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.
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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.
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A cow is not judged by its color. Meaning: don't judge someone's worth by outward appearance.- Indlela ibuzwa kwabaphambili.
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The road is asked of those who have gone ahead. Meaning: seek guidance from those with more experience.- Ubuhle bendoda zinkomo zayo.
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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.
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Growth is only opposed by a witch. Meaning: only someone with ill intentions resents another person's progress.- Injobo ithungelwa ebandla.
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A garment is sewn in the presence of the assembly. Meaning: important matters should be decided openly and together as a community.- Isandla siyahlambana.
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One hand washes the other. Meaning: people should help each other in turn.- Umntu akalahlwa.
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A person is never thrown away. Meaning: no one should be abandoned or given up on, no matter their mistakes.- Akukho lusuku olungapheliyo.
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There is no day that never ends. Meaning: every hardship eventually comes to an end.- Ukudakumba kwentliziyo
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Literally "the heart's despair." Meaning: to lose hope, to become deeply discouraged.- Intliziyo enzima
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Literally "a heavy heart." Meaning: a person weighed down by sorrow or worry.- Intliziyo enkulu
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Literally "a big heart." Meaning: a generous, kind-hearted person.- Iliso elibukhali
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Literally "a sharp eye." Meaning: an alert, observant person.- Intloko elukhuni
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Literally "a hard head." Meaning: a stubborn person who will not listen to advice.- Umlomo omkhulu
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Literally "a big mouth." Meaning: someone who talks too much or cannot keep a secret.
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