Kiswahili Methali

Just like any other language, Swahili has it's own proverbs that apply to it's people and culture. Here are a few Kiswahili methali that I have observed to be particularly relevant during our time here.

Mstahimilivu hula mbivu.
A patient man will eat ripe fruit.

Mchumia juani, hula kivulini.

He who earns his living in the sun, eats in the shade.

Hakuna masika yasiyokuwa na mbu.
There is no rainy season without mosquitoes.

Mshoni hachagui nguo.
A tailor does not select his cloth.

Dau la mnyonge haliendi joshi.
The boat of a poor man cannot sail with the wind.

Matoto akililia wembe mpe.
When a child cries for a razor blade give it to him.

Majumba makubwa hustiri mambo.

Big houses conceal a lot.

Kitanda usichokilalia humjui kunguni wake.
You cannot know the bugs of a bed until you have laid upon it.

Mwenye njaa hana miiko.
A hungry man observes no dietary restrictions.

Maji yakimwaika, hayazoleki.
If water is spilt, it cannot be gathered up.

Penye wengi pana mengi.
Where there are many present there is much to be said.

Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naya.
A bad brother is far better than no brother.