9 min read
Mathew Wahome
Methali (Swahili Proverbs)
What are methali?
Methali (singular and plural, "proverbs") are short, wise sayings that express a truth, give advice or warn. They belong to fasihi simulizi (oral literature) and are passed down from elders to the young. In the CBC Kiswahili learning area, learners explain, classify and use methali in speech and writing. These notes are in English, with Kiswahili glosses in brackets.
Features of methali
- Short and fixed in form (they are not changed freely).
- Use taswira (imagery) and figurative language.
- Carry maadili (moral values).
- Often have two parts that balance each other.
- Rooted in the community's culture, e.g. farming and fishing.
Functions of methali
- To educate young people about values.
- To advise and correct bad behaviour.
- To warn against danger.
- To encourage hard work and unity.
- To entertain and make speech more colourful.
- To preserve culture and wisdom.
Classification by theme with examples
| Theme | Methali | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Patience | Subira huvuta heri | Patience brings good fortune |
| Unity | Umoja ni nguvu, utengano ni udhaifu | Unity is strength, division is weakness |
| Haste | Haraka haraka haina baraka | Haste has no blessing |
| Hard work | Kazi njema haina kiburi | Good work needs no pride (a hard worker is humble) |
| Thrift | Akiba haiozi | Savings do not rot |
| Cooperation | Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa | One finger cannot crush a louse |
| Honesty | Mchumia juani hulia kivulini | One who earns in the sun eats in the shade (hard work pays) |
| Learning | Elimu haina mwisho | Education has no end |
How to explain a methali
- State it in Kiswahili.
- Translate literally.
- Give the hidden or maana ya ndani (deeper meaning).
- Give the lesson and an example.
Worked example 1: Mchumia juani hulia kivulini.
- Literal: The one who earns in the sun eats in the shade.
- Deeper meaning: Those who work hard now will enjoy comfort later.
- Example: A student who revises daily passes KCSE-style tests easily.
Worked example 2: Maji yakimwagika hayazoleki.
- Literal: Spilt water cannot be gathered.
- Meaning: Some actions cannot be undone, so think before acting.
- Example: Hurtful words said in anger.
Using methali in writing
Place a proverb in a speech, essay or story to support a point: "Kama wahenga walivyosema, umoja ni nguvu, so our class clean-up succeeded." Use it in the right context and explain it if the audience may not know it.
Related genres
- Vitendawili (riddles): "Nyumba yangu haina mlango" - egg.
- Nahau (idioms): kupiga moyo konde means to be brave.
- Misemo (sayings) and semi (aphorisms).
Try it
- Write the meaning of "Mwenye macho haambiwi tazama".
- Match "Chelewa chelewa utampata mwana si wake" with a lesson on being punctual.
- Compose a short story that ends with the proverb "Haraka haraka haina baraka".
- List three functions of proverbs with an example each.