Swahili proverbs

Proverbs of the Swahili language

Proverbs (alphabetical)



 * Baada ya dhiki faraja.
 * After hardship comes relief.


 * Ngozi ya chui uzuri kwa macho, ndani adui.
 * A leopard skin is beautiful to see, but inside there is an enemy.


 * Dhamiri safi ni tandiko laini.
 * A clear conscience is a soft mat.


 * Dua la kuku halimpati mwewe.
 * The prayer of the fowl does not bother the hawk.


 * Fadhila ya punda ni mateke.
 * The gratitude of a donkey is a kick.


 * Fuata nyuki ule asali.
 * Follow bees that you may eat honey.


 * Haraka haraka haina baraka.
 * Hurry, hurry, has no blessings.


 * Hisani haiozi.
 * Kindness does not go bad.


 * Jogoo mtenda mema kaliwa.
 * The rooster, always beneficial, is eaten.


 * Kibarua hulima juani, tajiri hulia kivulini.
 * A day-worker cultivates in the sun, the master eats in the shade.


 * Msinji ukiinama hauna nguvu; usiushtaki ukuta ukianguka.
 * A foundation that is not level is not strong; don't blame the wall if it falls down.


 * Ukijifanya asali nzi wote watakula.
 * If you make yourself [like] honey all the flies will devour you.