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These Zulu (isiZulu) proverbs speak to knowing, learning and good judgement — the kind handed down by those who came before. Here are 7 of them, each with its literal translation and a clear explanation of its meaning, drawn from documented Zulu usage.
Inhlanzi ishelwa ngamanzi esemanzini
Literally: “The fish is short of water while still in the water”
Meaning: A person may lack or complain about something even while surrounded by it; one can fail to appreciate what one already has.
Indlela ibuzwa kwabaphambili
Literally: “The way/path is asked from those who are ahead”
Meaning: Seek guidance from those with more experience; learn from elders and those who have gone before you.
Ingane engakhali ifela embelekweni
Literally: “The child who does not cry dies on the back (in the carrying-skin)”
Meaning: If you do not speak up about your needs, they will go unmet; voice your problems.
Akukho qili lazikhotha emhlane
Literally: “There is no clever one that licked its own back”
Meaning: No one is so cunning that they can do everything alone; even the cleverest person has limits and needs others.
Kuhlwile phambili kusasile emuva
Literally: “It is dark ahead and clear/dawn behind”
Meaning: The future is uncertain while the past is known; one cannot see what lies ahead.
Imbila yaswela umsila ngokuyalezela
Literally: “The rock-rabbit (hyrax) went without a tail by sending others instead of going itself”
Meaning: If you want something done, do it yourself; relying on others to act for you leads to failure.
Iso liwela umfula ugcwele
Literally: “The eye crosses a full river”
Meaning: You can see and desire something even when it is out of reach; sight goes where the body cannot.