Misemo na Methali za kikwetu (Swahili proverbs)
- Ushikwapo shikamana. When you are seized, hold on yourself.
- Usiache kunanua kwa kutega. Do not neglect the undoing (of a trap that has caught) for the setting (of others). cf. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
- Usiache mbachao kwa msala upitao. Never give up your own old mat for a better prayer mat which you see passing.
- Usicheze na simba, ukamtia mkono kinywani. When you play with a lion, do not put your hand in its mouth (that would be going too far!).
- Usigombe na mkwezi, nazi imeliwa na mwezi. Don't quarrel with the coconut-palm climber: the coconut has been eaten by the moon.
- Usijifanye kuku mweupe. Do not pretend to be a white fowl (you're only an ordinary chap).
- Usikaange mbuyu ukawaachia wenye meno watafune. Do not roast baobab kernels and leave those who have teeth chewing (them). Don't start quarrels among other people (bv telling tales).
- Usile na kipofu ukamgusa rnkono. When you are eating with a blind man, do not touch his hand. (to do so will lead him to suspect that either the food is finished or you are trying to play a trick on him. In other words, with a simple person you must be very careful lest you might do something to make him suspicious of you)
- Usimwamshe aliyelala utalala wewe. Do not wake one who is sleeping; you will fall asleep yourself.
- Usinivishe kilemba cha ukoka. Do not put a grass turban on my head, (i.e. do not flatter me).
- Usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. If you do not fill up a crack, you will have to build a wall. cf. A stitch in time saves nine
- Usisafiriye na nyota ya mwenzio. Don't travel under another's lucky star (i.e. do not rely on someone else's good fortune).
- Usisahau ubaharia kwa sababu ya unahodha. Do not forget what it is to be a sailor because of being a captain yourself.
- Usishindane na Kari; Kari ni mja wa Mungu. Do not compete with Kari, Kari comes from God.
- Usitukane wagema na ulevi ungalipo. Speak no ill of palm-wine tappers as long as drinking persists
- Usitukane wakunga na uzazi 'ungalipo. Speak no ill of midwives while childbirth still continues.
- Usiyavuke maji usiyoweza kuyaoga. Do not cross water that is too deep for wading.
