Kiswahili Idioms
Mtaka cha mvunguni sharti ainame
Maana: Whoever wants something hidden must bend down to get it.
🪶 Funzo: You must work hard or humble yourself to achieve what you want
Asiyesikia la mkuu huvunjika guu
Maana: One who ignores advice from elders will face consequences.
🪶 Funzo: Respect and listen to wise counsel.
Kupokea msaada siyo kuoa
Maana: Receiving food or help from someone does not mean you owe them commitment or marriage.
🪶 Lesson: Kindness doesn’t always imply deeper obligation.
Mvumilivu hula mbivu
Maana: The patient person eats the ripe fruit.
🪶 Funzo: Patience brings the best rewards.
Kuku mgeni hafuniki chungu
A visitor should not interfere with household affairs.
Nyumba ni jua la pili
Maana: A home is like a second sun—where warmth and comfort come from.
🪶 Funzo: A loving home brings light and happiness.
Mtaka cha heri hula na vibaya.
Maana: One who seeks good must also endure hardship.
🪶 Funzo: Good things come with challenges.
“Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake."
Maana: Every bird flies with its own wings.
Funzo: Everyone must depend on their own effort
Nahau hii inamaana gani? "Usione simba amenyeshewa ukadhani ni paka"
Don’t underestimate someone just because they seem weak or humble.
🪶 Lesson: Appearances can be deceiving
Maji usiyoyafika hujui kina chake
You can’t know the depth of water you haven’t reached.
🪶 Lesson: Don’t judge situations or people you don’t fully understand