuwapa malezi mema watoto wao, ili nao waweze kuzitunza itakiwavyo mali hizo.

Mathayo 6:19-20.

maasai-tribe

ENGLISH: LET THEM LEARN, THEY HAVE NOT REACHED THEIR DESTINATION.

The source of the above saying comes from the lives of the villagers who are traveling somewhere. Those people have not yet figured out exactly how to reach their desired destination. Thus, the situation leads some of them to get lost on the way. Those who are familiar with the way to reach that destination can tell the lost fellows that ‘let them learn, they have not reached their destination.’

The saying can be compared to people who destroy their household items. Such people are not in a position to care for their family’s belongings. They are like a person whose head after shaving becomes balded. This is why such people are being warned by the saying that ‘let them learn, they have not reached their destination.’

The saying teaches people how to properly protect their property and give good care to their children so that they can take proper care of their properties.

Matthew 6: 19-20.

393. NKUGI HU MAGI.

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo yingilile kubhukugi bho ndimu iyo ichile. Indimu yiniyo yigab’agagwa, kugiki yingijiwe indili yayo, huna yutinagulwa. Aliyo lulu umunhu uoguyib’aga inyama yiniyo, owilagwa nuyo oikugaga. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayombaga giki, ‘nkugi hu magi.’

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo ogumanaga mhayo nheb’e. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, huyo agubhiza nkaniji ogo. Uweyi adeb’ile ubhunghana bho mhayo gunuyo, hinguno ya guwilwa akanile. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wilaga abhalomele umo agumanilile umhayo gunuyo, kunguyo bhamanile igiki, ‘nkugi hu magi.’

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhuyomba chiza ubhunghana, umukikalile kabho, kugiki bhadule ugubhalumanya chiza abhanhu bhabho.

Mathayo 9:30.

Luka 10:2.

KISWAHILI: MUOKOTAJI NDIYE MCHUNAJI.

Chanzo cha methali hiyo chatokea kwenye uokotaji wa mnyama poli aliyekufa. Mnyama huyo huchunwa kwa lengo ya kuindoa ngozi yake, ili waweze kuikataka vizuri nyama yake.

 Lakini basi, mtu aliyemuokota mnyama poli huyo, ndiye yule ambaye huambiwa amchune mnyama huyo. Ndiyo maana watu husema kwamba, ‘muokotaji ndiye mchunaji.’

Methali hiyo hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye amelifahamu neno fulani linalohitaji ushahidi. Mtu huyo huwa ndiye shahidi wa nelo hilo, kwa sabahu yeye afahamu ukweli wa  jambo hilo vizuri kuliko wenzake. Ndiyo maana watu humwambia awaeleze ukweli wa jambo hiyo, kwa sababu wao wanaelewa kwamba, ‘muokotaji ndiye mchunaji.’

Methali hiyo hufundisha watu juu ya kusema ukweli pale wanapotakiwa kufanya hivyo, ili waweze kuwaunganisha vizuri watu wao.

Mathayo 9:30.

Luka 10:2.

dik-dik-

maasai

ENGLISH: THE ONE WHO PICKS UP IS THE SKINNER.

The source of the above proverb comes from the collection of a dead animal. Such a dead animal, in order to be roasted, it has to be skinned first. And the person who picked up the dead animal is the one who has to skin it. This scenario is always described by the proverb that ‘the one who picks up is the skinner.’

The proverb can be compared to someone who has witnessed something. Such a person becomes the witness of the case because he/she knows the truth better than anyone else. He/she can tell the truth about what he/she witnessed.

The proverb teaches people to tell the truth when they have to. This can help people to be faithful enough in dealing with societal issues.

Matthew 9:30.

Luke 10: 2.

387. BUBUNGU WALYA NDILI.

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo yingilile kubhuli bhondili b’o nva ja bubungu. Ulu munhu utuula ndili hanze na guib’a, agusanga inva jinijo yailyagwa. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayombaga giki ‘bubungu walya ndili.’

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kubhanhu abho b’agalekaga jikolo jabho hanze, bhasanga abhib’i bhajib’aga. Abhanhu bhenabho, ulu bhasanga jikolo nulu sabho jabho jib’agwa b’abayombaga giki, ‘bubungu walya ndili.’

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gutuula sabho jabho na witegeleja bhutale, na gub’ade’b’a chiza, abhanhu abho bhalikala nabho, ulu bhali bhawiza, nulu b’abhub’i.

Mathayo 7:15.

Wafilipi 3:2.

Maombolezo 3:4.

KISWAHILI: BUBUNGU WALA NGOZI.

Chanzo cha methali hiyo chatokea kwenye ulaji wa ngozi wa mbwa wa Bubungu. Mtu akiweka ngozi nje na kuisahau, atakuta mbwa hao wameila. Ndiyo maana watu husema kwamba, ‘bubungu wala ngozi.’

Methali hiyo hulinganishwa kwa watu ambao huacha vitu au mali zao, na kukuta wezi wameziiba. Watu hao wakikuta mali zao zimeibiwa husema, ‘bubungu wala ngozi.’

Methali hiyo hufundisha watu juu ya kuweka mali zao kwa uangalifu mkubwa, na kuwaelewa vizuri watu waishio nao, kama ni wema, au waovu.

Mathayo 7:15.

Wafilipi 3:2.

Maombolezo 3:4.

dogs

bank-

 

ENGLISH: BUBUNGU’S DOGS EAT SKINS.

The source of the above saying comes from Bubungu dogs that eat animal hides. If someone leaves the animal hide unattended, dogs can take and eat it. This is why people can say ‘Bubungu’s dogs eat hides,’ to communicate the idea of living things unattended.

The saying can be compared to people who carelessly leave their belongings. They can be easily stolen. In such a scenario where someone’s belongings are stolen out of carelessness, one can say ‘Bubungu’s dogs eat skins.’

The saying teaches people to put their possessions in order, and to better understand the people around them, whether they are good or bad.

Matthew 7:15.

Philippians 3: 2.

Lamentations 3: 4.