Burundi Proverbs (50)

Ubumwe buramota

“Cohesion embalms.”

Unity and concord preserve and strengthen a community.

Aho ishari ritari agashato ka Rukwavu gakwira bane

“Where there is no jealousy, a small hare's skin can cover four people.”

Without envy, even scarce resources stretch to serve everyone.

Aho Uburundi butunze urutoke hunakwa inzu

“Wherever Burundi points a finger, a house is built.”

When the community agrees and directs its effort together, great things get accomplished.

Isinzi ntibesha

“The crowd does not lie.”

The consensus of many people is more trustworthy than one person's claim.

Mu mahoro umuhoro urgamwa

“Where there is peace, a billhook can be used to shave your beard.”

Peace is the foundation on which every other success depends.

Ubumwe bugira babiri

“A union is made of two people.”

People need one another; real strength comes from partnership.

Ubugirirgiri bugira babiri

“A wise undertaking requires two people.”

Collaboration improves judgment and outcomes.

Imisega ibiri ntinanirwa umugunza

“Two thin dogs together can still overcome a fierce animal.”

There is power in unity, even among the weak.

Ibuye riserutse nitryica isuka

“A visible stone does not harm the hoe.”

When you have been warned of danger, you can avoid it through care.

Urugo ntirwinjira mu rundi

“A fence does not enter another compound.”

A spouse should not intrude into another household; fidelity keeps boundaries respected.

Igiti umuntu aturira ntakirangamira

“You do not look up at a tree you are not meant to climb.”

One should not covet what does not rightfully belong to them.

Igiti kigororwa kikiri gito

“A tree is straightened while it is still young.”

Correcting a child's behavior is easiest done early in life.

Urera nabi ugatukwa n'abakwe

“A poorly raised child brings insults from in-laws.”

Neglecting a child's upbringing brings shame upon the family later.

Akanyoni katagurutse ntikamenya iyo bweze

“A bird that never flew does not know where the sorghum is ripe.”

Those unwilling to make an effort will never discover opportunity.

Intrinda irandura

“He who is not careful gets contaminated.”

Carelessness invites harm and hardship.

Impene mbi ntuyizirikako iyawe

“Do not tie your goat next to a bad goat.”

Choose your companions carefully, for bad company can corrupt good character.

Ubana na suneba ugasuneba nka we

“Living with a careless person makes you careless too.”

The habits of those around us rub off on us.

Akagabo karaje ukuguru hanze kitwa Imburanmutima

“A man who puts his foot outside the home is called heartless.”

Infidelity brings dishonor upon a household.

Burira ntibutera ku mpeshi

“Night does not last until the good season.”

Everything has a beginning and an end; hardship eventually gives way to change.

N'iritagira inkoko riraca

“A night without roosters will still end.”

Hope does not need visible signs to be justified.

Inahasi y'umutindi yamubujije kwiyahura

“The unlucky man's hope kept him from taking his own life.”

Hope sustains a person through the hardest times.

Ivya gusa bitera ubwenge buke

“Free things decrease one's intelligence.”

Relying on handouts weakens initiative and judgment.

Amazi masabano ntamara imvyiro

“Water given as aid does not wash away all the dirt.”

One's own hard work accomplishes more than relying on others' help.

Nta witamga Imana kwihebura

“Do not give up to despair before God.”

Keep faith and hope even in the hardest circumstances.

Iyikuburiye ntikurya

“A dog that warns you will not bite you.”

Heed a warning and you will avoid the danger it foretells.

Ingoma yagukanze irahuhuma ugahunga

“When the drum that once scared you sounds again, run.”

Recognize a familiar danger and act quickly to avoid it.

Akataretse kaba gasema

“A strange happening that keeps recurring is a bad omen.”

Persistent trouble is a warning that should not be ignored.

Ijambo rigukunze riguma mu nda

“The word that loves you stays in your belly.”

Some things are better left unsaid; guard your words with care.

Ntawuvuga yose nk'uwuraga

“One does not say everything, as if on their deathbed.”

Not every truth needs to be spoken aloud.

Ingona iva mu ruzi ikarigata urume

“The crocodile comes out of the river to lick the dew.”

Even those who have plenty can remain discontented and want more.

Uwutazi umuti awubishako

“He who does not know the remedy steps in it.”

Ignorance of danger can lead a person straight into it.

Bene vyo nibo bene inambu

“The haves can become the have-nots.”

Greed for more, at the expense of the poor, can eventually cost the wealthy everything.

Inda y'uwundi irakoma induru nti wumva

“You cannot hear another person's belly cry out.”

It is hard to truly feel or understand what another person is silently suffering.

Ukura utabaza ugasaza utamenye

“Grow up without asking questions, and you will grow old without knowing.”

Asking questions throughout life is essential to gaining wisdom.

Ukuri guca mu ziko ntigusha

“The truth passes through fire and is not burned.”

Truth endures every test and cannot be destroyed.

“He who receives from God presents both hands.”

Gratitude is best expressed through generosity and open-handedness.

“God watches over the herd in your absence.”

Faith that a higher power protects what matters most, even when we cannot.

“The thorn in another's flesh is easy to remove.”

It is easier to judge or dismiss someone else's pain than to feel it ourselves.

“If nothing leaves your house, nothing will enter it.”

Stinginess isolates a person and blocks the abundance that generosity invites.

“Don't tell any more fairy tales when the child has gone to sleep.”

Advice, effort, or attention given after the right moment has passed is wasted.

“The reception has more value than the invitation.”

How you are actually treated matters more than the promise or offer that first drew you in.

“A mother's wrath does not survive the night.”

A parent's anger is short-lived and gives way quickly to love and forgiveness.

“Without effort no harvest will be abundant.”

A plentiful outcome only comes from real, sustained work.

“Too many words blacken your ears.”

Excessive talk clouds judgment and understanding; restraint in speech keeps the mind clear.

“Dogs don't love people; they love the place where they are fed.”

Loyalty is often tied to benefit rather than true affection, so it should not be mistaken for devotion.

“When others have received, you may still receive, because God is always present.”

Another person's good fortune does not use up what is available to you; providence has no limit.

“From the word of an elder is derived a bone.”

The counsel of elders carries real substance and should be taken seriously, not brushed aside.

“When an enemy digs a grave for you, God gives you an emergency exit.”

Even when others plot harm, a way of escape and protection can still be found.

“Where there is love there is no darkness.”

Love brings light and hope, dispelling despair wherever it is present.

“If you are dancing with your rivals, don't close your eyes.”

Stay alert even while cooperating or engaging with those who may not have your best interests at heart.