Sesotho Proverbs

Traditional wisdom from the Basotho culture

49 proverbs in the collection

Proverbs (Maele) are an important part of Sesotho culture and language. They contain wisdom passed down through generations and offer insights into traditional values and perspectives. These timeless sayings reflect the rich oral tradition of the Basotho people.

Cultural Significance

Proverbs serve as a way to preserve cultural knowledge, teach moral lessons, and provide guidance in daily life. They are often used in discussions, storytelling, and formal speeches.

Learning Through Proverbs

By studying these proverbs, you can gain deeper insights into Sesotho culture, improve your language skills, and connect with the wisdom of the Basotho people.

Found 49 proverbs

Collection of Proverbs

Bo tsholwa bo tjhesa, bo tsohe bo fodile.

Translation: Tempers cool down with time.

Taba di mahlong.

Translation: The face is the index of the mind.

Monna ke Mokopu oa Nama.

Translation: He is able to have many romantic partners.

Khutsana ha e khotsofate.

Translation: Orphans are never satisfied.

Bocha ke palesa.

Translation: Youth is a flower.

Explanation: Youth are the future/hope.

Ngoana mahana a joetsoa o bonoa ka hkhapha.

Translation: If you don’t listen you will always cry.

Mosali ke kabeche oa ipopa.

Translation: A woman is a cabbage.

Monokotsoai ha o butsoe ka ho ea ka litakatso tsa tsoene.

Translation: A strawberry doesn’t ripen according to the wishes of a monkey.

Mpa-tsehla ha e bolaee.

Translation: A full belly does not kill.

Explanation: Food without clothing is better than clothing without food.

Ho fahla ‘muso ka lehlabathe.

Translation: To put sand into the eyes of the government.

Explanation: He/she has committed a criminal offence.

Mo-ja-pele o ts’oana le mo-ja-morao.

Translation: The first eater is like the latter eater.

Explanation: Waiting time is the time that pays best.

‘Mele oa motho e mong ke chaba se hole.

Translation: Somebody else’s body is a far-away nation.

Explanation: What is experienced by one cannot be experienced by others.

Ngoan’a lelala o antse khonong.

Translation: A child of a blacksmith has suckled well.

Explanation: A person has taken after his/her industrious parent.

Ho robala ke ho fetoha.

Translation: To sleep is to change.

Explanation: It is human nature to have changing views.

Ho tsamaea ho naka li maripa.

Translation: To travel is like stunted horns.

Explanation: One meets many adventures in one's travels.

Ho tsamaea ke ho bona.

Translation: To travel is to see.

Explanation: Extensive travelling gives one more experience.

Tieho e tsoala tahleho.

Translation: Hesitation begets loss.

Explanation: There is danger or disappointment in delay.

Bofutsana bo jesa likatana.

Translation: Poverty makes one eat tattered clothes.

Explanation: A poor person has little choice.

“Khomo Molimo o nko e metsi.”.

“Khotso, pula, nala.”.

“Ho tsoala ke ho epa thaba.”.

“Tlala e lala tlas’a sesiu.”.

“Seso se monate ha se ngoauoa ke mong a sona.”.

Tlaila le tlailel morena.

Translation: Do not be afraid to make mistakes so that they can be corrected.

Explanation: If one never made errors or mistakes, one might not discover the correct or most expedient way of doing things.

Lefu ha le jwetse.

Translation: Death may strike at any moment.

Explanation: No one can escape death.

Ngwana a ka feta gare ga molete wa tau.

Translation: A child can pass through a lion's hole.

Explanation: Even if you are old, listen to the children. Maybe the clue will be there.

Ditoro dika no bolelwa, fela dika sebontshe.

Translation: Dreams can be told but not acted.

Explanation: It is sometimes easy to say a thing, while you can't do it.

Monna o swanetse go dula a thabile gore a kgone go soma ga botse.

Translation: Man must always be happy in order to perform well.

Le ge e kaba mang le mang o ka sehlogele kgomo ya gago e subelela ka lerageng.

Translation: No matter who you are you will never let your cow sink into the mud.

Explanation: No time to rest. Everyone must look after his children.

Modumo wa ngwana o monnyane o kwagala gabotse ko legodimong.

Translation: The sound of a small baby can be heard easily in heaven.

Bophelo ke molaetsa. Thee letsa.

Translation: Life is a message. Listen to it.

Bophelo ke kalafo. Ea mogele.

Translation: Life is a treatment. Accept it.

Bophelo ke mathomo. Bo thome.

Translation: Life is a foundation. Start it.

Bophelo ke thuto. Tswelelela.

Translation: Life is education. Carry on.

Bophelo ke tumelo. Tshepa.

Translation: Life is a belief. Trust it.

Bophelo ke lerato. Nagana ka lona.

Translation: Life is love. Think about it.

Bophelo ke mpho. E a mogele.

Translation: Life is a gift. Accept it.

Bophelo ke mosomo. O sumise.

Translation: Life is a work. Use it.

Bophelo bo bo hlokwa. Hlokomela.

Translation: Life is an adventure. Dare it.

Bophelo ke molaetsa.

Translation: Life is a message. Listen to it.

Bophelo ke kalafo.

Translation: Life is a treatment. Accept it.

Bophelo ke mathomo.

Translation: Life is a foundation. Start it.

Bophelo ke thuto.

Translation: Life is education. Carry on.

Bophelo ke tumelo.

Translation: Life is a belief. Trust it.

Bophelo ke lerato.

Translation: Life is love. Think about it.

Bophelo ke mpho.

Translation: Life is a gift. Accept it.

Bophelo ke mosomo.

Translation: Life is a work. Use it.

Bophelo bo bo hlokwa.

Translation: Life is an adventure. Dare it.

Monokotsoai ha o butsoe ka ho ea ka litakatso tsa tsoene.

Translation: A strawberry doesn’t ripen according to the wishes of a monkey.