Malawian Proverbs

Kuyimba ng’oma sikuswa
Literally: Beating a drum is not to break it

Tsache latsopano limasesa bwino
Literally: A new broom sweeps well
Meaning: A new person can bring new good ideas.

Mutu umodzi susenza denga
Literally: A single head does not carry a roof
Meaning: you can’t solve problems alone

Ukakhala mwana, mphanje umayambira pamehenga
Literally: As a child you begin to hoe the garden on sandy soil

Chibwenzi sangula ndi chipanda
Literally: Don’t buy beers to have friends

Angakhala fisi ali ndi bwazi
Literally: Even the hyena has a friend, his friend is the darkness
Meaning: Every cloud has a silver lining

Ulendo wadya galu
Literally: The dog has eaten the journey
Meaning: The journey was a failure

Waponda phwetekere
Literally: He has stepped on the tomato
Meaning: he has impregnated a woman

Njovu ziwiri zikamamenyana ndi udzu omwe umavutike
Literally: When two elephants fight it is the grass that is in trouble

Mbuzi ikakondwa, amalonda ali pafupi
Literally: The happier the goat the nearer the buyer

Ukakwera pamsana pa njovu usati pansi palibe mame
Literally: When you are on the back of an elephant, do not pretend there is no dew on the grass