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Compiled and edited by Ndzimu-unami Emmanuel Moyo. The original collection includes English renderings for some proverbs and Kalanga explanations for others. Source numbers are retained for reference.
A, 13 proverbs
B, 52 proverbs
D, 25 proverbs
F, 6 proverbs
G, 20 proverbs
H, 22 proverbs
I, 6 proverbs
K, 76 proverbs
L, 16 proverbs
M, 64 proverbs
N, 65 proverbs
P, 7 proverbs
S, 13 proverbs
T, 75 proverbs
U, 37 proverbs
W, 36 proverbs
Y, 14 proverbs
Z, 23 proverbs
52 proverbs under B. Showing 21–40.
Proverb #34
Bhadza gulu lo piwa nlimi, kuli lipa simbe inoyezela nalo
Literal English rendering The big hoe / plough should be given to a farmer if given to a lazy person, he sleeps with it
English meaning Major responsibilities should be given to a competent person and not to somebody who lacks ability
Proverb #35
Bhanga yawawana
Kalanga explanation Hha ulipakhuta panlandu nnu atugwa tolatjadfusiwa
Proverb #36
Bhembgwe ko mimiligwa la muka
Literal English rendering You scream and set dogs on a buck which has broken cover
English meaning People should only be accused of wrongdoing when they are evidence
Proverb #37
Bhepe linolema ngelina mhudzi
Literal English rendering The heavy gourd is the one with seeds
English meaning Respect is given to those who have got knowledge and wisdom, those who have got substance
Proverb #38
Bhinda milongo bazwadzi ukatamba nabo
Literal English rendering He who passes-girls-by, and plays with older women
English meaning Some man or boys prefer older women than their age mates for a partner
Proverb #39
Bhudzi ngali bole nemudzi dzalo
Kalanga explanation Awudiya bannu belambama ubaletje ngemituzi yabo
Proverb #40
Bhundu mubususu
Kalanga explanation Unnu unozana nebatjetjana pawunli
Proverb #41
Bhusi gwe nyama ino gotjiwa aguto kopodza nngotji
Literal English rendering The smoke from the meat being roasted does not irritate the eyes of the person who is roasting
English meaning An inconvenience is tolerable if it is expected that at the end there will be something to gain. A boy will endure (bare) all painful Inconveniences by a girl as long as he hopes that his proposal will eventually be accepted
Proverb #42
Bisi jena lolakidza palele dema
Literal English rendering The white melon shows where the black one is lying
English meaning An apprehended culprit will reveal who his accomplices are and where they are; then, this will assist in their apprehension
Proverb #43
Bodube zosekana
Kalanga explanation Bannu batjetjana noluzibo ngemano abana, koga bamwina tjigubo
Proverb #45
Bomahla nkwala bahomanana mulufu
Kalanga explanation Bannu banohla abatogala bekubala kene befa
Proverb #44
Bowhelela kwenga azwadzi yehhuba
Kalanga explanation Unu unozanisa dope bamwe belima
Proverb #46
Boyimi anditoyago
Kalanga explanation Unnu uhhele buhholomwa zodliwa zwejele
Proverb #47
Boyimiyimi anditoyago bo poni?
Kalanga explanation Kobviwa bannu kene nnu uhhele buwwolomwa (khani)
Proverb #48
Bubuya aguto gala goga
Literal English rendering Beauty does not dwell or reside alone.
English meaning When a beautiful girl displays untoward behavior, this proverb can be quoted in disappointment
Background Beautiful people are expected to display good behavior
Proverb #49
Bukamu igaswa gohhadzisiwa ngemadlo
Kalanga explanation Muti mulebeleka pangha ntome mudla
Proverb #50
Bukamu igaswa gohhadzisiwa ngodla
Kalanga explanation Bannu banowanana ndebo ntome bedla beseba bengwa
Proverb #51
Bukukutu guna hhathu gofa gulitola
Literal English rendering The evil that has an axe will die while taking it
English meaning Somebody with an inclination towards violence often meets death related to violence. (Those who live by the sword will die by the sword / as a man live, so shall he die)
Proverb #52
Bukukutu gwehannu gofa gulitola
Kalanga explanation Nnu unabuwolomwa mubazwadzi babe ana misi muhango
Proverb #53
Bunhu ndegweni?gwe katsi tjinoti ku mbheba," buya ti zane
Literal English rendering What kindness? Is it for a cat to say to the mouse," come let us play"...!
English meaning Do not allow an obvious enemy to take advantage of you by pretending to be an innocent friend. Ka-Nongwe ngoyi tjolala patjibheso
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