Proverb of the day

Discover a new Rwandan proverb. As we expand, more proverbs and deeper insights will be added gradually.

Next page

Proverb #1

Ababi bateranije abêza

English: The wicked spoil the good. Friendship does not resist slander well.

French: Les méchants brouillent les bons. L'amitié résiste mal à la calomnie.

In Rwandan culture, this proverb speaks to the value placed on harmony and community. The proverb suggests that bad influence or slander can break strong bonds of friendship and goodness, which are core to social stability. It serves as a warning about the dangers of allowing negative forces to disrupt good relationships.

Source: Proverbes du Rwanda (1979) by Pierre Crepeau, Simon Bizimana. Musée Royal de l'Afrique Centrale, Tervuren, Belgique.

Proverb #2

Ababili bagiye inâma baruta umunani urasana

English: Two who give counsel are stronger than eight who shoot arrows. Unity is strength.

French: Deux qui tiennent conseil sont plus forts que huit qui se tirent des flèches. L'union fait la force.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of unity and counsel in Rwandan society. It highlights that cooperation and mutual support yield more strength than discord and aggression, aligning with the communal values of the culture, where decisions are often made through consensus.

Source: Proverbes du Rwanda (1979) by Pierre Crepeau, Simon Bizimana. Musée Royal de l'Afrique Centrale, Tervuren, Belgique.