Common Xhosa proverbs and figurative idioms with their meanings explained, for an upper-level learner. Front: the Xhosa idiom. Back: English meaning and usage note.
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- Umntu ngumntu ngabantu.
- A person is a person through other people. Meaning: our humanity is shaped and expressed through our relationships with others, the core idea of ubuntu.
- Inkomo ayibuzwa ngebala.
- A cow is not judged by its color. Meaning: don't judge someone's worth by outward appearance.
- Indlela ibuzwa kwabaphambili.
- The road is asked of those who have gone ahead. Meaning: seek guidance from those with more experience.
- Ubuhle bendoda zinkomo zayo.
- A man's beauty is his cattle. Meaning: in traditional society, a man's standing was measured by the size of his herd.
- Ukwanda kwaliwa ngumthakathi.
- Growth is only opposed by a witch. Meaning: only someone with ill intentions resents another person's progress.
- Injobo ithungelwa ebandla.
- A garment is sewn in the presence of the assembly. Meaning: important matters should be decided openly and together as a community.
- Isandla siyahlambana.
- One hand washes the other. Meaning: people should help each other in turn.
- Umntu akalahlwa.
- A person is never thrown away. Meaning: no one should be abandoned or given up on, no matter their mistakes.
- Akukho lusuku olungapheliyo.
- There is no day that never ends. Meaning: every hardship eventually comes to an end.
- Ukudakumba kwentliziyo
- Literally "the heart's despair." Meaning: to lose hope, to become deeply discouraged.
- Intliziyo enzima
- Literally "a heavy heart." Meaning: a person weighed down by sorrow or worry.
- Intliziyo enkulu
- Literally "a big heart." Meaning: a generous, kind-hearted person.
- Iliso elibukhali
- Literally "a sharp eye." Meaning: an alert, observant person.
- Intloko elukhuni
- Literally "a hard head." Meaning: a stubborn person who will not listen to advice.
- Umlomo omkhulu
- Literally "a big mouth." Meaning: someone who talks too much or cannot keep a secret.
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