Common Zulu idioms and proverbs with their figurative meanings, for an upper-level learner. Front: the Zulu idiom. Back: English meaning and usage note.
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- Ubuntu ngumuntu ngabantu
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Meaning: Hands wash each other. Usage: used to encourage people to help and cooperate with one another.
- Indlela ibuzwa kwabaphambili
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Meaning: To wash one's hands. Usage: used to describe someone disowning responsibility for a matter, similar to the English idiom.
- Ukudla inhliziyo
- Meaning: To eat one's heart. Usage: used to describe someone who is worrying or grieving a great deal.
- Ukuba nezandla ezimhlophe
- Meaning: To have white hands. Usage: used to describe someone who is innocent of wrongdoing.
- Ukuba nenhliziyo enkulu
- Meaning: To have a big heart. Usage: used to describe someone who is generous or very patient.
- Ukuqeda amandla
- Meaning: To finish one's strength. Usage: used to describe becoming exhausted or worn out.
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