Sukuma Proverbs

379. AGWILYAGA B’ULA B’OKWE.

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo yingnilile kubhukenaguji bho jikolo ja hakaya ijo jidulile gugamala amakoye genayo joyi injinikili. Iginhu jahakaya hinijo jili guti ng’ombe, ulu jukenagula jiliwa ja hakaya bho gulisha mungunda, jigahayiyagwa giki, jalyaga b’ula, kunguno, nulu ng’winikili, uyo jankenagujaga ilijilwa, agujilinja ugula ijiliwa jingi ubhiza ogamala amakoye genayo. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayombaga giki, ‘agwilyaga b’ula bhokwe.’

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo agalelaga shib’i abhanhu bhakwe. Abhanhu bhenabho bhagajimalaga isabho jahakaya yiniyo bho gung’wenhela mamihayo, nulu makoye. Umunhu ng’wunuyo agajijinjaga isabho jakwe jinijo, kugiki abhaingije amakoye genayo abhanhu bhakwe bhenabho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayombaga giki, ‘agwilyaga b’ula bhokwe.’

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya kuleka gubhalanga kalile kabhubhi abhanhu bhabho. Yigelelilwe b’abhalele chiza, kugiki bhadule gujilang’hana chiza isabho jabho.

Matayo 10:21.

Yakobo 3:16.

 Mwanzo. 1:12-22.

KISWAHILI: AJILA UTUMBO WAKE.

Chanzo cha methali hiyo chatokea kwenye uharibifu wa vitu usababishwao na vitu vyenyewe ambavyo hutumika pia katika kutatua tatizo hilo. Vitu hivyo ni pamoja na ng’ombe ambao hula shamba la chakula cha mtu awamikiliye. Hali hiyo husemwa kwamba wamekula utumbo, kwa sababu mwenye ng’ombe hao aweza kuwauza na kwenda kununua chakula kwa ajili ya kumaliza tatizo la kukosa chakula kilicholiwa na ng’ombe hao. Ndiyo maana watu husema kwamba, ‘ajila utumba wake.’

Methali hiyo hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye huwalea vibaya watu wake. Watu hao huzimaliza mali zake kwa kumletea matatizo nyumbani, hali ambayo humlazimu kutumia mali hiyo katika kuwaondolea watu wake matatizo hayo. Ndiyo maana watu husema kwamba, ‘ajila utumbo wake.’

Methali hiyo hufundisha watu juu ya kuacha kuwalea vibaya watu wao. Yafaa wawalee vizuri ili waweze kutunza vizuri mali zao.

Matayo 10:21.

Yakobo 3:16.

 Mwanzo. 1:12-22.

family1

 

ENGLISH: EATING YOUR OWN INTESTINE.

The source of the above saying comes from self-damage that can cause more problems in future. Cows, for example, can graze on the farm of their owner and in so doing the farmer will likely run shortage of food that can force him/her to sell some cows to get food. In return, the money obtained out of selling the cow can be used to buy food. This is why people can say ‘eating your own intestine’.

The saying can be likened to a person who abuses his/her people. This person may end up being in problems thus affecting his/her home and family in general. Such people are being warned by telling them that ‘eating your own intestine.’

This proverb teaches people to stop mistreating others. They should take good care of them so that they will have a good relationship in future.

Matthew 10:21.

James 3:16.

 Genesis 1: 12-22.

376. WITOJI B’UDALIYAGWA NGOSO.

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo yingilile kuwitoji na b’uli bho Ngoso. Uwitoji bhunuyo, b’udadulile gulina na Ngoso, kunguno guli mhayo uyo gudab’ungaga, nulu uyo gudasukaga. Ukwenye huguhaya giki, ulu umunhu udila gutola, nulu gutolwa, adusanga giki uwitoji b’oshila, abhize namhala agutola, nulu abhize ngikulu, agutolwa duhu. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayombaga giki, ‘witoji b’udaliyagwa Ngoso.’

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiwagwa kuli munhu uyo agiganikaga giki, uwitoji bhuli bho bhanhu b’ilika lileb’e duhu. Umunhu ng’wunuyo agabhalemejaga abho bhalihaya kutola nulu kutolwa. Agab’ahadikija abho bhadahayile ugutola, nulu gutolwa. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wilaga umunhu ng’wunuyo giki, ‘witoji bhudaliyagwa Ngoso.’

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya kub’aleka abhanhu bhatumile uwiyab’i bhobho, ijinagwingila umuwikaji bho witoji.

Marko 10:7-8,

Mathayo 19:6.

KISWAHILI: UOAJI HAULIWI NA PANYA.

Chanzo cha methali hiyo chatokea kwenye uoaji na ulaji wa Panya. Uoaji huo hauwezi kuliwa na Panya kwa sababu ni neno ambalo hali dukuliwi na wadudu wala halipotezi utamu wake. Ndiyo kusema kwamba, hata mtu azeeke hatakuta kwamba, uoaji umepitwa na wakati, ataoa au ataolewa tu. Ndiyo maana watu husema kwamba, ‘uoaji hauliwi na Panya.’

Methali hiyo hulinganishwa kwa mtu ambaye hufikiria kwamba, uoaji ni wa watu wa lika fulani tu. Mtu huyo huzuia wale watakao kuoana. Yeye huwalazimisha pia wengine kuolewa au kuoa wale wasiotaka kuingia kwenye maisha hayo ya ndoa. Ndiyo maana watu humwambia mtu huyo kwamba, ‘uoaji hauliwi na Panya.’

Methali hiyo hufundisha watu juu ya kuwaacha watu watumie uhuru wao katika kuoa au kuolewa, maishani mwao.

Marko 10:7-8,

Mathayo 19:6.

african-couple

 

ENGLISH: MARRIAGE CANNOT BE EATEN BY RATS. 

The source of the above saying comes from the feeding and eating of rats. Marriage, as a state, is something abstract and therefore it cannot be consumed by insects. In this saying people are warned against considering marriage as something that can expire sometimes. In Christian doctrine, marriage is a question of life and death.

This saying can be compared to someone who thinks that marriage is only for people of a certain age. This person prevents those who want to get married. He/she also forces others to marry those who do not want to enter into such a married life. Such people are being warned by telling them that ‘marriage cannot be eaten by rats.’

The saying teaches people to let people exercise their freedom in marriage. They should neither force them nor prevent them from marriage, provided that they follow the required conditions and procedures for marriage.

Mark 10: 7-8,

Matthew 19: 6.

375. BHUTOGWA BHO MBHELA GULYA ILANGALE.

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo yingilile kubhutogwa bho mhela, ubho gulya ilangale. Imhela ili ndimu iyo igikalaga yiyene, ung’’wipolu. Aliyo lulu indimu yiniyo, ulu yusala, igalyaga malangale, ayo gadaliyagwa na ndimu sagala. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayombaga giki, ‘b’utogwa b’o Mhela gulya ilangale.’

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo ali ntub’u, nulu naku o gulya jiliwa. Umunhu ng’wunuyo agalyaga sagala giti numo yili imhela iyo ya sala yiniyo. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wilaga giki, ‘b’utogwa bho mhela gulya ilangale.’

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya kuleka nhungwa ja b’ulaku bho gulya majiliwa sagala, kugiki bhadizub’ahuga abhichabho, umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho.

Warumi 8:29.

Yohane 15:16.

KISWAHILI: UPENDO WA KIFARU KULA LANGALE.

Chanzo cha methali hiyo chatokea kwenye upendo wa kifaru wa kula langale. Kifaru ni mnyama poli ambaye hupenda kuishi peke yake. Lakini basi, mnyama huyo akipata kichaa, hula malangale ambayo hayaliwi hovyo na wanyama poli. Ndiyo maana watu husema kwamba, ‘upendo wa Kifaru kula langale.’

Methali hiyo hulinganishwa kwa mtu ambaye ni mlafi wa kula vyakula hovyo. Mtu huyo hula bila kujali aina ya chakula akilacho, hata kiwe kichafu, kama yule Kifaru aliyepata kichaa, alavyo langale. Ndiyo maana watu humwambia  mtu huyo kwamba, ‘upendo wa Kifaru kula langale.’

Methali hiyo hufundisha watu juu ya kuacha tabia za ulafi wa kula vyakula hovyo, au uroho wa madaraka, ili wasije wakawapunja wenzao, maishani mwao.

Warumi 8:29.

Yohane 15:16.

rhino-

rhino-1

 

ENGLISH: THE JOY OF THE RHINOS IS TO EAT LANGALE.

The source of the above proverb derives from the rhino’s joy to eat ‘langale,’ certain specie of local tree. A rhino is a wild animal that likes to live alone. If this animal runs mad, it tends to eat things which normally it doesn’t eat. Langale is one of the food stuffs rhinos do not eat and when they appear to eat it then people will know that the rhino has run mad.

The proverb can be compared to a glutton person who doesn’t appear to be easily satisfied with the food given. Such a person eats anything that comes his/her way no matter the food is dirty or well prepared. Such rough people are being described by the proverb that ‘the joy of the rhino is to eat langale.’

The proverb teaches people to stop greediness in terms of eating habits and leadership. This will help them to have good relationship with other people in the society.

Romans 8:29.

John 15:16.

 

374. NSHA MAB’ATE ADALALIJAGA B’AKWE.

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo yingilile kubhushi bho b’usu. Ubhushi bho b’usu bhunubho b’uli bhoguhalaga ijiliwa ijo jilishiwa. Unshi o b’usu ng’wunuyo adulile gubhalisha abhanhu bhakwe nulu na mahalagu genayo, bhulya bhiguta, gutinda uyo adina ginhu jose jose. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayombaga giki, ‘nsha mab’ate adalalijaga b’akwe,’

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo alina sabho, nulu ginhu ja gudula kubhalisha abhanhu bhakwe, kutinda uyo adina ja gub’inha nulu, jib’ib’i.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo agabhalangaga na bhiye ahigulya ya gub’iza na ginhu ja gudula kub’ambilija  abhanhu bhabho, umuwikaji bhobho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayombaga giki, ‘nsha mab’ate adalaligaja b’akwe.’

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya kutuula jiliwa, nulu jikolo ja gudula gubhambilija umuwikaji bhobho.

 Luka 3:15-17 .

Methali 9: 12.

Misale 17:10 -16 .

MSAGAJI UNGA USIO LAINI HALALISHI WATU WAKE NJAA

Chanzo cha methali hiyo chatokea kwenye usagaji wa unga. Usagaji huo ni wa kuvunja vipande vikubwa badala ya kuvilaisha, kama unga utakiwavyo kuwa. Msagaji wa unga huo, aweza kuwalisha watu wake hata kwa kuutumia unga huo wenye vipande vikubwa, wakala na kutosheka, kuliko mtu yule asiye na unga wa aina yoyote. Ndiyo maana watu husema kwamba, ‘msagaji wa unga usio laini halalishi watu wake njaa.’

Methali hiyo hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye ana mali au kitu chochote cha kuweza kuwalisha watu wake, kuliko yule ambaye hana hata kile kibaya cha kuwapa wake.

Mtu huyo huwafundisha pia wenzake juu ya kuwa na kitu cha kuweza kuwasaidia maishani mwao. Ndiyo maana watu husema kwamba, ‘msagaji wa unga usio laini halalishi watu wake njaa.’

Methali hiyo hufundisha watu juu ya kuweka akiba ya chakula au kitu cha kuweza kuwasaidia maishani mwao.

Luka 3:15-17 .

Methali 9: 12.

Misale 17:10 -16.

stone-grinding

flour-sack

breakfast

 

ENGLISH: HE WHO GRINDS WILL NEVER LET HIS/HER PEOPLE SLEEP WITHOUT EATING.

The source of the above proverb comes from a woman who grinds flour. Grinding produces rough flour; which is different from the fine one. Such a person who grinds flour is far better of than the one who has nothing to feed his/her people. Such grinders are being encouraged by telling them that ‘he who grinds will never let his/her people sleep without eating.’

The proverb can be compared to a person who has something to feed his/her people. Such a person is better than another person who has nothing at all to feed his/her people.

This proverb teaches people about saving food or something to help them in their lives.

Luke 3: 15-17.

Proverbs 9:12.

Lines 17:10 -16.

373. GUGULU GULI NG’OMBE IDAKO ILALIJA.

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo yingilile kubhupandiki bho jikolo guti ng’ombe, na bhugayiwa bho jikolo jinijo. Umunhu uyo agusiminzaga, wikolile na munhu uyo agucholaga sabho, ung’wunuyo adulile gujipandika.

Aliyo lulu, uyo agikalaga wigashije duhu, wikolile na munhu uyo alinkokolo ugutumama milimo, ung’wunuyo adajipandika ijikolo jinijo. Uweyi agab’izaga na nzala bhuli makanza, ahakaya yakwe. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayombaga giki, ‘gugulu guli ng’wombe idako ilalija.’

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo agicholelaga jikolo bhotumama milimo iyo ayidulile, umuwikaji bhokwe. Umunhu ng’wunuyo agajipandikaga isabho ja gudula kung’wambilija ijinagubhalisha abhanhu bhakwe.

Uweyi adeb’ile igiki, uyo agikalaga wigashije duhu, agajigayiyagwa isabho jinijo mpaga uyulalila aha ng’wakwe, kunguno ya gugayiwa jiliwa. Gashinaga lulu, guligonghana giki, ‘gugulu guli ng’ombe idako ilalija.’

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gutumama milimo ya gudula gubhapandikila jikolo ja gubhalisha abhanhu bhab’o. Yigelilwe abhanhu bhenabho, bhajileke inhungwa ja bhukokolo ijinagutumama milimo.

Yohane 6: 21-22

 Mathayo 7: 7-8.

KISWAHILI: MGUU NI NGOMBE TAKO HULAZA NJAA.

Chanzo cha methali hiyo chatokea kwenye upataji wa mali na ukosaji wa mali hizo. Mtu atembeaye hufanana na yule atafutaye mali hizo ambaye aweza kuzipata.

Lakini yule ambaye hukaa muda wote bila kufanya kazi, huzikosa mali hizo. Hali hiyo husababisha kulaza watu wake bila kula. Ndiyo maana watu husema kwamba, ‘mguu ni ng’ombe tako hulaza njaa.’

Methali hiyo hulinganishwa kwa mtu ambaye hutafuta mali au vitu kwa kufanya kazi zile aziwezazo maishani mwake, ambazo zaweza kuwapatia mahitaji yao watu waishio kwenye familia yake.

Yeye aelewa kuwa, yule utumiae muda wake kwa kukaa bila kufanya kazi, hukosa mahitaji ya kuendeshea vizuri familia yake. Kumbe ni kweli kwamba, ‘mguu ni Ng’ombe tako hulaza njaa.’

Methali hiyo hufundisha watu juu ya kufanya kazi zile ziwezazo kuwapatia mahitaji ya kuweza kuzitunza familia zao, maishani mwao. Yafaa watu hao, waziache tabia za uvivu katika kufanya kazi.

Yohane 6: 21-22

 Mathayo 7: 7-8.

nature

african

cattle1

 

ENGLISH: A FOOT IS FOR COW AND A BUTTOCK IS FOR HUNGER.

The source of the above proverb comes from the acquisition and loss of property. The person who travels is like the one who seeks those possessions and is likely to possess them. But, for someone who doesn’t travel he/she is likely not to have possession of properties. Such a person who doesn’t travel is likely to die of hunger. This is why people can warn others by telling them that ‘a foot is for cow and a buttock is for hunger.’

This proverb can be comparable to a person who seeks properties or possessions by working hard in his/her life knowing that, if he/she just stays in one place, he/she will never succeed. He/she knows that idleness can result into suffering in life.

This proverb teaches people about working hard in order to provide for the family necessities and avoid being lazy.

John 6: 21-22

 Matthew 7: 7-8.