Common Proverbs in Swahili

A Common Swahili Proverb:

"Haraka haraka haina baraka."

Literal meaning:
“Hurry hurry has no blessing.”

Actual meaning:
“Haste makes waste” or “Rushing brings no blessing.”

It is a very popular saying that encourages patience and doing things carefully. Swahili people often use it to remind someone not to rush, because quick work usually leads to mistakes or poor results.

A Few Other Popular Swahili Proverbs:

• "Pole pole ndiyo mwendo." Meaning: Slowly, slowly is the right way. (Patience and steady progress are better than rushing.)

• "Asiyefunzwa na mamae, atafunzwa na ulimwengu." Meaning: Whoever is not taught by their mother will be taught by the world. (If you don’t learn good manners early, life will teach you through hard experiences.)

• "Ukitaka cha uvunguni, sharti uiname." Meaning: If you want what is under the bed, you must bend down. (You have to make effort if you want good results.)