NTHIMO CIA KIMBEERE (MBEERE PROVERBS)
Welcome to our website, where we dive into the rich cultural heritage of the Mbeere people. Today, we explore the fascinating world of Mbeere proverbs, known as “Nthimo Cia Kimbeere.” These proverbs offer valuable insights into life, wisdom, and the unique worldview of the Mbeere community. Join us on this journey of discovery as we unravel the meanings behind these thought-provoking sayings.
- Akua utune ta nguku.
He has died innocently like the red beaked/red crested bird.
Lesson: In a world where judgments are swift and appearances deceive, lies a timeless proverb that reveals the startling truth: innocence hidden behind a mask of prejudice. It whispers of a tale where the underestimated rise above the misconceptions that shackle them, defying expectations and leaving jaws agape.
- Cia mucii ti como.
Family matters are not exposed to everyone.
Lesson: Within the labyrinth of familial bonds, an ancient wisdom whispers, captivating the hearts of those who dare to listen. It imparts a profound truth, woven in the delicate threads of trust and secrecy—a testament to the sanctity of privacy. This enigmatic proverb unravels the delicate balance between discretion and disclosure, revealing a world where the walls of intimacy shield the vulnerabilities of kinship.
- Gucura kwa yage tikuo gutwika.
The heavy hanging of the fruit does not mean it will fall.
Lesson: In the grand tapestry of existence, amidst the swirling storms of adversity, a captivating truth unveils its shimmering brilliance. Let the echoes of this profound wisdom permeate your spirit, for it is in the crucible of failure that our true mettle is forged. Resist the siren’s call of despair, and heed the resounding anthem that lingers on the winds of hope.
- Guoya niyo yengivirie ngoyo.
Fear caused the increase of “ngoyo” birds.
Lesson: Within the depths of timeless wisdom, a captivating lesson unfolds, urging all to tread with care and remain wary of missteps. It reminds us to approach each endeavor with caution, cultivating a healthy fear of wrongdoing. This profound teaching resonates with a gentle warning, highlighting the importance of thoughtful actions and mindful choices. Embrace the simplicity of its message, for in its humble guidance lies the power to navigate the intricacies of life, steering clear of potential pitfalls. Let this captivating truth serve as a compass, guiding you towards a path of conscientiousness, where mindfulness and prudence converge to shape a brighter journey.
- Gutiri muthamaki utagutagwa.
There is no king who is not gossiped about.
Lesson: In the realm of power and influence, a captivating revelation emerges, shedding light on the inherent nature of those who hold authority. It unveils a world where slander and criticism often find solace, attempting to derail the determined and distract the resolute. Yet, amidst this turbulent backdrop, a timeless wisdom takes root, urging us to remain steadfast in our pursuits. Let not the cacophony of disparagement sway your course, but instead, fix your gaze upon the noble endeavors that fuel your spirit. Embrace the resilience within you, for it is in the face of adversity that true greatness takes shape. With unwavering focus and unwavering dedication, forge ahead, undeterred by the whispers of detractors. Let the captivating power of purpose be your guide, as you rise above the clamor and navigate the path towards your dreams with unwavering resolve.
- Gutiri muthenya ukecaga ta wingi.
No day dawns like another.
Lesson: Amidst the ebb and flow of life’s ceaseless tide, a captivating encouragement takes hold, beckoning us to embrace the ever-changing nature of existence. Like a kaleidoscope of experiences, it reveals a profound truth: situations are but fleeting, forever in motion, capable of transforming from good to bad and vice versa. In this enchanting dance of circumstance, hope springs eternal, whispering tales of newfound possibilities and unforeseen horizons. Let not the currents of uncertainty deter you, for within the rhythm of change lies a symphony of growth. Embrace the wondrous uncertainty, for it holds the key to resilience and adaptability. As you navigate the ebbs and flows, trust in the enigmatic beauty of life’s transformative journey, where the boundless potential for positive change awaits, ready to unveil its captivating secrets.
- Gutiri mwii na mucuthiriria.
There is no difference between a thief and his abettor.
Lesson: Within the depths of moral insight, a captivating lesson unfurls, reminding us of the unwavering nature of evil and its inherent unacceptability. This timeless teaching echoes with a resolute truth: evil remains evil, regardless of its guise or distinction, and holds no place within the realm of acceptance. It imparts a sobering realization that those who associate themselves with wrongdoers bear the weight of complicity. In this profound revelation, we are urged to shun the allure of darkness and stand firm in our commitment to righteousness.
- Gutiri nthitho ya mundu umwe.
There is no secret of a single person.
Lesson: Within the realm of hidden truths and delicate confidences, a captivating lesson takes form, unveiling the tendencies of human nature. This ancient wisdom carries a resounding message: when entrusted with a secret, a person often succumbs to the irresistible urge to share it with another. Alas, in this delicate exchange, the second party, burdened with forgetfulness, unwittingly passes on the clandestine knowledge. Thus, the once-private whisper metamorphoses into public lore.
- Gutiri undu utari kiambiriria kiaguo.
Everything has its origin.
Lesson: In the vast tapestry of existence, a captivating revelation emerges, reminding us that every entity, every creation, has a genesis—a singular starting point from which it all unfolded.
- Gutiri utuku utakecaga.
Every night dawns to day.
Lesson: In the ever-changing landscape of life, a captivating teaching unfolds, reminding us that no matter how daunting the challenges may seem, they are but transient visitors on our journey. This timeless wisdom carries a resounding truth: problems and difficulties, however overwhelming, possess neither permanence nor invincibility. They arrive as tempestuous guests, yet they bear within them the seeds of their own departure. Embrace the profound lesson it imparts, for it empowers us to persevere in the face of adversity, knowing that every storm eventually yields to the gentle touch of serenity. Let the echoes of this teaching resonate within, infusing your spirit with unwavering hope and resilience. With each hurdle encountered, remember that it too shall pass, and in its wake, a newfound strength will emerge. Embrace the captivating dance between hardship and triumph, for within the ebb and flow of life’s challenges lies the essence of our growth and the infinite possibilities that await beyond the horizon.
- Gikaro kimwe gitiocagwa mbui.
You cannot collect feathers from one place.
Lesson: In the realm of boundless potential and uncharted horizons, a captivating truth reveals itself, urging us to transcend the confines of rigidity. This timeless teaching echoes with a resolute message: resist the allure of fixation upon a single opinion or activity. Instead, embrace the transformative power of flexibility, for it holds the key to unlocking greater success. Like a river carving its path through unyielding terrain, let adaptability be your guiding force, propelling you towards new realms of achievement.
- Gutiri muthini wa mwaka.
No one can be poor throughout.
Lesson: This timeless wisdom holds a resounding truth: though you may find yourself in the depths of scarcity today, the tides of fortune can swiftly change, bestowing upon you the abundance of tomorrow. Embrace the hope that dances within this teaching, for it illuminates the path towards resilience and optimism. Let it guide you through the darkest hours, whispering tales of possibility and transformation.
- Imenyagwa yari iria yakwa.
It is when the cow dies that you realize it provided milk.
Lesson: In the realm of profound wisdom, a captivating teaching unveils itself, reminding us of the inherent value that resides in every person, creature, or possession. This timeless truth echoes with resolute clarity: the true worth of something is often realized only when it is no longer within our grasp, when its utility fades into the tapestry of memory. Let this revelation resonate within your being, for it kindles a profound appreciation for the treasures that grace our lives. Embrace the gentle reminder that nothing should be taken for granted, for within each fleeting moment lies a precious opportunity to cherish and honor the blessings bestowed upon us. As the sands of time slip through our fingers, may we navigate the symphony of existence with gratitude and reverence, treasuring the beauty that surrounds us and holding dear the souls that grace our path. Let this captivating lesson guide us toward a life illuminated by the radiance of gratitude, where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary and the preciousness of each passing moment is cherished.
- Iri ngure ndici iriuko.
When chased suddenly from the watering hole by an enemy it does not remember its regular crossing
- Kanya gatune ni mwamukaniro.
A gourd becomes smooth for being passed around by many hands.
- Kanyiri kainagwa ni mwene
A tail feather can only be waived by the owner.
- Kari guoya kenukirie ng’ina
The coward ran back to his mother.
- Kari urume kenukirie ng’ina ruvara.
The valorous one went back to his mother with scratches.
- Ka mwana munyi kauragira njarari
A stingy child looses his treasured item as he holds it in his hand.
- Kavuthia kavarurukirie mwatu.
Arrogance caused the ruins of beehive.
- Kanua werire.
Mouth you bite yourself.
- Kauga gatunivagwa ni ngwataniro.
Half calabash is made better by unity.
- Kienjagwa uria mwene akwenda.
The head is shaved as the owner wishes.
- Kiguuta kigwatagia muro.
A lazy worker blames his tools.
- Kiremwa ningu kiugaga ni mukwa muraca.
A lazy person blames the rope he carries firewood with.
- Kindu kioneku gitiikagirwa muvuthia.
What is available to you should not be taken for granted.
- Kiratu gitumagwa kuringana na uria ikinyo ria mwene rigana.
A shoe is fitted according to the size of the wearer.
- Kinya kiri itina nikio giikaragia nthi.
A gourd sits with its own buttocks.
- Kirema arume nikigariure.
Nothing is impossible to men.
- Kiara kimwe gitiuragaga ndaa.
One finger does not crash a louse.
- Kirimu ni ta mwatu.
A fool is like a beehive.
- Kironda kia mwene gitinungaga.
One’s own wound does not smell.
- Kivoto kiunaga uta mutunge.
A just answer breaks a set bow.
- Kunuva gutiricagwa.
Selfishness cannot be eaten.
- Kuria muno ni kworia nda.
Gluttony rots the stomach/eating excess rots the stomach.
- Kurivwa nigukirite gutavwa.
Better to be paid in beats than let your asset be taken away.
- Kuthekwa ti kwendwa.
To be smiled at is not to be loved.
- Kuthiigutigiragia mundu acoke.
Departure does not prevent one from returning.
- Kuthii mbere ti gutava.
Going ahead does not mean you shall raid successfully.
- Kuga ni gwika.
Say it and do it.
- Kwaria wega ni gukirite kuvecana.
Speaking well is better than giving gifts.
- Ma ndikucaga.
Truth never dies.
- Mbiti ndithinjagirwa kairi.
Hyena does not deserve to be entertained twice.
- Mbogo nyingi itiri nyama.
A herd of buffaloes has no meat.
- Mburia ithwire mai mayo.
A hyena hates its own feces.
- Mucera na mukundu akundukaga watagwo.
Anyone who befriends a bad person also becomes bad.
- Muketha utuku ndeci kinoru.
One who harvests in darkness does not know the healthy millet.
- Mundu mugo ndari ngumo kwao.
A medicineman has no fame in his village.
- Muria na kavaca ndamenyaga kana muria na njara nuravya.
One who eats with a spoon does not know the one using fingers is burning.
- Muria weka akucaga weka.
The one who eats alone dies alone.
- Murimi tiwe uricaga.
The one who tends the crop is not the one who consumes the yields.
- Murimia ndari muro mutuvu
The one who tills does not have blunt tools.
- Murume wa aka airi ndathekaga.
Husband to two wives does not laugh.
- Muthii eci kuria athiite ndeci kuria aumite.
The traveler does not know where he goes but only knows where he comes from.
- Muthii ndaumbikaga ndigu.
The traveler does not bury his banana in the fire.
- Mutinu nduri njamba.
A misfortune has no hero.
- Muvoi ndauragia gukathima.
A beggar does not need to extract fat from meat.
- Muuri ari njira yake.
One who is bound to stray follows a defined path.
- Mwakiriria nyungu igiri imwe nirunguraga.
One who cooks two pots never fails to burn one.
- Mwana mugi ndari muvere wa ndeto.
An intelligent child does not need to be instructed in too much words.
- Mwana uri kio ndagaga muthambia
A hardworking child does not lack a supporter.
- Mwana nitoria wingi
A child is like any other child/similar value.
- Mwana uri matu aricaga matu make.
A child who adheres to advice benefits from his obedience.
- Mwigunyi wa kaara ndwotagwa ni mundu.
No one can take a rest in fingers shade.
- Mwere mwega umenyagwa na ngetho.
A good millet crop is known by its yields.
- Mwetwreri ndanogaga.
The one who waits does not tire.
- Mutuma ndugu na gitong’o kimuthokagiria mai.
One who befriends a beetle is rewarded with feces.
- Murega akirwa ndaregaga akivetwa.
The one who disobeys advice given does not bar the consequences from befalling him.
- Nauma kia makanga nathii kia macikari.
I have come from a worse situation to a worst situation.
- Ndinakworota ni kara keveta.
I have not pointed at you it my finger which has bent.
- Ndiocagwa na mata ta nthua.
You cannot trap me with saliva as the flea is done.
- Ndugacuke ithiga wikarire maji.
Do not gossip a rock when you are sitting on water.
- Ndukagurwe ni nja mwaro.
Do not get attracted by outward look of a homestead.
- Ndukanatheke ndongo nwimuvitiu kumigia.
Do not laugh at a person who is mono-eye because you can also be one.
- Ndutecagwa utemukandie.
The bone is only thrown away after it is cracked to reach the marrow.
- Ngi imwe niyo yoragia nyama.
One fly spoils the meat.
- Ngiariria kiri nthi wana kiri itara nikiregwa.
When is speak to the one below even the one at the rafter hears.
- Ngingo ndikaraga kiongo.
The neck does not climb above the head.
- Ngomi ndivagia mwatu.
The chisel does not damage the beehive.
- Ngwaci ya mwana wene niyo ivoragia mwaki.
Sweet potato of another’s child is the one used to put off fire.
- Ngwiririria rwitiki kienyu kiri munengerwa.
I long to eat the crumbs the bigger chunk belongs to another.
- Nigitu na ndumo.
The gourd or calabash is leaking.
- Ni kava kumenwa kuri kuthiganwa.
You would rather be disliked naturally that to be judged.
- Njamba ti ikere.
Do not judge a worrior by the strength of his muscles.
- Njara nyingi imenanagira nyunguri
Many hands disagree while at the cooking pot.
- Njira ndikanagia muthii.
Path does not stop the traveler from going.
- Njira ndivurukagia muthii.
The footpath does not give rest to the one travelling.
- Nthucira ndithiraga mauru.
The inspection of the beehive does not lack disagreements.
- Nyungu ithekaga rugio.
A pot laughs at the half calabash.
- Ngarua rucio ngarua rucio yaturirie njeru kivisi.
The one who keeps on postponing something may end up not doing it.
- Riua ritietagirira muthii.
The sun does not wait for the traveler.
- Ruku ruri itara ruthekaga ruri riko.
The firewood in the rafter laughs at the one in the fire.
- Runji rutwaragia mbutia.
The river drowns the expert swimmer.
- Ugaciara ngiongagia.
You will give birth as I breastfeed.
- Muti ukonjagwa uri mwigu.
A stick is shaped when it is soft.
- Ungikona gacau ka ngia kari na mata mugongo niko gecunite.
If you see an orphan calf with saliva at the back it has licked itself.
- Utenderu uri nja nducecagwa.
A slipperly doorstep cannot be avoided.
- Uthingu ukirite utonga.
Being virtuours is better than being rich.
- Utuku ndutumagwa nguo.
One cannon mend clothes in darkness.
- Wanaruona wanarumenya.
One who has seen has knowledge.
- Wana ya kuvuna nimamaga
Even a goat which delivers a dead kid lies down.
- Wona kiene ritho kono, wona giaku ritho cioko.
When you see someone items your eyes pop out, when you have yours they don’t.
- Yaciara mathatha yongagia tuonthe.
When it delivers twins it breastfeeds both.
- Yakura yuraga ikianagirwa.
A goat bound to stray will do so even when being warned by the herder.
- Yakurega kura igwatagia ruvuvo.
When the rain fails to pour it blames the wind.
- Yura riria yugi riricaga yura riria riritu.
The clever hunger feeds on the foolish hunger.