Common Zulu idioms and proverbs with their figurative meanings, for an upper-level learner. Front: the Zulu idiom. Back: English meaning and usage note.
29 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- Ubuntu ngumuntu ngabantu
Show answer
Meaning: A person is a person through other people. Usage: used to express that our humanity is affirmed through community and relationships with others.- Inkunzi isematholeni
Show answer
Meaning: The bull is still among the calves. Usage: said about a young person who already shows the promise of future greatness or leadership.- Akulahlwa mbeleko ngokufelwa
Show answer
Meaning: A baby-carrying blanket is not thrown away just because a baby has died. Usage: used to encourage someone not to give up hope after a loss or setback, and to keep trying.- Izandla ziyagezana
Show answer
Meaning: Hands wash each other. Usage: used to encourage people to help and cooperate with one another.- Indlela ibuzwa kwabaphambili
Show answer
Meaning: The road is asked of those who went ahead. Usage: used to encourage seeking advice from elders or people with more experience.- Ingane engakhali ifela embelekweni
Show answer
Meaning: A baby who does not cry dies unnoticed on its mother's back. Usage: used to encourage speaking up about problems instead of staying silent.- Inja ayilumi umniniyo
Show answer
Meaning: A dog does not bite its owner. Usage: used to describe loyalty, or surprise when someone turns against a person who has been good to them.- Isala kutshelwa sibona ngomopho
Show answer
Meaning: The one who refuses advice learns through a scar. Usage: used to warn someone that ignoring good advice leads to learning the hard way.- Ilanga alihlali endaweni eyodwa
Show answer
Meaning: The sun does not stay in one place. Usage: used to remind someone that circumstances and fortunes always change over time.- Ubuhle bendoda izinkomo zayo
Show answer
Meaning: A man's wealth is measured by his cattle. Usage: used, especially in traditional contexts, to describe how a man's standing was judged by his herd.- Ukugeza izandla
Show answer
Meaning: To wash one's hands. Usage: used to describe someone disowning responsibility for a matter, similar to the English idiom.- Ukudla inhliziyo
Show answer
Meaning: To eat one's heart. Usage: used to describe someone who is worrying or grieving a great deal.- Ukuba nezandla ezimhlophe
Show answer
Meaning: To have white hands. Usage: used to describe someone who is innocent of wrongdoing.- Ukuba nenhliziyo enkulu
Show answer
Meaning: To have a big heart. Usage: used to describe someone who is generous or very patient.- Ukuqeda amandla
Show answer
Meaning: To finish one's strength. Usage: used to describe becoming exhausted or worn out.
FlashKeepers