Sukuma Proverbs

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.

372. NG’WA B’ULALAGO B’ULI HITALE.

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo yingilile kunzara iyo igigela kubhanhu bha ntuzu. Intuzu yali tarafa ya wilaya ya Bariadi umunkoa go Simiyu. Abhana ntuzu bhenabho umugusuma gobho bhagigwa giki ub’usiga  b’ulihoyi iLalago, umuwiya ya Maswa. Ng’hana ahab’aja koyi, b’ugab’usanga bhuhoyi, niyo bhutali bhuli Hitale. B’agayujingijiwa bho beyi ya hasili. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayikumija bho guyomba giki, ‘ng’wa b’ulalago b’uli hitale.’

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kubhanhu abho ghagabhagunanaga abhichabho, abho bhali na makoye guti ga nzala, na gangi mingi. Abhanhu bhenabho bhagabhalanjaga na bhichabho bhogub’awila  uko bhuli ub’upandiki bho jikolo na gwikala na wigunani bhunubho, umuwikaji bhobho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayombaga giki, ‘ng’wa lalago b’uli hitale.’

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhagunana abhanhu abho bhali na makoye, kugiki bhadule gugamala wangu, amakoye genayo.

Yakobo 4: 16-17.

 Isaya 33:8.

Isaya 28:22.

LALAGO UPO KWENYE MWAMBA.

Chanzo cha methali hiyo chatokea kwenye hali ya njaa iliyotokea kwa watu wa Ntuzu. Ntuzu ilikuwa tarafa ya wilaya ya Bariadi, Mkoani Simiyu. Watu hao wa Ntuzu, katika kuhemea kwao walisikia kwamba mtama unapatikana Lalago iliyoko wilayani Maswa.

Walipoenda huko, kweli waliukuta upo mtama huo, tena ulikuwa bado kwenye mwamba wa kuupigia. Wakawa wanauziwa kwa bei nafuu. Wakawa wakipeana taarifa kwa kusema kwamba, ‘Lalago upo kwenye mwamba.’

Methali hiyo hulinganishwa kwa watu ambao huwasaidia wenzao walioko kwenye matatizo mbalimbali yakiwemo yale ya njaa, na mengine mengi. Watu hao huwafundisha pia wenzao, namna ya kuishi kwa kusaidiana hivyo, maishani mwao. Ndiyo maana watu husema kwamba, ‘Lalago upo kwenye mwamba.’

Methali hiyo yafundisha watu juu ya kuwasaidia watu wao walioko kwenye matatizo, ili waweze kuyatatua mapema matatizo hayo.

Yakobo 4: 16-17.

 Isaya 33:8.

Isaya 28:22.

farming

 

ENGLISH: IN LALAGO SORGHUM ARE ON THE ROCK.

The source of this saying is famine that affected the Ntuzu people. Ntuzu was a division in Bariadi district, Simiyu Region. The Ntuzu people heard that sorghum was found in Lalago in Maswa district.

When they visited the place, they could see plent of it and it was still on the rock; a place for drying after harvesting it. The sorghum was sold cheaply to the Ntuzu people. As a way to encourage each other to visit the place, they could say ‘in Lalago millet are on the rock.’

The saying can be compared to people who help others during distress time, including hunger, and many others. It also teaches people how to live by helping each other in their lives. This is why people can say ‘in Lalago sorghum are on the rock’ to communicate care and offering a helping hand.

The proverb teaches people about helping their fellows who are in crisis so that they can solve their problems.

James 4: 16-17.

 Isaiah 33: 8.

Isaiah 28:22.

370. WALALILAGA IGONG’HO LIMO.

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo yingilile kubhulaji b’o ng’wa munhu higong’ho limo. Umunhu ng’wunuyo agaminyigagwa ni ligong’ho linilo ulu olilalila kunguno ya bhudimu bholyo. Uluwela ubhujiku agab’izaga adina lubhango kunguno ya guluhiwa ni ligong’ho linilo. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wilaga giki ‘walalilaga igong’ho limo.’

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo omishaga apelanile ying’wene. Umunhu ng’wunuyo nulu agabhujiwa mhayo na bhiye, agagakalihaga gwike. Abhiye bhagadumaga uguhoya nang’hwe, kunguno ya gogoha gukalihilwa sagala. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wilaga giki, ‘walalilaga igong’ho limo.’

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya guleka gwikala na bhupelanu bho gubhakalihila sagala abhichab’o, kugiki bhadule gwikala bho mholele nabho, umuwikaji bhobho.

Yakobo 1:19-20.

Ayubu 9:27.

Mithali 19:3.

KISWAHILI: UMELALIA GONGO MOJA

Chanzo cha methali hiyo chatokea kwenye ulalaji wa mtu kwenye gongo moja. Mtu huyo huumizwa sana na gongo hilo alilaliapo, kwa sababu ya ugumu wake. Usiku ukicha, yeye huwa hana raha kwa sababu ya kuteswa kwake hivyo.  Ndiyo maana watu humwambia kwamba, ‘umelalia gongo moja.’

Methali hiyo hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye ameamuka akiwa amekasilika mwenyewe. Mtu huyo, hata akiulizwa jambo na wenzake, huwa alielewi. Wenzake hushindwa kuongea naye kwa sababu ya kuogopa kukalipiwa hovyo. Ndiyo maana watu humwambia kwamba, ‘umelalila gongo moja.’

Methali hiyo hufundisha watu juu ya kuacha kuishi kwa hasira na wenzao, ili waweze kuishi kwa amani na wenzao hao, maishani mwao.

Yakobo 1:19-20.

Ayubu 9:27.

Mithali 19:3.

houmeles sleeping

 

ENGLISH: YOU HAVE SLEPT ON ONE WOOD.

The source of this saying is someone who sleeps on one wood. Such a person is likely to have severe spine pain when he/she wakes up. He/she is someone who is in pain the whole night. This is why people can tell such a person that ‘you have slept on one wood.’

The saying can be compared to a person who appears to be angry in the morning. Such a person, even when asked something, he/she can pretend not to have understood it. This is why people can tell such a person that ‘you have slept on one wood.’

The proverb teaches people about letting go of anger so that they can live in peace with their neighbors.

James 1: 19-20.

Job 9:27.

Proverbs 19: 3.