Moja shika,si kumi nenda urudi.Take one,not that you may return with ten.
Moto hauzai moto.Fire does not beget fire in the end it begets ashes.
Mpanda farasi wawili hupasuka msamba.One who rides two horses at once will split asunder.
Mpanda ovyo hula ovyo.He who sows disorderly fashion will eat likewise.
Mpemba akipata gogo hanyii chini.If a native of pemba can get a log he does not relive himself on the ground.ie nothing but the best
Mpemba hakimbii mvua ndogo.A native of Pemba does not run away fro a small shower.
Mpiga ngumi ukuta huumiza mkonowe. He who fights with a wall will only hurt his hand.
Mpofuka ukongweni,hapotewi na njia.He who becomes blind in his old age does not lose his way.
Msafiri masikini ajapokuwa sultani.A traveller is poor,even though he being a ruler.
Msasi haogopi mwiba.A hunter is not afraid of thorns.
Msema pweke hakosi.One who talks to himself can not be wrong.Ie no one to correct him.
Mshale kwenda msituni haukupotea.If an arrow goes into a forest it is not lost.
Mshoni hachagui nguo.A tailor does not select his cloth.
Msitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo.Do not abuse palm-wine tappers while drunkness persists.
Msitukane wakunga na uzazi ungalipo.Do not abuse midwives while child-bearing continues.
Mstahimilivu hula mbivu.A patient man will eat ripe fruits.
Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame.He who requires what is under the bed must bend for it.
Mtaka nyingi nasaba hupata mwingi msiba.He who boasts of his ancestry unduly will bring plenty of trouble upon himself.
Mtaka unda haneni.He who desires to make something does not announce his intentions ,just turns them into actions.
Mtaka yote hukosa yote.He who desires all,misses all
Mtegemea nundu haachi kunona.He who likes to eat cows hump will not fail to grow fat.
Mtembezi hula miguu yake.An aimless wanderer wears away his legs.
mteuzi hashi tamaa.A connoisseur never comes to the end of desire.
Mti hauwendi ila kwa nyenzo.A log can not move save by the help of rollers.
Mtondoo haufi maji.An old man always keeps something in reserve.
Mtoto akililia wembe mpe.When a child cries for a razor give it him.i.e. Let him learn by experience.
Mtoto umleyavyo ndivyo akuavyo.As you bring up a child ,so he will be.
Mtoto wa nyoka ni nyoka.The child of a snake is a snake.
Mtu hakatai mwito,hukata aitwalo.A person does not objects to being called, he objects to what he is called for.
Mtu hujikuna ajipatiapo.A person scratches himself where his hand can reach.
Mtu huulizwa amevaani ,haulizwi amekulani.A person is asked about his dress not what he has eaten.
Mtumai cha ndugu hufa masikini.One who always depends on his brother will die poor.
Mtumi wa kunga haambiwi maana.The carrier of a secret message is not told its meaning.
Mtumikie kafiri upate mradi wako.Serve even an unbeliever to attain your own ends.
Mtupa jongoo hutupa na mti wake.If you throw a millipede you should throw away the stick you picked it up with
Mume wa mama ni baba.A husband of a mother is a father
Mungu hamfichi mnafiki.God does not concell a(hypocrite) liar.
Mvumbika changa hula mbovu.One who stores half grown fruit eats it rotten.
Mvungu mkeka.The space under the bed is like a mat.
Mvunja nchi ni mwananchi.The destroyer of a country is a citizen of that country.
Mvuvi ajuwa pweza alipo.A fisheman knows where to look for an octopus.
Mwacha asili ni mtumwa.He who renounces his ancestrey is like a slave.
Mwamba na wako hukutuma umwambiye.He who spekes ill of someone close to you in your presence sends you to tell him so.
Mwamini Mungu si mtovu.He who trusts in God lacks nothing.
Mwana mkaidi hafaidi mpaka siku ya idi.An obstinete child does not suffer save on the day of festival.
Mwana maji wa kwale kufa maji mazowea.To a seamen of Kwale,death by water is common experience.
Mwana mkuwa nawe ni mwenzio kama wewe.The child who grows up with you is your fellow.
Mwana wa kuku hafunzwi kuchakura.A chick is not taught how to scratch up the ground.
Mwana simba ni simba.The child of lion is a lion.
Mwanga mpe mtoto kulea.Give a wizard a child to bring up.
Mwangaza mbili moja humponyoka.He who is after two things at the same time,one will surely escape him
Mwanzo kokochi mwisho nazi.The begining is bud the end is coconut.
Mwanzo wa chanzo ni chane mbili.The begining of a mat-making is two slips of raffia leaf.
Mwanzo wa ngoma ni lele.The begining of a dance is" lele" i.e.just one man singing hu lalaaaa.
Mwapiza la nje hupata la ndani.One who curses someone in public,brings it on himself in private.
Mwekaji kisasi haambiwi mwerevu.He who nurses vegeance is not called wise.
Mwenda bure si mkaa bure,huenda akaokota.One who walks with no reason is not like one who sits without reason,the one who walks might pick up something.
Mwenda mbio hujikwa kidole.A person who is in too much of a hurry stubs his toe.
Mwenda tezi na omo marejeo ngamani.He who goes to the quarterdeck and forecastle will return to the hold eventualy.
Mwenye kelele hana neno.A noisy person is harmless.
Mwenye kovu usidhani kapowa.One with a scar,do not think him healed.
Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza.He who is carried on the back must cling on.
Mwenye kuchinja hachelei kuchuna.He who slaughters a beast does not hesitate about skinning it
Mwenye kuumwa na nyoka akiona jani hushtuka.One who has been bitten by a snake,when he sees grass he he gets afraid.i.e.Once bitten twice shy.
Mwenye macho haambiwi tazama.One who has eyes is not told to look(he does it himself)
Mwenye nguvu mpishe. Let a strong man pass
Mwenye njaa hana miiko. A hungry man observes no taboos.
Mwenye pupa hadiriki kula tamu. A hasty person misses the sweet things (because he cannot wait for the fruit to ripen).
Mwenye shibe hamjui mwenye njaa. A satisfied person does not know the hungry man. cf. He that is warm thinks that all are so.
Mwenye shoka hakosi kuni. He who has an axe does not lack firewood.
Mwenye tumbo ni tumbole, angafunga mkaja. She who is pregnant, is pregnant-even though she wrap herself in an 'mkaja' (i.e you don't achieve something by merely pretending you have achieved it.) (Mkaja is the cloth a woman wears round her stomach after giving birth).
Mwenzako akinyolewa wewe tia maji. When your Companion is being shaved, put water (on your head). ('Be prepared-eg. when you see a neighbouring country being invaded prepare to face the same situation yourself) cf. When your neighbour's house is on fire, take care of your own.
Mwibaji na watwana, mlifi ni mwungwana. A thief is a rogue but the one who repays is a gentleman
Mwili wa mwenzio ni kando ya mwilio. Your companion's body is beside (i.e. not a part of) your body.
Mwizi hushikwa na mwizi mwenziwe. A thief is caught by his fellow thief. cf. Set a thief to catch a thief.
Mwomba chumvi huombea chunguche. He who asks for salt does so for his own cooking pot
Mwosha hadhuru maiti. The washer of corpses does no harm to the dead.
Mwosha huoshwa.The corpse-washer is washed (in his turn). Cf. Tit for tat.
Mwosha husitiri maiti.The washer conceals the corpse (i.e gives nothing away).
Mzaha,mzaha, hutumbuka usaha. Joke, joke, discharges pus (i.e. do not dismiss even a small scratch as if it were only a joke-it may go bad) cf. A stitch in time saves nine.
Mzazi haachi ujusi. One who gives birth cannot avoid (ritual) defilement
Mzigo Wa mwenzio ni kanda Ia usufi. Your companion's burden is (no more than) a load of kapok (to you). cf. The burden is light on the shoulder of another.
Mzika pembe ndiye mzua pembe.The one who buries ivory is the one to dig it up
Mzowea kutwaa, kutoa ni vita. (For him) who is accustomed to taking giving away is a battle.
Mzowea kunyonga, kuchinja hawezi. He who is used to strangle, cannot slaughter.
Mzungu Wa kula hafundishwi mwana. The process of eating is not taught to a child.
Nahodha wengi, chombo huenda mrama. Too many captains (and) the ship rolls. cf. Too many cooks spoil the broth.
Natuone ndipo twambe, kusikia Si kuona. Let us see then tell; hearing is not seeing cf. Seeing is believing.
Nazi mbovu harabu ya nzima. A rotten coconut in a heap spoils the wholesome ones. cf. A rotten apple spoils its neighbours. cf. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock.
Ndege mjanja hunaswa na tundu bovu, An artful bird can be trapped in a rotten cage.
Ndege mwigo hana mazowea. A bird that imitates others does not get used to a place.
Ndugu chungu, jirani mkungu. (Alt. Ndugu kitu.... .) A brother is (as useful as) a cooking pot, and a neighbour is (as useful as) a cooking pot lid.
Ndugu mwui afadhali kuwa naye. A bad brother is far better than no brother. cf. Blood is thicker than water.
Ndugu wakigombana, chukua jembe ukalime, wakipatana chukua kikapu ukavune.When brothers quarrel, take a hoe and go and dig; and when they make it up, take a basket and patter the crop (i.e. never interfere with a dispute between brothers except to fly and settle it amicably).
Ngoja! ngoja? huumiza matumbo. Wait a minute! wait a minute! harms the stomach
Ngoma ivumayo haidumu. A noisy drumming does not last long.
Ngoma ivumayo haikawii kupasuka. A drum that is sounded loudly will soon split cf. A pitcher that often goes to the well, is broken at last.
Ngozi ivute ili maji.Stretch hide while it is still green. cf. Strike while the iron is hot.
Nia njema ni tabibu, nia mbaya huharibu. A good purpose is like a doctor (it heals or keeps you well) and evil purpose corrupts.
Nifae na mvua nikufae na jua. Do me a favour during a rainy season and I shall do the same to you during the dry season.
Nimekula asali udogoni, utamu ungali gegoni. I ate honey in my childhood, and its sweetness is still in my tooth.
Nimekupaka wanja, wewe wanipaka pilipili. I have anointed you with kohl, do you, in return, anoint me with pepper?
Njia ya mwongo fupi.The way of a liar is short (i.e. he soon comes to grief).
Njia ya siku zote haina alama. A regular path has no signpost. cf. A used key is always bright.
Ng'ombe avunjikapo guu hurejea zizini. When a bull gets his leg broken, he is sure to go back to his yard.
Ng'ombe haelemewi na nunduye. A cow is not oppressed by its own hump.
Nta Si asali; nalikuwa nazo Si uchunga. Wax is not honey; 'I had them' (i.e. cattle) is not herding.
Nyani haoni kundule, huliona la mwenziwe. The ape does not see his own backside, he Sees his companion's.
Nyimbo ya kufunzwa haikeshi ngoma. Songs learnt from outside sources (foreign importations) are not used at a dance so long.
Nyumba usiyolala ndani huijui ila yake. You cannot know the defects of a house you have not slept in. Cf. It is the wearer who knows where the shoe pinches.
Nyumba ya udongo haihimili vishindo. A mud hut cannot withstand great shocks.
Nzi kufa juu ya kidonda Si haramu. For a fly to die on an ulcer is not bad (after all, he got what he wanted).
Pabaya pako Si pema pa mwenzako. Your own bad place is far better (so far as you are concerned) than your companion's place (which will do you no good).
Padogo pako Si pakubwa pa mwenzako. Your own small place is not like a big place of your companion. cf. A poor thing but mine own.
Painamapo ndipo painukapo. Where it slopes down is where it slopes up.
Paka akiondoka, panya hutawala. when the cat goes away, mice reign. cf. When the cat's away, the mice do play.
Paka hakubali kulala chali. A cat can never he made to lie on its back.
Paka wa nyumba haingwa. A cat belonging to the house is not chased away.
Panapo wengi hapaharibiki neno. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong. (A council of many people ensures that things are kept on the right tines.) cf. Many hands make light work.
Papo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe. Constant rubbing of a rope will cut a stone. cf. Constant dripping wears away a stone.
Pele hupewa msi kucha. Scabics are given to him who has no fingernails (i.e. who cannot scratch himself).
Pema usijapo pema; ukipema Si pema tena. A good place you don't go to is a good place: if you go too often, it isn't a good place any longer. cf. Familiarity brings contempt; or, Outstay one's welcome.
Penye kuku wengi hapamwagwi mtama. Where there are many fowls, millet is not scattered (i.e. it is not advisable to disclose a secret in the presence of a number of people).
Penye mafundi, hapakosi wanafunzi. Where there are experts there will be no lack ot learners.
Penye mbaya wako, hapakosi mwema wako/na mwema wako hakosi. Where you have an enemy, you will also surely arid a friend.
Penye miti hakuna wajenzi. Where there are plenty of trees there are no builders.
Penye nia ipo njia. Where there's a will there's a way.
Penye urembo ndipo penye urimbo. Where there is finery, there lies the snare (Lit: birdlime).
Penye wazee haliharibiki neno. Where there are old people, nothing goes wrong.
Penye wengi pana mengi. Where there are many (present) there is much (said).
Penye wengi pana Mungu. Where there are many people, there God is
Pilipili usozila zakuwashiani? How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?
Pofu hasahau mkongoja wake. A blind person does not forget his walking stick.
Pwagu hupata pwaguzi. A thief finds another one (who is a bigger and better thief than he is). Cf. When Greek meets Greek.
Radhi ni bora kuliko mali Blessings are better than wealth,
Sahani iliyofunikwa, kilichomo kimesitirika. When a plate is covered, its contents are hidden.
Samaki mmoja akioza, huoza wote. If one fish rots, they all rot. cf. A rotten apple spoils its neighbours. A sickly sheep infects the whole flock.
Shika! Shika! na mwenyewe nyuma. Hold him! Hold him! and you yourself after him (i.e. you shouldn't expect others to do all the work).
Shimo Ia ulimi mkono haufutiki. A pit of (dug by) the tongue cannot be covered up by the hand (words are more dangerous). Cf. The pen is mightier than the sword.
Shoka lisilo mpini halichanji kuni. An axe with rio handle does not split firewood.
Si kila mwenye makucha huwa simba. Not all that have claws are lions. cf All that glitters is not gold.
Sikio halilali na njaa. An ear dots not go to bed hungry (there's always plenty of gossip).
Sikio halipwani kichwa. Alt: Sikio halipiti kichwa. The ear does not surpass the head.
Sikio Ia kufa halisikii dawa. A dying ear does not feel the medicine.
Siku njema huonekana asubuhi. A good day becomes evident in the morning.
Siku utakayokwenda uchi, ndiyo siku utakayokutana na mkweo. The day you go naked, is the day you will meet your father/mother.in-law.
Simba mwenda kimya(pole) ndiye mla nyama. The lion which moves silently is the one that eats meat.
Simbiko haisimbuki ila kwa msukosuko. A thing that is firmly fixed cannot be dislodged except with much trouble.
Sitafuga ndwele na waganga tele. I shall not suffer illness while doctors abound.
Subira ni ufunguo Wa faraja. Patience is the key to tranquility.
Subira yavuta heri, huleta kilicho mbali. Patience attracts happiness; it brings near that which is far.
Sumu ya neno ni neno. The poison for a word is a word. cf. Tit for tat.
Tamaa mbele, mauti nyuma. Desire first, death afterwards, (i.e. 'No one ever thinks of the possibIlity of death when concentrating on achieving a particular end).
Taratibu ndiyo mwendo. Slowly is indeed the way to walk. Cf. He that goes slowly goes surely, or, Hasten slowly. or, Slow but sure.
Teke Ia kuku halimwumizi mwanawe A hen's kick does not hurt her chick.
Tonga si tuwi The juice of an Immature coconut Is not like the real coconut juice.
Ucheshi wa mtoto ni anga Ia nyumba. The laughter of a child lights up the house.
Uchungu wa mwana, aujua mzazi. The Iabour of childbirth is known to the mother.
Udongo uwahi ungali maji Work the clay while it is still wet Cf. Strike while the iron is hot
Udugu wa nazi hukutania chunguni The brotherhood of coconuts is a meeting in the cook- in pot (said of people who do not cooperate until it is too late).
Ukenda kwa wenye chongo, vunja lako jicho. When you go among one-eyed people, put out your own eye. Cf. Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise, or, When in Rome, do as the Romans do (?).
Ukiona kwako kunaungua kwa mwenzako kunateketea. If you find your own house is on fire, you may be sure that your neighbour's house is burning much more fiercely.
Ukiona neno, usiposema neno, hutapatikana na neno. If you see something and say nothing, you will have nothing to suffer for. Cf. Mind your own business, or, Hear all, see all, say nothing.
Ukiona vinaelea, vimeundwa. If you see vessels afloat, remember that they have had to be built.
Ukiona zinduna, ambari iko nyuma. If you see amber, ambergis is (not far) behind, (i.e. Where there is a jealous husband, there will be jealous wife). (Sauce for the goose . . .?)
Ukipewa shibiri usichukue pima. If you are offered a span, do not take a couple of yards. Cf. Give him an inch and he will take an ell.
Ukupigao ndio ukufunzao. What beats you is what teaches you. Cf. Spare the rod and spoil the child.
Ukistaajabu ya Mussa utaona ya Firauni. If you are astonished at Moses' deeds, you will be more astonished at Pharaoh's. Not-Moses declared himself to he a prophet, but Pharaoh declared himself to be God.
Ukitaja nyoka, shika fimbo mkononi. When you mention a snake, have a stick ready in your hand. Talk of the devil, and you'll hear the rustle of his wings.
. Ukitaka kula nguruwe, chagua aliyeno,na. If you want to eat pig, choose one which is fat. Cf. As well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb. (Muslims are forbidden pork).
Ukitaka uzuri sharti udhurike. If you want beauty, you must (first) be injured
Ukuukuu wa kamba Si upya wa ukambaa. A well-worn coir-rope is better than a new rope made from raffia.
Ulimi hauna mfupa. A tongue has no bone (i.e. it can get round anything, both literally and metaphorically).
Ulimi unauma kuliko meno. The tongue hurts more than the teeth.
Ulipendalo hupati, hupata ujaliwalo. You will not necessarily get what you desire, you will get what is appointed you (by God). Cf. Man proposes, God disposes.
Ulivyoligema utalinywa. As you tapped it (palm-wine) you will (have to) drink. Cf. As you sow, so shall you reap, or, You have made your bed and now you must lie on it.
Umejigeuza pweza, unajipalia makaa? Have you changed into a cuttle-fish, (that) you heap live embers on yourself?
Umekuwa bata akili kwa watoto? Are you a duck (that) your mind is with your children?
Umekuwa jeta hubanduki? Are you a Jeta, (that) you do not move?
Umekuwa nguva, huhimili kishindo? Are you a dugong, (that) you cannot bear a wound?
Unamlaumu mwewe, kipanga yuwesha kuku. You are blaming the hawk, (while) the falcon is killing the chickens.
Ungalijua alacho nyuki, usingalionja asali. Had you known what bees eat, you would not have tasted the honey.
