Ihe di woro ogori azuala na ahia. (Nigerian Proverb) Even as the archer loves the arrow that flies, so too he loves the bow that remains constant in his hands. 148. Every culture has its share of wise proverbs or sayings, usually single sentences, passed down from one generation to the next. 26. Quinn Evans 14/11/2020 at 1:09 AM - Reply. Agwo emeghi nke o jiri buru agwo, umuaka achiri ya hie nku. – “Our wife, our wife”: come midnight and we will know whose wife she really is. waste. Here’s a list of African proverbs from around African the continent. The meaning of this proverb borders around wisdom and what it really means is a child does not see or understand things the way a more experienced elder would and therefore struggle to make wise decisions. These proverbs describe everything from the nature around the tribes to everyday tribal life and culture. You know it is a Nigerian proverb when the only and best way to explain it is with another proverb. Nigerian Proverbs (in English) by hotangel2(f): 9:26am On Aug 26, 2005 I see pete edoche (nigerian actor) and other men, speaking in proverbs like it's their language. Only a fool tests the depth of a river with both feet. Onye hapu onu ya, uguru arachaa ya. These punchy quotes inspire, illuminate, and humor as they teach. A ma ka mmiri si were baa n’opi ugboguru? Reply. Rim Euans September 16, 2017 at 2:14 pm A Candle Looses Nothx Lightx Another Candle. African proverbs and their meanings makes it easy for you to digest the deep meaning of the wisdom in the saying of our four fathers. The saying that lion no fit born goat is Pigin English which translates to a lion cannot give birth to a goat. (Nigerian Proverb) A pot that build attracts the cook. Nwunye awo si na di atoka uto, ya jiri nuta nke ya kworo ya n’azu. They never fail to let this Nigerian proverb roll off their tongues. African proverbs, which are old-age adages often referring to the earth, animals, and everyday activities, convey life lessons. — African proverb. No matter how many push-ups the lizard does, it will never be as muscular as the alligator. Some proverbs are drawn from food. One thing I respect deeply about Africa is the treasure of wisdom our ancestors have handed down to us. Shey you don hear, abeg no thief our contents o! Some are known to come from specific African tribes, ethnic groups, or African countries, and others have an unknown source and are listed simply as “African proverbs.” – When something greater than the pigmy cricket enters its hole, it takes off. These are some of the wisest African sayings and their meanings. Ihe ka-nte bata n’onu nte, nte etefu. Chinua Achebe (1930-2013), one of Africa’s and Nigeria’s most celebrated sons said it best, “Proverbs are the palm oil with which words are eaten.” Referring specifically to Igbo culture, and indeed in many Nigerian cultures, palm oil is used to make the meal sweeter. ~ African Proverb. 19 cool African proverbs and their meanings All the many different types of African people have a rich cultural heritage that has survived colonialism, conflict and many other issues. Below, we have provided 50 Igbo proverbs and their meanings in English language for Igbo and non-Igbo speakers. A woman who pursues a man for sex loses her spiritual beauty. 151. Akwukwo juru n’ohia, ma a baa a choba okazi. This notwithstanding, Answers Africa brings you some of the greatest and most famous African proverbs and their meanings: African Proverbs of Life. 11. 43. 41. – The chicken frowns at the cooking pot, ignoring the knife that killed it. If you enjoy these Igbo proverbs and their meanings, kindly drop a comment below and share on social media. According to my grandfather, it doesn't make much sense to ask the hunter how was his hunt especially if you saw him come in with a bunch of mushrooms in his hand. As we celebrate Africa Day, we have decided to share with you 20 African Proverbs and Their Meanings: […] A MISS is as good as a mile 3. sam 25/11/2020 at 9:09 PM - Reply. 451 Nigerian Proverbs. 37. Meaning: This is a famous African proverb about life and death. These sayings are, in most cases, used to reinforce specific topics. ~ African Proverb. The proverb simply means that no secret remains hidden as circumstances just as strong as the wind will reveal them. – The tortoise said that it always travels with its musical instrument in case it meets other musicians. 45. Nigerian Proverbs. – The blacksmith who does know how to forge a metal gong should look at the tail of a kite. 2. 40. 47. In a multi-ethnic country […] Bearing this in mind, we have compiled a comprehensive list of some of the most infamous African proverbs and meanings that touch on different aspects of our lives. Nigeria proverbs are the pride of not only Nigeria but of the whole of African culture as well. – When the baby wren is growing, it looks like it would be bigger than its mother. The proverb is best used when the following are exposed, a cheat, serial liar, impersonator, pretender and so on. The next best way to say it is in Pigin English when it is translated to “when wind blow, fowl bumbum go open”. – The female toad said that husband is so sweet that when she got married, she carried her husband permanently on the back. Okuko nyuo ahu, ana achuwa ya oso. 1. He that beats the drum for the mad man to dance is no better than the mad manhimself. The proverb can be used as a form of praise or condemnation, it all depends on the situation. Only a fool tests the depth of a river with both feet. Here are some Nigerian proverbs and their meanings. This Nigerian proverb is a funny African proverb as well. O bia mgbe Alio Ene gburu atu, ya biakwa ma atu zogbuo Alio Ene. The Wisdom of African Proverbs – Get inspired From 300 African Proverbs From all Around African Continent!. 49. The Nigerian proverb simple means that you never be who or what you are not, no matter how hard you try. Kindly give us credit and backlink. Make friends, share videos & photos, record pronunciations and listen to the meaning of words in Nigerian languages and English. Disobedience will not take you far, it will only teach you a bitter lesson and this is what the proverb says. A problem will persist until it is solved. However, it is said it all translates to the same thing which means “The wind has blown, the buttocks of the fowl will be revealed”. African proverbs are associated with Africa, and most Africans are familiar with them. The worth of African proverb quotes are strongly crafted by the Yoruba’s of Nigeria who concluded that “A proverb is a horse that can carry one quickly to the discovery of ideas”. — Igbo proverb. O bialu be onye abiagbuna ya, mgbe oga-ala mkpumkpu apukwana ya n’azu. A lot of people allow anger to consume them, as opposed to finding ways to move forward and that is where this funny Nigerian proverb comes to the play and it is the truth, no matter how much your anger boils, it cannot cook yam, meaning nothing beneficial will become of it. African proverbs have always been full of deep meanings, and wisdom, and something that you can always look to for inspiration, and motivation. The selection below come from right across the African continent – whilst most of the proverbs are specific to countries or ethnic groups, there are a number that are of unknown source, and are simply ‘African proverbs’. 5. Speech is silver,silence is golden 2. – Who knows how water entered into the stalk of the pumpkin? Nigerian proverbs are funny, but the majority are usually very deep and said in native dialects.Some Nigerian proverbs are cultural, and others are general.Some proverbs are not even unique to Nigeria, they are part of the many funny African proverbs said across the continent.Nigerian proverbs have deep meanings to them, some you may not understand from the … Well, I created this thread so we can all put in the Nigerian Proverbs we know. Their hidden meanings’ main function was to warn, teach, entertain, and prevent a tragedy by using wise examples through oral literature, stories, and wise sayings. Some African Proverbs and their meanings I am a true son of my father because in Africa, a crab does not beget a bird. Chọọ ewu ojii ka chi dị – Make hay while the sun shines. African Proverbs and wise sayings played an important and significant role in ancient African culture and traditional history. 9. Onye si na ya anaghi ata anu nkita, ya arakwala mmiri ofe ya. Onyeubiam adi(ghi) aza “Omeokachie.” – An indigent does not take the title of “Omeokachie” (i.e. The context in which these wise sayings are used can be used to pass specific meanings. Chinua Achebe (1930-2013), one of Africa’s and Nigeria’s most celebrated sons said it best, “Proverbs are the palm oil with which words are eaten.” Referring specifically to Igbo culture, and indeed in many Nigerian cultures, palm oil is used to make the meal sweeter. A tuoro omara, o mara, a tuoro ofeke, o fenye ishi n’ohia. Questions? You can try every possible method available, who you are is who you are. You can find also find Nigerian comedy, jokes, proverbs, traditional dances, baby names, news, food, and other Nigeria related content. Ohia woro gi nku, sere gi onu – The forest that denies you firewood has massaged your neck. OldNaija Historical Exhibition Project. – He who abhors dog meat should not eat dog-meat soup. – The chicken says it looks up when drinking water because what kills it comes from the sky. This proverb refers to actions, reactions and effects usually in conflict. These punchy quotes inspire, illuminate, and humor as they teach. He that beats the drum for the mad man to dance is no better than the mad manhimself. 4. “Truth is a cure” Meaning… Therefore, below you will find top 30 African proverbs and their meaning. 20 African Proverbs And Their Meanings by How South Africa October 20, 2017, 12:27 pm 1k Views As with Africa, We have our own African proverbs, the pride of our African culture, African proverbs have always been used to convey important messages during conversations. All countries have their own proverbs and wise sayings. 12 African Proverbs and Sayings to Live By. In the same way, our conversations are enriched by the proverbs we use. Translation: When a plan falls out, you should not give up but keep trying. Quinn Evans 14/11/2020 at 1:09 AM - Reply. Ugo chara acha adi(ghi) echu echu – A mature eagle feather will ever remain pure. Proverb : “Bi Esin ba dáni gúlè ã tun gun ni!” Meaning: If a Horse fell someone, what we do is to re-climb it. (Nigerian Proverb) If the load is too heavy for someone to carry, one would be better off to give the load to the ground to carry. Can you tell when a goat is frowning? These proverbs have been the same from the times of our ancestors and are still relevant today. Ijiji na-enweghi onye ndumodu na-eso ozu ala n’inyi. According to my grandfather, it doesn't make much sense to ask the hunter how was his hunt especially if you saw him come in with a bunch of mushrooms in his hand. – The grasshopper that runs into the mist of fowls ends up in the land of spirits. This saying means that if you disorder any activity that worries you, you should not believe others to do otherwise. – Relations are concerned mostly with a person’s behaviour. Thanks for understanding. (Nigerian Proverb) If the load is too heavy for someone to carry, one would be better off to give the load to the ground to carry. – The ocean never swallows a person with whose leg it does not come in contact. A chuo aja ma a hughi udele, a mara na ihe mere be ndimmuo. 16. – Those who defecate at night see the ghost grasshopper. — African proverb. Ihe ehi hụrụ gbalaba oso ka okuku huru na-atụ onu – Fools rush in where angels fear to tread. In English the proverb translates to “trouble was sleeping, and pride woke it up.” The proverbs simple urges you to humble yourself, though used as medicine after death, it is said as advice for future purposes just as you ask someone to let sleeping dogs lie. Some proverbs are not even unique to Nigeria, they are part of the many funny African proverbs said across the continent. Translation: There was … This is to cover the cost of running our website and ensure that our services remain free to the public. Unauthorized use or duplication of our contents without express and written permission from us is strictly prohibited. Wisdom is wealth! – When the fowl farts, the ground becomes a nuisance. When you see trouble humble yourself, if you allow pride to becloud you, you will surely wake conflict up. No matter how beautiful and well crafted a coffin might look, it will not make anyone wish for death. This was very helpful but I still need the meanings of the following proverbs:-1. 2. – A buxom waist that makes her man (husband) kill a goat for her when he looks at it. In Africa, it is the same and African proverbs are the pride of the African culture.From time immemorial, African proverbs have been used to convey messages during important conversations. Advert? 145+ African Proverbs with Hidden Meanings You Didn’t Know Proverbs and wise sayings played an important and significant role in ancient African culture and traditional history. 22. 2. Even though they are in Zulu, they can be translated into English without losing their intended meaning. In the same way, our conversations are enriched by the proverbs we use. 4. Ebe onye dara ka chi ya kwaturu ya. Speech is silver,silence is golden 2. "Give me a push from my back" does not mean give me a hunchback. A saying in Africa has always been a subtle means of expression. So good in our African culture. This article presents 145+ Funny African Proverbs and hidden, deeper Meanings You Didn’t Know … 25. 15. Do not force it or do the unthinkable because nothing will change the outcome. We recently did a feature on African proverbs on love that rung true for many. 8. Look at the disobedient fowl, it now obeys in the pot of soup. 33. You cannot compare the living with the dead. Your email address will not be published. One thing I respect deeply about Africa is the treasure of wisdom our ancestors have handed down to us. Great help for my father who has dementia. Only a fool tests the depth of a river with both feet. A chicken with beautiful plumage does not sit in a corner. You know who you love, but you can’t know who loves you. – If a woman decides to make the soup watery, the husband will learn to dent the Garri before dipping it into the soup. – He who calls whenever Elder Ene kills a deer, let him call if the deer kicks the living daylight out of Elder Ene. – The tortoise said that many hands at work is enjoyable, but many mouths to feed can be embarrassing. Their hidden meanings’ main function was to warn, teach, entertain, and prevent a tragedy by using wise examples through oral literature, stories, and wise sayings.