African Proverbs and Their Meanings
African proverbs provide guidance and insight for countless life situations
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It is quite common for Africans to use proverbs in conversations. Knowledge of African proverbs could also be useful in introspective moments. For instance, when trying to make decisions, you could use African proverbs to guide your thoughts. This post highlights popular African proverbs and their meanings.
What are African Proverbs?
African proverbs are traditional sayings that encapsulate the wisdom, values, and cultural heritage of various African societies. These concise and often metaphorical expressions serve as guiding principles, reflecting the collective experiences and observations of communities over generations.
Each proverb offers insight into human behavior, social relationships, and moral lessons, serving as tools for educating and reinforcing cultural identity. Because Africa is a continent rich in diversity, proverbs vary widely across different regions and languages, yet they often convey universal truths that resonate with people worldwide, offering a unique lens through which to understand human experience and interaction.
Why are Proverbs Still Relevant?
Proverbs remain relevant today because they encapsulate timeless wisdom that transcends cultural and temporal boundaries. As society evolves, the core values and insights conveyed through proverbs continue to resonate, providing guidance in navigating complex moral dilemmas, interpersonal relationships, and societal challenges.
Their succinct and memorable nature makes them effective tools for communication, teaching, and reflection. In a rapidly changing world, proverbs offer a sense of continuity and connection to tradition, helping individuals and communities maintain their cultural identities. Furthermore, they serve as a bridge between generations, allowing the wisdom of the past to inform contemporary life and ensuring that valuable lessons endure in the face of modernization and globalization.
Popular African Proverbs
Here is a list of proverbs that capture a wealth of wisdom and reflect universal themes of community, resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of relationships, echoing the richness of African heritage:
The dog that is bound to get lost will not heed the hunter's call (Nigeria)
This African Yoruba proverb is usually used to describe the action of someone who embarks on a reckless plan or mission despite warnings.
A hen perches on a rope; both the hen and the rope are uncomfortable (Nigeria)
This proverb refers to situations where actions negatively affect both the subject and object involved.
Dada cannot fight, however, he has an elder sibling he can rely on (Nigeria)
This Yoruba proverb speaks to the importance of support systems and not underestimating others based on appearances.
Don't look down on anyone. They may seem incapable at first glance, however, they might have a secret help you don't know about.The darkness of the night will not prevent a snakelet from going out (Nigeria)
This African Yoruba proverb is about brave people or people who are accustomed to danger. It means that such people would not be hindered from pursuing their daily activities because of fear or danger. They still take action despite chaos or rumours of danger.
However far the stream flows, it never forgets its source (Nigeria)
This is a classic Yoruba proverb. It means you should always remember your roots and respect your tradition no matter where you travel or relocate to.
If a child cuts down a tree, only an elder can tell which way it would fall (Nigeria)
This Yoruba proverb emphasizes the wisdom and experience of the elderly. Only an elder can see ahead and foretell the outcome of an action taken by an inexperienced youth.
If a palace burns down, it acquires more aesthetics (Nigeria)
This Yoruba proverb means that if a king's palace is destroyed by fire or other disasters, a subsequent one is usually built with reinforcement and aesthetics.
Job/work is the cure for poverty (Nigeria)
A popular Yoruba admonition to be hardworking, indicating that effort can lead to financial stability.
The child that knows how to wash his hands will dine with the elders (Nigeria)
This highlights the importance of wisdom and social skills in gaining favor.
The enemy is in the backyard; the traitor is a flatmate (Nigeria)
A Yoruba proverb that warns us that betrayal often comes from those closest to us.
The first masquerade to dance would eventually become a spectator (Nigeria)
In some African traditions, masquerades represent the spirits of ancestors and some of these masked entities dance in some festivals.
What this proverb means is that the first person to perform during an activity would later take a sit to observe other performances by others. If you were the first to deliver a presentation in a classroom, for instance, you would most probably take a sit afterwards and watch others deliver theirs.
This proverb is usually used against an adversary in a competition.
The insect that eats a leaf does so from underneath it (Nigeria)
When problems arise, it may be those you least suspect that may be the cause of those problem. This Yoruba proverb uncovers the idea that hidden threats often stem from unexpected sources.
The person we are fasting on behalf of is having lunch (Nigeria)
This Yoruba adage addresses those who take other people's problems upon themselves. You might think you are helping someone, however, they might not appreciate it. It addresses the potential lack of appreciation when trying to help others.
The ram that shuffles backwards has gone to gather its strength (Nigeria)
This Yoruba proverb means that retreat can be an opportunity for reinforcement or recovery.
The tree cut down from the forest will eventually grow back (Nigeria)
A comforting Yoruba proverb suggesting that with time and resilience, healing and growth are possible. This proverb is meant to comfort the downhearted. It means that no matter how bad things may get, you can eventually come out of it.
To prevent a tree branch from striking your face, avoid it from a distance (Nigeria)
A Yoruba proverb that Advises proactive avoidance of conflict or trouble before it escalates. This means that if you want to avoid trouble, steer clear of it before it gets the chance to escalate.
We can see facial expressions but we cannot see the hearts of people (Nigeria)
A warning against misjudging people's intentions based solely on outward appearances. People can feign kind expressions on their faces even though what goes on in their minds might be completely different. This proverb is an admonition against trusting people based on their facial expressions or kind gestures.
What comes after number six is greater than number seven (Nigerian)
This Yoruba proverb encourages one to consider that there may be deeper truths beyond what is immediately apparent. In other words, you shouldn't think that what you are seeing is all there is to it.
When a parent says 'help me beat my child', It doesn't always come from the heart (Nigeria)
This reflects the complexity of familial love and judgment. An elder or a parent may see their loved ones in trouble or bearing the consequence of an action, however, they are not always pleased about it.
You can't visit the home of an elder for free (Nigeria)
A reflection of Yoruba culture, highlighting the expectation of reciprocity in social relationships. Don't expect to visit an elder in a Yoruba home without helping with a task.
Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors (Nigeria)
This proverb from Nigeria emphasizes that challenges and difficulties are essential for personal growth and skill development.A single bracelet does not jingle (Congo)
This highlights the importance of collaboration and community; individuals are stronger together.The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth
A powerful reminder of the importance of community support for a child's development and the potential consequences of neglect.Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it
This Ghanaian proverb underscores the idea that collective knowledge is vital and no single person holds all wisdom.When the roots of a tree begin to decay, it spreads death to the branches
This African proverb points to the importance of addressing foundational issues before they affect the larger system.He who learns, teaches (Ethiopia)
This emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge and education with others.Where there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you
This suggests that self-confidence and internal peace are crucial in facing external challenges.If there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you
A reminder of the strength that comes from inner harmony and self-awareness.Rats don’t dance in the moonlight unless they are confident of their predator’s absence
This proverb reflects the need for caution and awareness of one's environment when taking risks.A bird will always use another bird’s feathers to attract its mate (Malagasy)
This signifies the importance of seeking support or inspiration from others to succeed.If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together
This highlights the value of teamwork and collaboration over individualism for achieving long-term goals.The child who does not cry will not get the milk
This encourages individuals to speak up or ask for what they need, as taking action is essential for receiving help.Even the best cooking pot will not produce food
A reminder that tools or resources alone do not yield results; effort and action are necessary.An army of sheep led by a lion can defeat an army of lions led by a sheep (Ghana)
This speaks to the importance of strong leadership and courage over mere numbers.Wisdom is like a knife; it can be a double-edged sword
This cautions that knowledge and insight can have both beneficial and harmful consequences, depending on how they are used.A man who uses force is afraid of reasoning (Kenya)
This suggests that those who resort to violence often do so out of a lack of confidence in their arguments.A single hand cannot tie a bundle (Congolese)
This emphasizes the strength of working together and the importance of collaboration.He who is afraid of the wind will not sow seeds (Malawian)
This advises that fear of failure should not prevent one from taking necessary actions.When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you (Senegalese)
Reinforcing the idea that inner strength and confidence are key to overcoming external challenges.The frog does not jump in the daytime without reason
This suggests that actions are often taken with purpose; consider the reasons behind someone's actions before judgments.A man who uses force is afraid of reasoning (Kenya)
This implies that those who resort to violence often lack the ability to present a compelling argument.Do not wait for the last judgment. It takes place every day (Africa)
This encourages individuals to take responsibility for their actions daily, as consequences are constantly unfolding.A lizard that jumped from the high iroko tree says he would praise himself if no one else does (Nigeria)
This underscores the importance of self-advocacy and recognizing one's accomplishments, even in the absence of external validation.No matter how long the night, the day will come
A hopeful proverb suggesting that difficult times will eventually come to an end.
You might also be interested in popular Nigerian slang words.