TAVETA PROVERBS
Proverb: Ideghe imwe likaremwa kuiya teheshigha kucha.
Translation: If one bird ceases singing the dawn will not stop.
Meaning: A harsh reminder that the world will not cease to exist after your passing on. People will mourn your death for a while of course, but ultimately life will go on. We are mortal beings, and just a minute entity of what makes humanity.
Proverb: Ideghe imwe likaremwa kuiya teheshigha kucha.
Translation: If one bird ceases singing the dawn will not stop.
Meaning: A harsh reminder that the world will not cease to exist after your passing on. People will mourn your death for a while of course, but ultimately life will go on. We are mortal beings, and just a minute entity of what makes humanity.
Proverb: Idio la mwana mkiwa lijimisha moto.
Translation: Its literal translation is “the poor child’s banana will be blamed for extinguishing the fire”.
Meaning: The scenario depicts an orphaned child taken in by close kin, if the fire goes out when roasting bananas (staple food for the Taveta), it is the extra banana and in turn the child’s presence that will be blamed for depleting the resource. A painful reminder of how terribly we treat the lowly in society.
Proverb: Iwato lifumie lafuma. Translation: Literally means “a leg which has gone out has gone out”.
Meaning: It is used to encourage commencement of ideas and commend progress, however small it might be. To put it in the words of one of ‘Kenyans On Twitter’ business success stories, “Breakthroughs only come once you have started something”
Proverb: Kaa ya mfole teiwa.
Translation: The town of the coward is not cried in.
Meaning Not every slight provocation should be met with aggression, sometimes it is better to walk away to avoid a calamitous ending. A warning to those that is quick to anger.
Proverb: Kisimefwa usitaghe.
Translation: Don’t abandon hope while you are still alive.
Meaning : Certainly words to live by. Life is full of comebacks and success stories after remarkable feats of resilience, as long as there is life and good health then there is hope. You can almost always turn a situation around if you keep trying.
Proverb: Kukengwa na kusowa, keba kukengwa.
Translation: Not sure how this will go down with most of you but the literal translation to this is “between being cheated and losing altogether, it is better to be cheated”.
Meaning : A proverb that seems to encourage finding a consolation out of the whole scenario no matter how difficult, even in cases of unfaithfulness.
Proverb: Mundu ena ngingo teesowa kiraro.
Translation: A man who owns a mat will not miss a sleeping place.
Meaning: A mat, and a decent one at that, seemed like a luxury. Then, as now, privilege was noted and acclaimed. Life is easier when you are a person of means.
Proverb: Muvyi wedi touikaa na izyaka.
Translation: A fine arrow does not remain in the quiver
Meaning: A morale-booster more than anything else, especially when one is going through serious trials. To remind them that it is the best ones who are truly tested because they are more than capable of handling it. A bit like Biblical Job’s tribulations to put his piety to test or “mti wenye matunda ndio hupigwa mawe”.
Proverb: Teri ya kidombo teiliwa. Translation: The sand or ground which is sat on is not eaten.
Meaning: A typical African proverb that frowns upon laziness. You will not get anywhere by idly sitting on your behind, one has to go out and earn their daily bread.
Proverb: Teta mboha amu na ngungu ina masikio. Translation: Speak softly for the wind has ears.
Meaning: The proverb comes from the common belief that not everyone means well for you, therefore you should always be discreet in your affairs, especially when touching on a sensitive subject.
Proverb: Ukakoma nyoka, mkome na kamwe.
Translation: If you kill a snake, kill it entirely.
Meaning: I would like to think it doesn’t necessarily allude to total annihilation of a foe lest they later get a chance at revenge, rather, if you have taken on a task, do it professionally at the first instance to avoid recurring challenges that will end up making it costlier than it should have been.
Proverb: Ukatufa mate, temehundukia momoni.
Translation: Spit saliva can never return to the mouth.
Meaning: A proverb preaching caution, some things can never be undone, angry speech for instance. “Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret” comes to mind.
Proverb: Ukasowa igombe usioghe mani.
Translation: Because you lack an ox, do not bewitch the grass.
Meaning: Jealousy is a disease; it can blind you to the gains you can make from your neighbor prospering. In the proverb’s scenario, the neighbour’s ox can be borrowed to till your land. Something that will not happen in the absence of the ox.
Proverb: Usirighe mundu usimudawa.
Translation: Do not insult a man you have not beaten.
Meaning: Complacency in anything will lead to your downfall. You can never be too ready for a challenge. Many a favourite have been overcome by underdogs in competition.
Proverb: Zowu kulu miera ni kukuidima.
Translation: (For) An elephant to eat acacia trees is to be temperate.
Meaning: (It is nothing for an elephant to eat acacia trees, but it would be a serious task for a smaller animal. “Do not try to do more than you are able.”)
Proverb: Zowu teiemeiwa ni ijegho lakwe.
Translation: An elephant is not overcome by his tusks.
Proverb: Usile ukiwira momo si sa nguku.
Translation: Do not eat and wipe your mouth below (on the ground) like a fowl.
Meaning: (If a person gives you food do not say you picked it up. Acknowledge anything that is done for you.)
Proverb: Usimela si chako cho.
Translation: Before eating (something) it is not yours. Meaning: (“There is many a slip ‘twixt cup and lip.”)
Proverb: Usiseke kirema usimekua.
Translation: Do not laugh at a defect before you become old.
Meaning: (Do not ridicule the infirmities of others.)
Proverb: Uzoka usigere maasha mweteni.
Translation: If you travel do not soak the sugar-cane cuttings in the river.
Meaning: (Before planting sugar-cane cuttings it is customary to soak them for a few days. If a person were going away from home, it would be foolish for him to put them in water, as they would be worthless by the time he returned. Similarly a person should not start a task that he cannot carry through.)
Proverb: Wagera munyu.
Translation: You have put in some salt.
Meaning: (Said to a person who has not told the simple truth.)
Proverb: Wakusha mbombe ikaoka mawee.
Translation: You have shaken the water (until) it has become milk.
Meaning: (Said to a person who exaggerates)
Proverb: Wakwea guni na viratu?
Translation: Have you climbed on the roof with sandals on?
Meaning: (If a person climbs on to the roof of his hut, he does not put on his sandals, otherwise he will probably slip. The meaning here is “Have you made a, mistake?” or “Have you reckoned without your host? “)
Proverb: Washigha maroghwa ukagura mughuwa.
Translation: You have left the green covering of the sugar-cane and taken the sugar-cane.
Meaning: (Said to a successful man.)
Proverb: Wasua mughuwa ukala igirisha.
Translation: You have refused the sugar-cane and you have eaten the top part.
Meaning: (“A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”)
Proverb: Zinya ibaa mkono.
Translation: Force breaks the hand.
Meaning: (Whatever you do, do quietly, and not with an outburst of display.)
Proverb: Ukakunda kukanya wandu, gura wa nyuma.
Translation: If you wish to settle a dispute between (two) people, seize the last one.
Meaning: (The last one here represents the stronger of two combatants as he would be the last to run away. As he might resent the peacemaker’s interference, it would be wise to secure him before attempting to settle the dispute. If you are about to enter on a dangerous undertaking, take every precaution that may be necessary.)
Proverb: Ukarighwa, gumiria we.
Translation: If you are abused, bear it (in silence).
Proverb: Ukashota misenge miiri, ‘mwe uomia.
Translation: If you put two sticks in the fire, one will be burnt.
Meaning: (” You can only do one thing at a time.”)
Proverb: Ukasikia Meeee, usighambe, Ete nizore.
Translation: If you hear a goat bleat, do not say, Bring it that I may buy it.
Proverb: Usilangwe ni uwedi wa ijani la ihemba.
Translation: Do not covet the beauty of the maize cob cover.
Proverb: Usilangwe ngure kuneiguna.
Translation: Do not covet the beauty of the budding.
Proverb: Ukasowa igombe usioghe mani.
Translation: Because you lack an ox, do not bewitch the grass.
Proverb: Momo ‘mwe touchama mawa.
Translation: One mouth does not taste beer.
Meaning: (If you have food or drink share it with another, so that when you have nothing someone may share his food or drink with you. “Do unto others as you would they should do unto you.”)
Proverb: Ukatufa mate, temehundukia momoni.
Translation: If you spit, the saliva does not return to the mouth.
Proverb: Mate memijiwe, mamijwa.
Translation: Saliva which has been swallowed has been swallowed.
Proverb: Usidaie muswa na mwanje.
Translation: Do not despise the gruel in the plate.
Meaning: (Do not jump at conclusions.)
Proverb: Usihiwe hesimaswa.
Translation: Do not steal before sunset.
Meaning: Do not be in a hurry to do wrong: consider the consequences well first.
Proverb: Nikaremwa hukwed, siremwa kuchockoma.
Translation: If climbing over something beats me, getting through it will not beat me.
Meaning: (“Where there is a will, there is a way.”)
Proverb: Nyoka kukomwa ni kutonga njenye.
Translation: For a snake to be killed is to go alone.
Meaning: (It is better to have anybody for a companion than no companion at all.)
Proverb: Nyumba i”kasha na mwenye eota.
Translation: If a house is burnt the owner warms himself by a fire.
Meaning: (A Taveta hut is made of poles and grass. In the event of one being burnt, the grass will be consumed but the poles will only be charred. The owner will have the consolation of knowing that though he must go to the trouble of building another hut he will have sufficient fire-wood to last him some time. “‘Tis an ill wind that blows nobody any good.”)
Proverb: Nyungu ya mawindi, ni mawindi meibaja.
Translation: It is the bones which break the cooking pot in which bones are cooked.
Meaning: (It is the bad thoughts in a man’s heart which spoil a man.)
Proverb: Sarigha kuehija luhembe ni kukulemalema.
Translation: The impala antelope to grow (its) horns is to take care of itself.
Meaning: (The impala antelope has very beautiful horns, which take a long time to grow to their full length. The meaning implied here is that if a boy or a man does not lead a careful life, he will not make old bones.)
Proverb: Shindaki ‘mwe iwoja nyama yose.
Translation: One fly spoils all the meat.
Meaning: (One man can corrupt a whole village.)
Proverb: Suke ya ungi teifinikira shindiko.
Translation: A borrowed cloth does not cover the buttocks.
Proverb: Suke ya mughenji teiwe kuigaria.
Translation: It is not neat to show off in your companion’s garment.
Meaning: (“Pride comes before a fall.”)
Proverb: Teri ya kidombo teiliwa.
Translation: Sand (which is used) for sitting on is not eaten.
Meaning: (A person will not get food by sitting down: he must work if he wishes to eat.)
Proverb: Teta mboha amu na ngungu ina masikio.
Translation: Speak low for the wind has ears.
Proverb: Mkomwa ni ndima ni mkomwa ni kula.
Translation: He who is killed by work is he who is killed by eating.
Meaning: (If a man dies, it does not matter how he dies, whether he is killed by a buffalo or by a rhinoceros, or whether he kills himself by overworking or by overeating.)
Proverb: Momo wedi unigola zown mtemeni.
Translation: Good words turn the elephants out of the plantation.
Meaning: (“A soft answer turneth away wrath.”)
Proverb: Mundu ena ngingo teesowa kiraro.
Translation: A man who owns a mat does not fail to find a sleeping place.
Meaning: (A rich man can always get what he wants.)
Proverb: Mundu etue no idiwa niye etisiwe sandu ibigha.
Translation: The man who is in a pond is he who knows how (the waves) strike.
Meaning: (The man on the spot is the best judge.)
Proverb: Muvwi wedi touikaa na izyaka.
Translation: A fine arrow does not remain in the quiver.
Meaning: (A well-made arrow is the first to be selected by a hunter. Similarly a trusted person is selected for a dangerous mission. “The best always die first.”)
Proverb: Mwana eiya muno tedawiwe.
Translation: The child that weeps bitterly has not been beaten.
Meaning: (The grief of a person who has a great sorrow to bear is more than that of a person who has only been flogged. Try and get at the bottom of everything.)
Proverb: Ndwari ya mughenji teiyaja ungi kiawi. Translation: One man’s sickness does not affect another man’s sleep. Proverb: Ngingi sha yaseja ya kae. The new cudgel has lowered the old one.
Meaning: (” Every dog has his day.” “New brooms sweep clean.”)
Proverb: Ngondo ina kimba teichiliwa, tiewe kubaa.
Translation: The war which has a corpse is not judged and is not broken.
Meaning: (If a man is killed in cold blood the murderer is executed or blood money has to be paid, but if a man is killed in war nobody is held responsible.)
Proverb: Ngoswe ya shighati yafgola ya kaa.
Translation: The rat of the wood has driven out (the rat) of the house.
Meaning: (Beware of adopting a stranger.)
Proverb: Mbombe teiwoa ula musi yatahiwa.
Translation: Water does not go bad the day it is drawn.
Meaning: (A crime is not committed without forethought. Said of a person who has committed a crime when extenuating circumstances are urged on his behalf.)
Proverb: Mbombe ya hae teiomera nyungu yoho motoni.
Translation: Water far away does not help the pot on the fire.
Proverb: Mbora wedi anyuka fua.
Translation: A beautiful girl (but) she stinks (in the) nostrils.
Meaning: (Small matters often spoil great concerns.)
Proverb: Mbuji isara teibighwa musenge.
Translation: A goat which runs is not beaten.
Meaning: (Do not drive a person who is willing.
Proverb: Mtii huambilika (Swahili)
Translation: The person that obeys is not spoken to.
Proverb: Mbuji teisimba kamwe.
Translation: A (mad) goat is not seized with madness once (only).
Proverb: Mwivi haibi marra moja tu, (Swahili)
Translation: A thief does not steal once only.
Proverb: Mfee akasua mwana, hami mcheku nize?
Translation: If the parent refuses the child, am I a midwife?
Meaning: (If the relations refuse to look after a person, who will do so ?)
Proverb: Mgheni wedi naze akije wenye kaa.
Translation: A good stranger comes and heals the inhabitants of the village.
Meaning: (If you are enjoying anybody’s hospitality, it is your duty to assist your host in every way you can.)
Proverb: Mkela muma muyoe igoshi.
Translation: Look at the nape of the neck of the breaker of oaths.
Meaning: (The Taveta slaughter their oxen like the Masai by stabbing them in the nape of the neck. This proverb is equivalent to saying: Do not attempt to punish a man who breaks his promise; be content to wait [regard the nape of his neck], for in time you will witness the untimely end that will over- take him.)
Proverb: Mkomwa ni mbogho ni mkomwa ni mburia.
Translation: He who is killed by a buffalo is he who is killed by a rhinoceros.
Proverb: Mbombe ihunduka ha mee.
Translation: Water will return to its mother.
Meaning: (People may pay a visit to another village or country but they will return home again, just as a river will flow into the sea.)
Proverb: Handu hebaike ijegho tehetana na lumi.
Translation: The tongue does not leave alone the place (in the gum)
Proverb: Mkono ‘mwe toun gola nda mutwini.
Translation: One hand will not take out a louse from the head.
Proverb: Kidole kimoja hakivundi tawa (Swahili)
Translation: One finger does not break a louse.
Proverb: Medany ol-kimojino obo el-lashei. (Masai)
Translation: One finger does not break a louse.
Meaning: (“The necessity of joint action” or “Union is strength.”)
Proverb: Madeghe meeri mena njama.
Translation: Two birds have council.
Meaning: (“Two are company and three are none.”)
Proverb: Mavi usila uimia kini nguku.
Translation: Dirt which you do not eat (yourself) do not refuse to the fowls.
Proverb: Mavi usiyoyala waya- wingiyani kuku?
Translation: From the dirt you do not eat, why do you drive the fowls?
Proverb: Usioke nyoka iasa isila.
Translation: Do not behave like a snake that kills things without eating them.
Proverb: Mbeu ndongo ikumbiwa na teri.
Translation: A little seed is increased by sand.
Meaning: (A small tribe can be made to appear big by allowing other people to come and reside in their midst. The Taveta were formerly a very insignificant tribe, but by permitting strangers to take up their abode in their country they have become more important.)
Proverb: Mbogho ndase inywa iria lakwe mwenye.
Translation: A sick buffalo drinks (at) its own pond.
Meaning: (Said when reference is made to a man who stands aloof from his fellows.
Proverb: Erishunye anaa en-gdia o-‘sighiria jbo, (Masai)
Translation: He separates himself like a sick donkey.)
Proverb: Mbojo mmwe yaizuja mbinda.
Translation: One bean has filled the basket.
Meaning: (If a bean is planted and bears, the fruit will in course of time fill a basket. Likewise with a man, if he has children and his descendants increase in number, the offspring of that man will eventually form a tribe.)
Proverb: Kionda tekinyukia mwenye.
Translation: The ulcer does not stink to the owner.
Proverb: Kisieha ni isikio.
Translation: What does not grow is the ear. Meaning: (A saying used by small children to big children if the latter are bullying them.
Meaning :It means “In course of time I shall grow as big as you, when I shall pay you back.”)
Proverb: Kisimefwa usitaghe.
Translation: Do not abandon (hope) before you die.
Meaning: (“While there is life there is hope.”)
Proverb: Kisitorana ni nduwi.
Translation: (What) do not meet together are the hills.
Meaning: (A favourite saying when people part company.
Proverb: Ii-doinyo lemetumo, (Masai) Translation: Mountains do not meet,
Proverb: Kuima siko kulako.
Translation: To ciltivate is not to eat.
Proverb: Kukengwa na kusowa, keba kukengwa.
Translation: To be cheated or to lose (altogether), it is better to be cheated.
Meaning: (It is better to lose a part than the whole. “Make the best of a bad job.”)
Proverb: Kyaingia fua, chasaingia momoni.
Translation: It entered (by) the nose, it did not enter by the mouth.
Meaning: (This is somewhat like talking about entering by the back door. What was wanted had been obtained, though the method of obtaining it was not the usual one.)
Proverb: Lako ni lako na likabajika mutwi.
Translation: Yours is Yours until it splits your head.
Meaning: (Said to a parent whose offspring causes trouble.)
Proverb: Luzighi luoho kaa tolusowa kindu luchunga.
Translation :The cord which is in the hut does not fail to fasten.
Meaning: (Everything has its use.)
Proverb: Madeghe meengi ni makanga saka.
Translation: Many birds are the scare of the wilderness.
Meaning: (One bird might be afraid to go into the wilderness alone, but several birds would not be scared.)
Proverb: Ideghe imwe likaremwa kuiya teheshigha kucha.
Translation: If one bird ceases singing the dawn will not stop.
Meaning: (The world will not come to an end because one bird ceases singing or because one man dies. “There are as good fish in the sea as ever came out of it.”)
Proverb: Ideghe ituku likuria mivwi handu hamwe.
Translation: On a foolish bird the arrows are finished in one place.
Meaning: (A wise man takes warning on the approach of danger.)
Proverb: Idio la mwana mkiwa lijimisha moto.
Translation: The banana of the poor child extinguishes the fire.
Meaning: (The banana is the chief food of the Taveta. If the fire goes out whilst the children are roasting their bananas, the poor child will be blamed for extinguishing it. “Give a dog a bad name and hang him.”)
Proverb: Ikyo tekikomanya nguku na kitagha.
Translation: These (things) do not make the fowl and the wild cat fight. Meaning: (This is equivalent to saying: “Don’t worry over petty annoyances.”)
Proverb: Iraro la zowu liyaiwa ni suni.
Translation: The elephant’s bed is slept on by the gazelle.
Meaning: (When an elephant quits the sleeping place he has prepared for himself, the gazelle takes up his abode in it and so avoids the necessity of having to make a fresh one. With human beings it is the same. When a rich man leaves his dwelling as no longer suitable for him, a poor man is only too glad to take up his residence there.)
Proverb: Iwato lifumie lafuma.
Translation: A leg which has gone out has gone out.
Meaning: (A commence- ment, however small, is better than no commencement at all.)
Proverb: lye ni ilala la zoke. He is like beeswax.
Translation: (He is clever at everything-a good, all-round man.)
Proverb: Kaa ya mfole teiwa.
Translation: The town of the coward is not cried in.
Meaning: (If a man is a coward people do not go to his house to drink or enjoy them- selves, and the coward consequently does not come to harm. This is somewhat equivalent to: “He who fights and runs away, lives to fight another day.”)
Proverb: Kabau kakakunda kukula tekesowa mihoromie.
Translation: If a small hyena wishes to eat you he does not miss (a chance of) growling at you. Meaning: (If a person wishes to do any- thing he must make the most of his opportunities.)
Proverb: Akasomwa mughenji wako ni muvwa wa kughu, nawe ukasomwa ni washindiko, nigola ini washindiko. Translation: If your companion’s foot is pierced by a thorn, and if your buttocks are pierced (as well), take out first of all (the one) from your buttocks.
Proverb: Miingar ol- paashe le-lighae, nipal ol-lino. (Masai)
Translation: Do not repair another man’s fence until you have seen to your own. “Charity begins at home.”.
Proverb: Akuenja owiwi niye wako.
Translation: He who shaves you badly is yours (brings you good luck).
Meaning: (It is considered unlucky amongst the Taveta if a barber does not draw a little blood when shaving the head.)
Proverb: Arata ina iwindi teihoa.
Translation: The wound which has a (piece of) bone (in it) will not heal.
Meaning: (If you do not root out everything connected with an evil, you will not cure the evil.)
Proverb: Esikie mbeho niye esongeria moto.
Translation: It is he who feels cold that approaches the fire.
Meaning: (A person does not do a thing for no reason at all. If something uncommon occurs, search for a cause.)
Proverb: Ghesha ndiwa mti.
Translation: Try the depth of the pond with a pole.
Meaning: (Before attempting to cross a pond see how deep the water is.)
Proverb: Usi-righe mundu usimudawa.
Translation: Do not abuse a man you have not beaten.
Proverb: Usiwekije njoe mwagho na mwana wakwe.
Translation: Don’t place a load on (the back of) a donkey that has a foal.
Meaning: (A donkey that has a foal will pay so much attention to its foal that it will be useless as a beast of burden. “Look before you leap.”)
Proverb: Gwra muhandi kifumbo. Translation: Seize the handle of the sword.
Proverb: Ukakoma nyoka, mkome na kamwe.
Translation: If you kill a snake, kill it entirely.
Meaning: (“Whatsoever your hand finds to do, do it with all thy might.”)
Proverb: Handu hewetie zowu na mwana ewetia.
Translation: The place that the (cow) elephant has passed over its calf will pass over (as well).
Meaning: (A child follows in the footsteps of its parent.)
Proverb: Ibau liiya na lisiiya, iwiwi ni lisiiya.
Translation: (Of) The hyena that howls and that does not howl, the bad one is the one that does not howl.
Meaning: (It is better to fight a brave and straightforward enemy than one that is cowardly and underhand.)
Proverb: Ibau teliwe kuwisa.
Translation: A hyena does not hide itself completely.
Meaning: (A hyena [or a criminal] can hide for a time but eventually he will be captured and killed.
Proverb: Meiyopoo ol-owaru ol-kujita. (Masai)
Translation: The grass does not cover the wild beast. “Murder will out.”
Proverb: Seri Seri na lufwako iretikie
Proverb: Mkurumbuju Usimseke Isagho amu, Ureza kuoka Isagho
Proverb: Mtekwa kihabho ni iruo
Proverb: “Kengerija ngala uikomie kibhambara”
Translation: In the Taveta community “ngala” is a type of fish. “Kengerija” means to lie/trick something/somebody. “Uikomie” means to kill, and finally “kibhambara” means on the end side of something in this case it has been used to mean the side of a river (river banks)
Meaning: The proverb in English can contextually be translated to “trick the fish so that you can kill it by the river bank” Moral: its easier to defeat your enemy if you bring them closer without them knowing of your intentions. Proverb: Na ndambi niyo iketie nyoka kusela njenye
Proverb: Tusilume zobhu na kitojo tusiidima kugura
Proverb: Ukakunda kutoroka mvongo, uaghane na fai
Proverb : Usidae king’ange choho mfuroni
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Proverb: Ideghe imwe likaremwa kuiya teheshigha kucha.
Translation: If one bird ceases singing the dawn will not stop.
Meaning: A harsh reminder that the world will not cease to exist after your passing on. People will mourn your death for a while of course, but ultimately life will go on. We are mortal beings, and just a minute entity of what makes humanity.
Proverb: Ideghe imwe likaremwa kuiya teheshigha kucha.
Translation: If one bird ceases singing the dawn will not stop.
Meaning: A harsh reminder that the world will not cease to exist after your passing on. People will mourn your death for a while of course, but ultimately life will go on. We are mortal beings, and just a minute entity of what makes humanity.
Proverb: Idio la mwana mkiwa lijimisha moto.
Translation: Its literal translation is “the poor child’s banana will be blamed for extinguishing the fire”.
Meaning: The scenario depicts an orphaned child taken in by close kin, if the fire goes out when roasting bananas (staple food for the Taveta), it is the extra banana and in turn the child’s presence that will be blamed for depleting the resource. A painful reminder of how terribly we treat the lowly in society.
Proverb: Iwato lifumie lafuma. Translation: Literally means “a leg which has gone out has gone out”.
Meaning: It is used to encourage commencement of ideas and commend progress, however small it might be. To put it in the words of one of ‘Kenyans On Twitter’ business success stories, “Breakthroughs only come once you have started something”
Proverb: Kaa ya mfole teiwa.
Translation: The town of the coward is not cried in.
Meaning Not every slight provocation should be met with aggression, sometimes it is better to walk away to avoid a calamitous ending. A warning to those that is quick to anger.
Proverb: Kisimefwa usitaghe.
Translation: Don’t abandon hope while you are still alive.
Meaning : Certainly words to live by. Life is full of comebacks and success stories after remarkable feats of resilience, as long as there is life and good health then there is hope. You can almost always turn a situation around if you keep trying.
Proverb: Kukengwa na kusowa, keba kukengwa.
Translation: Not sure how this will go down with most of you but the literal translation to this is “between being cheated and losing altogether, it is better to be cheated”.
Meaning : A proverb that seems to encourage finding a consolation out of the whole scenario no matter how difficult, even in cases of unfaithfulness.
Proverb: Mundu ena ngingo teesowa kiraro.
Translation: A man who owns a mat will not miss a sleeping place.
Meaning: A mat, and a decent one at that, seemed like a luxury. Then, as now, privilege was noted and acclaimed. Life is easier when you are a person of means.
Proverb: Muvyi wedi touikaa na izyaka.
Translation: A fine arrow does not remain in the quiver
Meaning: A morale-booster more than anything else, especially when one is going through serious trials. To remind them that it is the best ones who are truly tested because they are more than capable of handling it. A bit like Biblical Job’s tribulations to put his piety to test or “mti wenye matunda ndio hupigwa mawe”.
Proverb: Teri ya kidombo teiliwa. Translation: The sand or ground which is sat on is not eaten.
Meaning: A typical African proverb that frowns upon laziness. You will not get anywhere by idly sitting on your behind, one has to go out and earn their daily bread.
Proverb: Teta mboha amu na ngungu ina masikio. Translation: Speak softly for the wind has ears.
Meaning: The proverb comes from the common belief that not everyone means well for you, therefore you should always be discreet in your affairs, especially when touching on a sensitive subject.
Proverb: Ukakoma nyoka, mkome na kamwe.
Translation: If you kill a snake, kill it entirely.
Meaning: I would like to think it doesn’t necessarily allude to total annihilation of a foe lest they later get a chance at revenge, rather, if you have taken on a task, do it professionally at the first instance to avoid recurring challenges that will end up making it costlier than it should have been.
Proverb: Ukatufa mate, temehundukia momoni.
Translation: Spit saliva can never return to the mouth.
Meaning: A proverb preaching caution, some things can never be undone, angry speech for instance. “Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret” comes to mind.
Proverb: Ukasowa igombe usioghe mani.
Translation: Because you lack an ox, do not bewitch the grass.
Meaning: Jealousy is a disease; it can blind you to the gains you can make from your neighbor prospering. In the proverb’s scenario, the neighbour’s ox can be borrowed to till your land. Something that will not happen in the absence of the ox.
Proverb: Usirighe mundu usimudawa.
Translation: Do not insult a man you have not beaten.
Meaning: Complacency in anything will lead to your downfall. You can never be too ready for a challenge. Many a favourite have been overcome by underdogs in competition.
Proverb: Zowu kulu miera ni kukuidima.
Translation: (For) An elephant to eat acacia trees is to be temperate.
Meaning: (It is nothing for an elephant to eat acacia trees, but it would be a serious task for a smaller animal. “Do not try to do more than you are able.”)
Proverb: Zowu teiemeiwa ni ijegho lakwe.
Translation: An elephant is not overcome by his tusks.
Proverb: Usile ukiwira momo si sa nguku.
Translation: Do not eat and wipe your mouth below (on the ground) like a fowl.
Meaning: (If a person gives you food do not say you picked it up. Acknowledge anything that is done for you.)
Proverb: Usimela si chako cho.
Translation: Before eating (something) it is not yours. Meaning: (“There is many a slip ‘twixt cup and lip.”)
Proverb: Usiseke kirema usimekua.
Translation: Do not laugh at a defect before you become old.
Meaning: (Do not ridicule the infirmities of others.)
Proverb: Uzoka usigere maasha mweteni.
Translation: If you travel do not soak the sugar-cane cuttings in the river.
Meaning: (Before planting sugar-cane cuttings it is customary to soak them for a few days. If a person were going away from home, it would be foolish for him to put them in water, as they would be worthless by the time he returned. Similarly a person should not start a task that he cannot carry through.)
Proverb: Wagera munyu.
Translation: You have put in some salt.
Meaning: (Said to a person who has not told the simple truth.)
Proverb: Wakusha mbombe ikaoka mawee.
Translation: You have shaken the water (until) it has become milk.
Meaning: (Said to a person who exaggerates)
Proverb: Wakwea guni na viratu?
Translation: Have you climbed on the roof with sandals on?
Meaning: (If a person climbs on to the roof of his hut, he does not put on his sandals, otherwise he will probably slip. The meaning here is “Have you made a, mistake?” or “Have you reckoned without your host? “)
Proverb: Washigha maroghwa ukagura mughuwa.
Translation: You have left the green covering of the sugar-cane and taken the sugar-cane.
Meaning: (Said to a successful man.)
Proverb: Wasua mughuwa ukala igirisha.
Translation: You have refused the sugar-cane and you have eaten the top part.
Meaning: (“A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”)
Proverb: Zinya ibaa mkono.
Translation: Force breaks the hand.
Meaning: (Whatever you do, do quietly, and not with an outburst of display.)
Proverb: Ukakunda kukanya wandu, gura wa nyuma.
Translation: If you wish to settle a dispute between (two) people, seize the last one.
Meaning: (The last one here represents the stronger of two combatants as he would be the last to run away. As he might resent the peacemaker’s interference, it would be wise to secure him before attempting to settle the dispute. If you are about to enter on a dangerous undertaking, take every precaution that may be necessary.)
Proverb: Ukarighwa, gumiria we.
Translation: If you are abused, bear it (in silence).
Proverb: Ukashota misenge miiri, ‘mwe uomia.
Translation: If you put two sticks in the fire, one will be burnt.
Meaning: (” You can only do one thing at a time.”)
Proverb: Ukasikia Meeee, usighambe, Ete nizore.
Translation: If you hear a goat bleat, do not say, Bring it that I may buy it.
Proverb: Usilangwe ni uwedi wa ijani la ihemba.
Translation: Do not covet the beauty of the maize cob cover.
Proverb: Usilangwe ngure kuneiguna.
Translation: Do not covet the beauty of the budding.
Proverb: Ukasowa igombe usioghe mani.
Translation: Because you lack an ox, do not bewitch the grass.
Proverb: Momo ‘mwe touchama mawa.
Translation: One mouth does not taste beer.
Meaning: (If you have food or drink share it with another, so that when you have nothing someone may share his food or drink with you. “Do unto others as you would they should do unto you.”)
Proverb: Ukatufa mate, temehundukia momoni.
Translation: If you spit, the saliva does not return to the mouth.
Proverb: Mate memijiwe, mamijwa.
Translation: Saliva which has been swallowed has been swallowed.
Proverb: Usidaie muswa na mwanje.
Translation: Do not despise the gruel in the plate.
Meaning: (Do not jump at conclusions.)
Proverb: Usihiwe hesimaswa.
Translation: Do not steal before sunset.
Meaning: Do not be in a hurry to do wrong: consider the consequences well first.
Proverb: Nikaremwa hukwed, siremwa kuchockoma.
Translation: If climbing over something beats me, getting through it will not beat me.
Meaning: (“Where there is a will, there is a way.”)
Proverb: Nyoka kukomwa ni kutonga njenye.
Translation: For a snake to be killed is to go alone.
Meaning: (It is better to have anybody for a companion than no companion at all.)
Proverb: Nyumba i”kasha na mwenye eota.
Translation: If a house is burnt the owner warms himself by a fire.
Meaning: (A Taveta hut is made of poles and grass. In the event of one being burnt, the grass will be consumed but the poles will only be charred. The owner will have the consolation of knowing that though he must go to the trouble of building another hut he will have sufficient fire-wood to last him some time. “‘Tis an ill wind that blows nobody any good.”)
Proverb: Nyungu ya mawindi, ni mawindi meibaja.
Translation: It is the bones which break the cooking pot in which bones are cooked.
Meaning: (It is the bad thoughts in a man’s heart which spoil a man.)
Proverb: Sarigha kuehija luhembe ni kukulemalema.
Translation: The impala antelope to grow (its) horns is to take care of itself.
Meaning: (The impala antelope has very beautiful horns, which take a long time to grow to their full length. The meaning implied here is that if a boy or a man does not lead a careful life, he will not make old bones.)
Proverb: Shindaki ‘mwe iwoja nyama yose.
Translation: One fly spoils all the meat.
Meaning: (One man can corrupt a whole village.)
Proverb: Suke ya ungi teifinikira shindiko.
Translation: A borrowed cloth does not cover the buttocks.
Proverb: Suke ya mughenji teiwe kuigaria.
Translation: It is not neat to show off in your companion’s garment.
Meaning: (“Pride comes before a fall.”)
Proverb: Teri ya kidombo teiliwa.
Translation: Sand (which is used) for sitting on is not eaten.
Meaning: (A person will not get food by sitting down: he must work if he wishes to eat.)
Proverb: Teta mboha amu na ngungu ina masikio.
Translation: Speak low for the wind has ears.
Proverb: Mkomwa ni ndima ni mkomwa ni kula.
Translation: He who is killed by work is he who is killed by eating.
Meaning: (If a man dies, it does not matter how he dies, whether he is killed by a buffalo or by a rhinoceros, or whether he kills himself by overworking or by overeating.)
Proverb: Momo wedi unigola zown mtemeni.
Translation: Good words turn the elephants out of the plantation.
Meaning: (“A soft answer turneth away wrath.”)
Proverb: Mundu ena ngingo teesowa kiraro.
Translation: A man who owns a mat does not fail to find a sleeping place.
Meaning: (A rich man can always get what he wants.)
Proverb: Mundu etue no idiwa niye etisiwe sandu ibigha.
Translation: The man who is in a pond is he who knows how (the waves) strike.
Meaning: (The man on the spot is the best judge.)
Proverb: Muvwi wedi touikaa na izyaka.
Translation: A fine arrow does not remain in the quiver.
Meaning: (A well-made arrow is the first to be selected by a hunter. Similarly a trusted person is selected for a dangerous mission. “The best always die first.”)
Proverb: Mwana eiya muno tedawiwe.
Translation: The child that weeps bitterly has not been beaten.
Meaning: (The grief of a person who has a great sorrow to bear is more than that of a person who has only been flogged. Try and get at the bottom of everything.)
Proverb: Ndwari ya mughenji teiyaja ungi kiawi. Translation: One man’s sickness does not affect another man’s sleep. Proverb: Ngingi sha yaseja ya kae. The new cudgel has lowered the old one.
Meaning: (” Every dog has his day.” “New brooms sweep clean.”)
Proverb: Ngondo ina kimba teichiliwa, tiewe kubaa.
Translation: The war which has a corpse is not judged and is not broken.
Meaning: (If a man is killed in cold blood the murderer is executed or blood money has to be paid, but if a man is killed in war nobody is held responsible.)
Proverb: Ngoswe ya shighati yafgola ya kaa.
Translation: The rat of the wood has driven out (the rat) of the house.
Meaning: (Beware of adopting a stranger.)
Proverb: Mbombe teiwoa ula musi yatahiwa.
Translation: Water does not go bad the day it is drawn.
Meaning: (A crime is not committed without forethought. Said of a person who has committed a crime when extenuating circumstances are urged on his behalf.)
Proverb: Mbombe ya hae teiomera nyungu yoho motoni.
Translation: Water far away does not help the pot on the fire.
Proverb: Mbora wedi anyuka fua.
Translation: A beautiful girl (but) she stinks (in the) nostrils.
Meaning: (Small matters often spoil great concerns.)
Proverb: Mbuji isara teibighwa musenge.
Translation: A goat which runs is not beaten.
Meaning: (Do not drive a person who is willing.
Proverb: Mtii huambilika (Swahili)
Translation: The person that obeys is not spoken to.
Proverb: Mbuji teisimba kamwe.
Translation: A (mad) goat is not seized with madness once (only).
Proverb: Mwivi haibi marra moja tu, (Swahili)
Translation: A thief does not steal once only.
Proverb: Mfee akasua mwana, hami mcheku nize?
Translation: If the parent refuses the child, am I a midwife?
Meaning: (If the relations refuse to look after a person, who will do so ?)
Proverb: Mgheni wedi naze akije wenye kaa.
Translation: A good stranger comes and heals the inhabitants of the village.
Meaning: (If you are enjoying anybody’s hospitality, it is your duty to assist your host in every way you can.)
Proverb: Mkela muma muyoe igoshi.
Translation: Look at the nape of the neck of the breaker of oaths.
Meaning: (The Taveta slaughter their oxen like the Masai by stabbing them in the nape of the neck. This proverb is equivalent to saying: Do not attempt to punish a man who breaks his promise; be content to wait [regard the nape of his neck], for in time you will witness the untimely end that will over- take him.)
Proverb: Mkomwa ni mbogho ni mkomwa ni mburia.
Translation: He who is killed by a buffalo is he who is killed by a rhinoceros.
Proverb: Mbombe ihunduka ha mee.
Translation: Water will return to its mother.
Meaning: (People may pay a visit to another village or country but they will return home again, just as a river will flow into the sea.)
Proverb: Handu hebaike ijegho tehetana na lumi.
Translation: The tongue does not leave alone the place (in the gum)
Proverb: Mkono ‘mwe toun gola nda mutwini.
Translation: One hand will not take out a louse from the head.
Proverb: Kidole kimoja hakivundi tawa (Swahili)
Translation: One finger does not break a louse.
Proverb: Medany ol-kimojino obo el-lashei. (Masai)
Translation: One finger does not break a louse.
Meaning: (“The necessity of joint action” or “Union is strength.”)
Proverb: Madeghe meeri mena njama.
Translation: Two birds have council.
Meaning: (“Two are company and three are none.”)
Proverb: Mavi usila uimia kini nguku.
Translation: Dirt which you do not eat (yourself) do not refuse to the fowls.
Proverb: Mavi usiyoyala waya- wingiyani kuku?
Translation: From the dirt you do not eat, why do you drive the fowls?
Proverb: Usioke nyoka iasa isila.
Translation: Do not behave like a snake that kills things without eating them.
Proverb: Mbeu ndongo ikumbiwa na teri.
Translation: A little seed is increased by sand.
Meaning: (A small tribe can be made to appear big by allowing other people to come and reside in their midst. The Taveta were formerly a very insignificant tribe, but by permitting strangers to take up their abode in their country they have become more important.)
Proverb: Mbogho ndase inywa iria lakwe mwenye.
Translation: A sick buffalo drinks (at) its own pond.
Meaning: (Said when reference is made to a man who stands aloof from his fellows.
Proverb: Erishunye anaa en-gdia o-‘sighiria jbo, (Masai)
Translation: He separates himself like a sick donkey.)
Proverb: Mbojo mmwe yaizuja mbinda.
Translation: One bean has filled the basket.
Meaning: (If a bean is planted and bears, the fruit will in course of time fill a basket. Likewise with a man, if he has children and his descendants increase in number, the offspring of that man will eventually form a tribe.)
Proverb: Kionda tekinyukia mwenye.
Translation: The ulcer does not stink to the owner.
Proverb: Kisieha ni isikio.
Translation: What does not grow is the ear. Meaning: (A saying used by small children to big children if the latter are bullying them.
Meaning :It means “In course of time I shall grow as big as you, when I shall pay you back.”)
Proverb: Kisimefwa usitaghe.
Translation: Do not abandon (hope) before you die.
Meaning: (“While there is life there is hope.”)
Proverb: Kisitorana ni nduwi.
Translation: (What) do not meet together are the hills.
Meaning: (A favourite saying when people part company.
Proverb: Ii-doinyo lemetumo, (Masai) Translation: Mountains do not meet,
Proverb: Kuima siko kulako.
Translation: To ciltivate is not to eat.
Proverb: Kukengwa na kusowa, keba kukengwa.
Translation: To be cheated or to lose (altogether), it is better to be cheated.
Meaning: (It is better to lose a part than the whole. “Make the best of a bad job.”)
Proverb: Kyaingia fua, chasaingia momoni.
Translation: It entered (by) the nose, it did not enter by the mouth.
Meaning: (This is somewhat like talking about entering by the back door. What was wanted had been obtained, though the method of obtaining it was not the usual one.)
Proverb: Lako ni lako na likabajika mutwi.
Translation: Yours is Yours until it splits your head.
Meaning: (Said to a parent whose offspring causes trouble.)
Proverb: Luzighi luoho kaa tolusowa kindu luchunga.
Translation :The cord which is in the hut does not fail to fasten.
Meaning: (Everything has its use.)
Proverb: Madeghe meengi ni makanga saka.
Translation: Many birds are the scare of the wilderness.
Meaning: (One bird might be afraid to go into the wilderness alone, but several birds would not be scared.)
Proverb: Ideghe imwe likaremwa kuiya teheshigha kucha.
Translation: If one bird ceases singing the dawn will not stop.
Meaning: (The world will not come to an end because one bird ceases singing or because one man dies. “There are as good fish in the sea as ever came out of it.”)
Proverb: Ideghe ituku likuria mivwi handu hamwe.
Translation: On a foolish bird the arrows are finished in one place.
Meaning: (A wise man takes warning on the approach of danger.)
Proverb: Idio la mwana mkiwa lijimisha moto.
Translation: The banana of the poor child extinguishes the fire.
Meaning: (The banana is the chief food of the Taveta. If the fire goes out whilst the children are roasting their bananas, the poor child will be blamed for extinguishing it. “Give a dog a bad name and hang him.”)
Proverb: Ikyo tekikomanya nguku na kitagha.
Translation: These (things) do not make the fowl and the wild cat fight. Meaning: (This is equivalent to saying: “Don’t worry over petty annoyances.”)
Proverb: Iraro la zowu liyaiwa ni suni.
Translation: The elephant’s bed is slept on by the gazelle.
Meaning: (When an elephant quits the sleeping place he has prepared for himself, the gazelle takes up his abode in it and so avoids the necessity of having to make a fresh one. With human beings it is the same. When a rich man leaves his dwelling as no longer suitable for him, a poor man is only too glad to take up his residence there.)
Proverb: Iwato lifumie lafuma.
Translation: A leg which has gone out has gone out.
Meaning: (A commence- ment, however small, is better than no commencement at all.)
Proverb: lye ni ilala la zoke. He is like beeswax.
Translation: (He is clever at everything-a good, all-round man.)
Proverb: Kaa ya mfole teiwa.
Translation: The town of the coward is not cried in.
Meaning: (If a man is a coward people do not go to his house to drink or enjoy them- selves, and the coward consequently does not come to harm. This is somewhat equivalent to: “He who fights and runs away, lives to fight another day.”)
Proverb: Kabau kakakunda kukula tekesowa mihoromie.
Translation: If a small hyena wishes to eat you he does not miss (a chance of) growling at you. Meaning: (If a person wishes to do any- thing he must make the most of his opportunities.)
Proverb: Akasomwa mughenji wako ni muvwa wa kughu, nawe ukasomwa ni washindiko, nigola ini washindiko. Translation: If your companion’s foot is pierced by a thorn, and if your buttocks are pierced (as well), take out first of all (the one) from your buttocks.
Proverb: Miingar ol- paashe le-lighae, nipal ol-lino. (Masai)
Translation: Do not repair another man’s fence until you have seen to your own. “Charity begins at home.”.
Proverb: Akuenja owiwi niye wako.
Translation: He who shaves you badly is yours (brings you good luck).
Meaning: (It is considered unlucky amongst the Taveta if a barber does not draw a little blood when shaving the head.)
Proverb: Arata ina iwindi teihoa.
Translation: The wound which has a (piece of) bone (in it) will not heal.
Meaning: (If you do not root out everything connected with an evil, you will not cure the evil.)
Proverb: Esikie mbeho niye esongeria moto.
Translation: It is he who feels cold that approaches the fire.
Meaning: (A person does not do a thing for no reason at all. If something uncommon occurs, search for a cause.)
Proverb: Ghesha ndiwa mti.
Translation: Try the depth of the pond with a pole.
Meaning: (Before attempting to cross a pond see how deep the water is.)
Proverb: Usi-righe mundu usimudawa.
Translation: Do not abuse a man you have not beaten.
Proverb: Usiwekije njoe mwagho na mwana wakwe.
Translation: Don’t place a load on (the back of) a donkey that has a foal.
Meaning: (A donkey that has a foal will pay so much attention to its foal that it will be useless as a beast of burden. “Look before you leap.”)
Proverb: Gwra muhandi kifumbo. Translation: Seize the handle of the sword.
Proverb: Ukakoma nyoka, mkome na kamwe.
Translation: If you kill a snake, kill it entirely.
Meaning: (“Whatsoever your hand finds to do, do it with all thy might.”)
Proverb: Handu hewetie zowu na mwana ewetia.
Translation: The place that the (cow) elephant has passed over its calf will pass over (as well).
Meaning: (A child follows in the footsteps of its parent.)
Proverb: Ibau liiya na lisiiya, iwiwi ni lisiiya.
Translation: (Of) The hyena that howls and that does not howl, the bad one is the one that does not howl.
Meaning: (It is better to fight a brave and straightforward enemy than one that is cowardly and underhand.)
Proverb: Ibau teliwe kuwisa.
Translation: A hyena does not hide itself completely.
Meaning: (A hyena [or a criminal] can hide for a time but eventually he will be captured and killed.
Proverb: Meiyopoo ol-owaru ol-kujita. (Masai)
Translation: The grass does not cover the wild beast. “Murder will out.”
Proverb: Seri Seri na lufwako iretikie
Proverb: Mkurumbuju Usimseke Isagho amu, Ureza kuoka Isagho
Proverb: Mtekwa kihabho ni iruo
Proverb: “Kengerija ngala uikomie kibhambara”
Translation: In the Taveta community “ngala” is a type of fish. “Kengerija” means to lie/trick something/somebody. “Uikomie” means to kill, and finally “kibhambara” means on the end side of something in this case it has been used to mean the side of a river (river banks)
Meaning: The proverb in English can contextually be translated to “trick the fish so that you can kill it by the river bank” Moral: its easier to defeat your enemy if you bring them closer without them knowing of your intentions. Proverb: Na ndambi niyo iketie nyoka kusela njenye
Proverb: Tusilume zobhu na kitojo tusiidima kugura
Proverb: Ukakunda kutoroka mvongo, uaghane na fai
Proverb : Usidae king’ange choho mfuroni
Proverb : Seri seri itikie lufako.
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