Home › Xitsonga proverbs › Caution & Warning
These Xitsonga (Xitsonga) proverbs speak to warnings, prudence and the cost of ignoring good advice. Here are 5 of them, each with its literal translation and a clear explanation of its meaning, drawn from documented Xitsonga usage.
Emahlweni ka nghala ku fambiwa na xisana
Literally: “In front of a lion one travels with a firebrand”
Meaning: Be well prepared before facing danger or a serious challenge.
Hambi wo famba enkoveni, lundza ri ta vonaka
Literally: “Even if you walk in the valley, the top of your head will still be seen”
Meaning: Wrongdoing cannot stay hidden forever; the truth eventually comes out.
Loko u tsundzuka mhelembe, khandziya nsinya
Literally: “When you remember the rhino, climb the tree”
Meaning: Act on an important matter at once; do not procrastinate, because a rhino cannot follow you up a tree but delay narrows your options.
Ximita ntsengele xi tshemba nkolo
Literally: “The one that swallows the ntsengele fruit trusts its throat”
Meaning: Only take on what you are sure you can handle; do not undertake something whose full consequences you cannot manage.
Kuwa ro tshwuka ri na xivungu endzeni
Literally: “A fig that is red (ripe) has a worm inside”
Meaning: Attractive appearances often hide a hidden flaw or danger.