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These Zulu (isiZulu) proverbs speak to who a person truly is — integrity, pride, humility and conduct. Here are 4 of them, each with its literal translation and a clear explanation of its meaning, drawn from documented Zulu usage.
Umthente uhlaba usamila
Literally: “The young tender grass-blade pricks while still sprouting”
Meaning: A person's character/talent shows from an early age; you can tell what someone will become while they are still young.
Umuntu akalahlwa
Literally: “A person is not thrown away”
Meaning: No human being should be discarded or written off; everyone has worth and deserves a second chance.
Ikhotha eyikhothayo, engayikhothi iyayikhahlela
Literally: “It licks the one that licks it, and the one that does not lick it, it kicks”
Meaning: People treat you as you treat them; kindness is returned with kindness and hostility with hostility.
Inja ihloniphe umninilo
Literally: “The dog must respect its owner”
Meaning: One should show respect to one's master/benefactor or to the household one belongs to — as a dog respects its owner. Used to remind subordinates or dependents to honour those they rely on.