MADIMIKIRA ERUREMEKEDZO (EUPHEMISMS)
Madimikira eruremekedzo mashoko kana mitsara inoshandiswa panzvimbo yemamwe mashoko angatorwa seasingafadzi, anonyadzisa, kana anorwadza. Chinangwa chiri chekuderedza kutyisa kana kusafadza kwechinhu chiri kutaurwa nezvacho, uye kuratidza rukudzo.
(Euphemisms are words or phrases used in place of other words that might be considered unpleasant, embarrassing, or painful. The aim is to reduce the harshness or unpleasantness of the subject being discussed and to show respect.)
MADIMIKIRA ERUREMEKEDZO NEMIENZANISO (EUPHEMISMS AND EXAMPLES)
NezveRufu (About Death)
1. Kushaya
Zvarinoreva chaizvo (Literal meaning): To lack.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo (Euphemistic meaning): Kufa; to die.
Mutsetse (Sentence): Sekuru vangu vakashaya nezuro manheru.
English: My grandfather passed away yesterday evening.
2. Kuenda musango
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To go into the bush/forest.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kufa; to die.
Mutsetse: Takanzwa kuti mudhara Mhofu akaenda musango.
English: We heard that old man Mhofu has passed on.
3. Kufa zvake
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To die his/her own (death).
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kufa (kazhinji kune munhu akura); to die (often for an elderly person).
Mutsetse: Mbuya vakafa zvavo murugare.
English: Grandmother died peacefully in her old age.
4. Kudimikira gumbo
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To fold the leg.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kufa; to die.
Mutsetse: Tichiri kuchema baba vepamusha avo vakadimikira gumbo.
English: We are still mourning the father of the homestead who passed away.
5. Kurara hope dzisingamuki
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To sleep a sleep from which one does not wake.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kufa; to die.
Mutsetse: Akarara hope dzisingamuki mushure mekurwara kwenguva refu.
English: He slept an eternal sleep after a long illness.
6. Kuvata pasi
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To sleep on the ground.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kufa uye kuvigwa; to die and be buried.
Mutsetse: Mhuri yakaungana kuti ionekane naye asati avata pasi.
English: The family gathered to bid him farewell before he was laid to rest.
7. Kuenda kunaambuya kana kunasekuru
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To go to the grandmothers or grandfathers (ancestors).
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kufa; to die.
Mutsetse: Aenda kunasekuru, haachadzoki.
English: He has gone to the ancestors; he will not return.
8. Kupfeka nguvo chena
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To wear white clothes.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kufa (kunyanya kune munhu akanaka); to die (especially for a good person).
Mutsetse: Takasuwa nekupfeka nguvo chena kwamai Tendai.
English: We were saddened by the passing of Mrs. Tendai.
9. Kuguma kwamabasa
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: The end of works.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kufa; death.
Mutsetse: Rufu ndiko kuguma kwamabasa ose epanyika.
English: Death is the end of all earthly works.
10. Kudya ivhu
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To eat soil.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kufa uye kuvigwa; to die and be buried.
Mutsetse: Hatichamuona, adya ivhu.
English: We will not see him again; he has been buried.
11. Kudzingwa mudare reupenyu
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To be chased from the court of life.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kufa; to die.
Mutsetse: Hapana anoda kudzingwa mudare reupenyu achiri mudiki.
English: No one wants to be chased from the court of life while still young.
12. Kupfumbata maoko (dzimwe nguva zvinoreva kufa)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To clench fists.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kufa; to die (less common, can also mean being stingy).
Mutsetse: Akarwara kusvika apfumbata maoko.
English: He was sick until he passed away.
13. Kuita mutserendende wekufa
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To do the slide of death.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kufa; to die.
Mutsetse: Akaita mutserendende wekufa mushure mekurwara neCovid.
English: He passed away after suffering from Covid.
14. Kugumburwa nedombo guru
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To be tripped by a big stone.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kufa; to die.
Mutsetse: Hapana aiziva kuti achakurumidza kugumburwa nedombo guru.
English: No one knew he would pass away so soon.
15. Kuenda kumusha usingadzoki
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To go to a home from which one does not return.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kufa; to die.
Mutsetse: Tese tichaenda kumusha usingadzoki rimwe zuva.
English: We will all go to the home of no return one day.
NezveChimbuzi (About the Toilet/Excretion)
1. Kuenda musango/shure kwemba
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To go into the bush/behind the house.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuenda kuchimbuzi; to go to the toilet.
Mutsetse: Ndichadzoka izvozvi, ndamboenda shure kwemba.
English: I'll be back shortly; I've just gone behind the house (to the toilet).
2. Kuzvibatsira
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To help oneself.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuita tsvina; to relieve oneself.
Mutsetse: Mwana akumbira kuzvibatsira.
English: The child has asked to relieve himself.
3. Kuzorodza muviri
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To rest the body.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuenda kuchimbuzi; to go to the toilet.
Mutsetse: Ndoda kumbonozorodza muviri.
English: I need to go and rest my body (go to the toilet).
4. Kudambura dumbu
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To cut the stomach.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuita manyoka; to have diarrhea.
Mutsetse: Ndapedza siku rese ndichidambura dumbu.
English: I've spent the whole day having diarrhea.
5. Kuita chinhu chikuru/chidiki
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To do a big thing/small thing.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuita tsvina huru/diki; to defecate/urinate.
Mutsetse: Mwana ari kuda kuita chinhu chidiki.
English: The child wants to do a small thing (urinate).
6. Kudonha mvura
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: For water to fall.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuita weti; to urinate.
Mutsetse: Akamira padivi pemuti achidonha mvura.
English: He stood by the tree urinating.
7. Kusangana nemusango
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To meet the bush.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kudiwa kwekuenda kuchimbuzi; needing to go to the toilet.
Mutsetse: Ndasangana nemusango, nditsvagirei pekuzvibatsira.
English: Nature is calling; find me a place to relieve myself.
8. Imba diki/nzvimbo diki
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: Small house/small place.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Chimbuzi; toilet.
Mutsetse: Imba diki yenyu iri kupi?
English: Where is your small house (toilet)?
9. Kuchemedza mhepo
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To make the wind cry.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kusura; to fart.
Mutsetse: Ndiani akuchemedza mhepo mumba muno?
English: Who made the wind cry (farted) in this house?
10. Kudimbura nyaya
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To cut a story/matter.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kumisa hurukuro kuti munhu aende kuchimbuzi; to interrupt a conversation to go to the toilet.
Mutsetse: Ndibateiwo kanguva, ndoda kumbodimbura nyaya.
English: Excuse me for a moment, I need to interrupt the matter (go to the toilet).
NezveBonde (About Sex/Reproduction)
1. Kurara nemunhu
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To sleep with someone.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuita bonde; to have sexual intercourse.
Mutsetse: Vakabatwa vakarara vese.
English: They were caught sleeping together.
2. Kusangana pabonde
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To meet at sex.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuita bonde; to have sexual intercourse.
Mutsetse: Mitemo yenyika inorambidza kusangana pabonde nemunhu mudiki.
English: The country's laws forbid having sex with a minor.
3. Kuziva mukadzi/murume
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To know a woman/man.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuita bonde nemukadzi/murume; to have sexual relations with a woman/man.
Mutsetse: Akaziva mukadzi wake mushure memuchato.
English: He knew his wife after the wedding.
4. Kuva nedumbu
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To have a stomach.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuva nemimba; to be pregnant.
Mutsetse: Mai Chido vava nedumbu remwedzi mitatu.
English: Mrs. Chido is three months pregnant.
5. Kutakura
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To carry.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuva nemimba; to be pregnant.
Mutsetse: Ari kutakura mwana wake wechipiri.
English: She is carrying her second child.
6. Kuva mumwedzi
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To be in the moon/month.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuva kumwedzi (kuenda kumwedzi); to be menstruating.
Mutsetse: Haasi kunzwa zvakanaka, ari mumwedzi.
English: She is not feeling well; she is on her period.
7. Kushamba
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To bathe/wash.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuva kumwedzi; to be menstruating.
Mutsetse: Musikana paanotanga kushamba, anofanira kudzidziswa zvakawanda.
English: When a girl starts menstruating, she needs to be taught many things.
8. Mbeu yake
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: His/her seed.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Vana vake; his/her offspring.
Mutsetse: Akafara kuona mbeu yake ichikura.
English: He was happy to see his offspring growing.
9. Chinhu chevarume/chevanhukadzi
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: Men's thing/women's thing.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Nhengo dzesikarudzi; private parts.
Mutsetse: Mwana mudiki anofanira kudzidziswa kuchengetedza chinhu chake.
English: A young child should be taught to protect their private parts.
10. Kuita zvechihure
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To do prostitute things.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kupfimba kana kuita bonde nevanhu vakawanda zvisina kurongeka; promiscuity/prostitution.
Mutsetse: Musikana uyo anonzi anoita zvechihure.
English: That girl is said to be involved in promiscuous behavior.
NezveKudhakwa (About Drunkenness)
1. Kusvika padanho
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To reach a level.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kudhakwa; to be drunk.
Mutsetse: Akanga asvika padanho zvekuti akatadza kufamba.
English: He was so drunk he couldn't walk.
2. Kudziya muviri
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To warm the body.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kunwa doro; to drink alcohol.
Mutsetse: Vakomana vakaenda kubhawa kunodziya muviri.
English: The young men went to the bar to warm their bodies (drink alcohol).
3. Kushatirwa nedoro
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To be angered by beer.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kudhakwa zvakanyanya; to be very drunk.
Mutsetse: Paakadzoka, waiona kuti akanga ashatirwa nedoro.
English: When he returned, you could see he was very drunk.
4. Kutorwa nemusoro
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To be taken by the head.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kudhakwa; to be drunk.
Mutsetse: Anongonwa zvishoma anotobva atorwa nemusoro.
English: He just drinks a little and he gets drunk.
5. Kudya moto (dzimwe nguva zvinoreva kunwa doro rine simba)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To eat fire.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kunwa doro rine simba guru; to drink strong alcohol.
Mutsetse: Vari kunwa kachasu, vari kudya moto chaiwo.
English: They are drinking kachasu (illicit brew); they are really drinking fire.
NezveKuba (About Stealing)
1. Kuva neruoko rurefu
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To have a long hand.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuba; to steal.
Mutsetse: Chenjerai naye, ane ruoko rurefu.
English: Be careful with him; he has a long hand (is a thief).
2. Kutsvedza ruoko
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: For the hand to slip.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuba chinhu chidiki; to pilfer.
Mutsetse: Ruoko rwake rwakatsvedza akatora penzura yangu.
English: His hand slipped, and he took my pencil.
3. Kutora chinhu chisiri chako
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To take something that is not yours.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuba; to steal.
Mutsetse: Kutora chinhu chisiri chako kwakaipa.
English: Taking something that is not yours is bad.
4. Kuita gumbo jena
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To have a white leg (implying being swift and unseen).
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuba uchinyerere; to steal stealthily.
Mutsetse: Mbavha dzakaita gumbo jena dzikaba zvinhu zvese.
English: The thieves stole stealthily and took everything.
5. Kudya zvaisiri zvako
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To eat what is not yours.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kushandisa zvisiri pamutemo pfuma yevamwe; to misappropriate funds.
Mutsetse: Vakuru vekambani vakadya zvaisiri zvavo vakazobatwa.
English: The company executives misappropriated funds and were caught.
NezveUrombo (About Poverty)
1. Kushaya pekugara
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To lack a place to stay.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuva murombo zvikuru; to be very poor/homeless.
Mutsetse: Vanhu vazhinji muguta vari kushaya pekugara.
English: Many people in the city are homeless.
2. Kuomerwa neupenyu
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: For life to be hard for someone.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuva murombo; to be poor.
Mutsetse: Mhuri iyi iri kuomerwa neupenyu kubva pakafa baba.
English: This family is struggling financially since the father died.
3. Kudya nhoko dzezvironda
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To eat the scabs of wounds.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kutambura zvakanyanya nehurombo; to suffer extreme poverty.
Mutsetse: Mushure mekusanaya kwemvura, vanhu vazhinji vari kudya nhoko dzezvironda.
English: After the drought, many people are suffering extreme poverty.
4. Kushaya kana kobiri
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To lack even a penny.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuva murombo zvachose; to be completely broke.
Mutsetse: Ndanga ndichida kutenga chingwa asi ndakashaya kana kobiri.
English: I wanted to buy bread but I was completely broke.
5. Kushanda semuranda
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To work like a slave.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kushanda basa rakaoma risingabhadhari zvakakwana; to work very hard for little pay.
Mutsetse: Anoshanda semuranda asi mari yaanowana ishoma.
English: He works like a slave, but the money he earns is little.
NezveKuchembera (About Old Age)
1. Kuva nemakore akawanda
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To have many years.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuchembera; to be old.
Mutsetse: Sekuru vangu vava nemakore akawanda asi vachakasimba.
English: My grandfather is now old, but he is still strong.
2. Kusvika kumagumo erwendo (rwepanyika)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To reach the end of the journey (earthly).
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuchembera zvakanyanya, kuva pedyo nekufa; to be very old, near death.
Mutsetse: Mbuya vava kusvika kumagumo erwendo rwavo.
English: Grandmother is nearing the end of her journey.
3. Kuita makwati
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To develop bark (like a tree).
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuchembera; to grow old.
Mutsetse: Vabereki vangu vava kuita makwati.
English: My parents are now growing old.
4. Kudya penihuroro (Kubva pa "pensioner")
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To eat pension.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuva pamudyandigere; to be retired.
Mutsetse: Vakuru vakawanda vanofara kana vava kudya penihuroro.
English: Many elders are happy when they are retired.
5. Kusunungurwa pamabasa
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To be released from duties.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuenda pamudyandigere; to retire.
Mutsetse: Akafara paakasunungurwa pamabasa mushure memakore mazhinji achishanda.
English: He was happy when he was released from duties after many years of working.
NezveKuremara (About Disability)
1. Kusashanda zvakanaka kwemuviri
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: For the body not to work well.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuva nehurema; to have a disability.
Mutsetse: Ane kusashanda zvakanaka kwemakumbo ake.
English: He has a disability in his legs.
2. Munhu akasiyana nevamwe
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: A person different from others.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Munhu ane hurema; a person with a disability.
Mutsetse: Tinofanira kubatsira vanhu vakasiyana nevamwe munharaunda medu.
English: We must help people with disabilities in our community.
3. Kushaya simba mune chimwe chikamu chemuviri
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To lack strength in a certain part of the body.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuva nehurema; to have a disability.
Mutsetse: Akawira mutsaona akasara ashaya simba muruoko.
English: He had an accident and was left with a disability in his arm.
4. Kusashanda kwepfungwa zvakanaka
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: For the mind not to work well.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuva nedambudziko repfungwa; to have a mental disability.
Mutsetse: Anoda rubatsiro rwenyanzvi nekuda kwekusashanda kwepfungwa dzake zvakanaka.
English: He needs professional help due to his mental health condition.
5. Munhu akakosha (dzimwe nguva rinoshandiswa kureva munhu ane hurema)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: A special person.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Munhu ane hurema; a person with special needs.
Mutsetse: Chikoro ichi chine vadzidzi vakakosha.
English: This school has students with special needs.
NezveUtsinye kana Hunhu Hwakaipa (About Cruelty or Bad Character)
1. Kuva nemoyo usiri wemunhu
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To have a heart that is not human.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuva neutsinye; to be cruel.
Mutsetse: Munhu anorova mwana mudiki kudaro ane moyo usiri wemunhu.
English: A person who beats a small child like that is cruel.
2. Kusazvibata
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: Not to hold oneself.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuva nehunhu hwakaipa, kusateerera; to be ill-mannered, disobedient.
Mutsetse: Mwana uyu haazvibati, anopindura vakuru.
English: This child is ill-mannered; he answers back to elders.
3. Kurasika nzira
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To lose the way.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuita hunhu hwakaipa, kupinda munzira dzisiri idzo; to engage in bad behavior, to go astray.
Mutsetse: Mukomana uyu akarasika nzira kubva zvaakatanga kufambidzana nevakomana vakaipa.
English: This boy went astray since he started moving with bad company.
4. Kuva nemusoro usingashandi
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To have a head that doesn't work.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kupusa, kusafunga zvakanaka; to be foolish, not to think properly.
Mutsetse: Akaita chinhu cheupenzi, ane musoro usingashandi.
English: He did a foolish thing; he is not thinking properly.
5. Kusava nehana
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To lack a conscience/heart.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuva neutsinye, kusava netsitsi; to be cruel, to lack compassion.
Mutsetse: Akaramba kubatsira murombo, haana hana.
English: He refused to help the poor person; he is heartless.
Zvimwe Zvakasiyana-siyana (Miscellaneous)
1. Kurasikirwa nebasa
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To lose a job.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kudzingwa basa; to be fired.
Mutsetse: Akasvika kumba akaora mwoyo nekuti akanga arasikirwa nebasa.
English: He came home dejected because he had lost his job.
2. Kusava nemari
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: Not to have money.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuva murombo (panguva iyoyo); to be broke.
Mutsetse: Ndingadai ndakakubatsira asi ini ndisati ndambobata mari mwedzi uno.
English: I would have helped you, but I am broke this month.
3. Kuva munzira isiri iyo
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To be on the wrong path.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuita zvisizvo, kukanganisa; to be doing wrong, to be mistaken.
Mutsetse: Kana uchifunga kuti ndichakubvumira kuita izvozvo, uri munzira isiri iyo.
English: If you think I will allow you to do that, you are mistaken.
4. Kusava nekwakarerekera
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To have no side to lean on.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kusava nedivi raunotsigira, kusarura; to be neutral, impartial.
Mutsetse: Mutongi anofanira kusava nekwakarerekera paanotonga nyaya.
English: A judge must be impartial when judging a case.
5. Kusaziva kuti mangwana kunobudirepi
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: Not to know where tomorrow will dawn.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kusava nechokwadi nezveramangwana; to be uncertain about the future.
Mutsetse: Mhuri iyi inorarama nekutambura, haizivi kuti mangwana kunobudirepi.
English: This family lives by struggling, uncertain about what the future holds.
6. Kuita zvemumusha (kureva kuroya)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To do things of the homestead.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuroya; to practice witchcraft.
Mutsetse: Anonzi anoita zvemumusha, ndosaka vanhu vachimutya.
English: It is said she practices witchcraft; that's why people fear her.
7. Kusunda nguva
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To push time.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kutambisa nguva; to waste time.
Mutsetse: Vari kungogara vachitamba, vari kusunda nguva.
English: They are just sitting and playing; they are wasting time.
8. Kupfuudza nguva
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To pass time.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuita zvinhu zvisina basa kuti nguva ifambe; to while away time.
Mutsetse: Vakanga vakagara pasi pemuti vachipfuudza nguva.
English: They were sitting under a tree whiling away time.
9. Kusangana nenjodzi
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To meet with danger/misfortune.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuita tsaona kana kuwirwa nedambudziko; to have an accident or encounter trouble.
Mutsetse: Vakasangana nenjodzi yemotokari asi vakapona.
English: They were involved in a car accident but survived.
10. Kutsvaga chekudya
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To look for food.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kushanda kuti urarame; to work for a living.
Mutsetse: Anomuka mangwanani kunotsvaga chekudya chemhuri yake.
English: He wakes up early to work for a living for his family.
11. Kusvika kumwedzi kwemukadzi
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: The woman's arrival at the moon.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuenda kumwedzi; menstruation.
Mutsetse: Kusvika kumwedzi kwemukadzi chiratidzo chekuti ava munhukadzi akakwana.
English: A woman's menstruation is a sign of her full womanhood.
12. Kugadzirisa musoro (kureva kudzinga basa)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To fix the head.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kudzinga munhu basa; to fire someone.
Mutsetse: Mukuru webasa akati anoda kugadzirisa musoro wevashandi vasingashandi zvakanaka.
English: The boss said he wants to "fix the heads" of underperforming employees (fire them).
13. Kugeza maoko (kureva kusava nemhosva)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To wash hands.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuzviti hauna mhosva; to claim innocence.
Mutsetse: Akati haana chaanoziva nezvenyaya iyi, akageza maoko ake.
English: He said he knows nothing about this matter; he washed his hands of it.
14. Kusvika pakufa kwenyota
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To reach the death of thirst.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuva nenyota yakanyanyisa; to be extremely thirsty.
Mutsetse: Mushure mekufamba muzuva, ndakanga ndasvika pakufa kwenyota.
English: After walking in the sun, I was extremely thirsty.
15. Kutsika matama (kureva kusaremekedza)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To step on cheeks.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kusaremekedza; to disrespect.
Mutsetse: Haafaniri kutsika matama evabereki vake.
English: He should not disrespect his parents.
16. Kupfeka ngowani isiri yako (kureva kupindira munyaya dzevamwe)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To wear a hat that is not yours.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kupindira munyaya dzisiri dzako; to meddle in others' affairs.
Mutsetse: Usapfeke ngowani isiri yako, siya nyaya iyi.
English: Don't wear a hat that isn't yours; leave this matter alone.
17. Kuenda kunorara (kureva kuvigwa, kunyanya kumadzishe)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To go to sleep.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuvigwa kwemadzishe; burial of chiefs.
Mutsetse: Mambo aenda kunorara, nzvimbo yake yava kugadzirirwa mutsva.
English: The Chief has gone to sleep (been buried); his place is being prepared for a new one.
18. Kudya hope (kureva kusateerera kana kusanzwisisa)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To eat sleep.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kusateerera kana kusanzwisisa zvinotaurwa; to be inattentive or not understand.
Mutsetse: Ndanga ndichikutsanangurira asi iwe waive wakangodya hope.
English: I was explaining to you, but you were just inattentive.
19. Kushaya musoro (kureva kupusa)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To lack a head.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kupusa; to be foolish.
Mutsetse: Zvaakaita izvi ndezvemunhu akashaya musoro.
English: What he did is something a foolish person would do.
20. Kuderedza makore (kureva kunyepa zera)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To reduce years.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kunyepa nezvezera rako kuti uonekwe semudiki; to lie about one's age to seem younger.
Mutsetse: Vamwe vakadzi vanoda kuderedza makore avo.
English: Some women like to reduce their years (lie about their age).
21. Kusvika padenga remba (kureva kusvika pamagumo ezivo kana simba)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To reach the roof of the house.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kusvika pamagumo ezivo kana kugona; to reach the peak of one's knowledge or ability.
Mutsetse: Panyaya iyi, ndinofunga kuti ndasvika padenga remba, handichina chekuwedzera.
English: On this matter, I think I have reached the roof (my limit); I have nothing more to add.
22. Kusunga dumbu (kureva kutsanya)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To tie the stomach.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kutsanya, kusadya; to fast.
Mutsetse: Vari kusunga dumbu kwevhiki rese vachinamata.
English: They are fasting for the whole week while praying.
23. Kuva nemweya murefu (kureva kushivirira)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To have a long spirit/breath.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kushivirira; to be patient.
Mutsetse: Mudzidzisi anofanira kuva nemweya murefu nevana.
English: A teacher needs to have a long spirit (be patient) with children.
24. Kutsvaga upenyu (kureva kutsvaga basa)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To look for life.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kutsvaga basa; to look for a job.
Mutsetse: Ndakaenda kuguta kunotsvaga upenyu.
English: I went to the city to look for life (a job).
25. Kuva nemoyo wekubereka (kureva kuva netsitsi)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To have the heart of giving birth.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuva netsitsi huru; to be very compassionate.
Mutsetse: Amai ava vane moyo wekubereka, vanobatsira nherera dzose.
English: This woman has the heart of giving birth (is very compassionate); she helps all orphans.
26. Kudya fodya (kureva kusvuta fodya)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To eat tobacco.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kusvuta fodya; to smoke tobacco.
Mutsetse: Sekuru vanodya fodya yavo yemumhuno.
English: Grandfather takes his snuff.
27. Kusvika pakubuda ziya (kureva kushanda nesimba)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To reach the point of sweating.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kushanda nesimba guru; to work very hard.
Mutsetse: Takashanda kusvika pakubuda ziya kuti basa ripedziswe.
English: We worked until we sweated to get the job done.
28. Kusava nemusha (kureva kusaroora/kusaroorwa)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: Not to have a home.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kusaroora (kumurume) kana kusaroorwa (kumukadzi); to be unmarried.
Mutsetse: Mukomana uyu akura asi haasati ava nemusha.
English: This young man is grown but is not yet married.
29. Kuva nemukaka pamuromo (kureva kuva mudiki zvikuru)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To have milk on the mouth.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuva mudiki kwazvo, asati akura; to be very young, immature.
Mutsetse: Haagoni kuita basa iri, achine mukaka pamuromo.
English: He can't do this job; he still has milk on his mouth (is too young).
30. Kusangana neziso rangu (kureva kuona chinhu chisingafadzi)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To meet with my eye.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuona chinhu chisingatarisirwi kana chisingafadzi; to see something unexpected or unpleasant.
Mutsetse: Ndakasangana neziso rangu pandakaona tsaona iyi.
English: I saw something unpleasant when I witnessed this accident.
31. Kupinda mune zvemari (kureva kuva nechikwereti)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To get into money matters.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuva nechikwereti chakawanda; to be heavily in debt.
Mutsetse: Ari kunetseka nekuti akapinda mune zvemari.
English: He is struggling because he got into money matters (debt).
32. Kusvika pakudonha misodzi (kureva kusuwa kana kurwadziwa zvakanyanya)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To reach the point of tears falling.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kusuwa kana kurwadziwa zvakanyanya; to be extremely sad or hurt.
Mutsetse: Nyaya yaakataura yakandisvitsa pakudonha misodzi.
English: The story he told brought me to tears.
33. Kushaya hope (kureva kunetseka mupfungwa)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To lack sleep.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kunetseka mupfungwa; to be worried or anxious.
Mutsetse: Ndava nemazuva ndichishaya hope nekuda kwenyaya iyi.
English: I've been losing sleep for days because of this issue.
34. Kuva nechikwambo chemari (kureva kushandisa mari zvisina mwero)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To have a money goblin.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kushandisa mari zvisina kurongeka kana kukurumidza; to spend money recklessly or too quickly.
Mutsetse: Anongowana mari inobva yapera, anoita seane chikwambo chemari.
English: As soon as he gets money it's gone, it's like he has a money goblin.
35. Kusimuka gumo (kureva kupera kwechinhu)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: For the end to stand up.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kupera kwechinhu; the end of something.
Mutsetse: Musangano wasimuka gumo, tava kuenda kumba.
English: The meeting has ended; we are now going home.
36. Kusvika pakuneta muviri
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To reach the point of body tiredness.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuneta zvakanyanyisa; to be extremely tired.
Mutsetse: Takafamba siku rese tikasvika pakuneta muviri.
English: We walked all day and became extremely tired.
37. Kusava neutano hwakanaka
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: Not to have good health.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kurwara; to be sick/ill.
Mutsetse: Haasi kuenda kubasa nhasi, haana utano hwakanaka.
English: He is not going to work today; he is not in good health.
38. Kudya marasha (kureva kutsamwa zvikuru)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To eat charcoal.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kutsamwa zvakanyanyisa; to be extremely angry.
Mutsetse: Akadya marasha paakanzwa kuti mota yake yabiwa.
English: He was extremely angry when he heard his car was stolen.
39. Kusvikirwa (kureva kupenga kana kuita zvisina kujairika)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To be arrived upon (by a spirit).
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kupenga kana kuita zvisina kujairika nekuda kwemweya; to become possessed or act strangely due to spirits.
Mutsetse: Anonzi akasvikirwa nezuro, akatanga kuita zvisinganzwisisiki.
English: It's said he was possessed yesterday; he started acting strangely.
40. Kuenda pasi pemvura (kureva kunyura muchikwereti)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To go under water.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kunyura muchikwereti; to be deeply in debt.
Mutsetse: Bhizimusi rake raenda pasi pemvura, ava nechikwereti chikuru.
English: His business has gone under water; he is heavily in debt.
41. Kusava nemazwi (kureva kushaya chekutaura nekushamisika)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: Not to have words.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kushaya chekutaura nekuda kwekushamisika kana kusuwa; to be speechless due to surprise or sadness.
Mutsetse: Ndakashamiswa nezvaakaita zvekuti ndakashaya mazwi.
English: I was so surprised by what he did that I was speechless.
42. Kudya makoko (kureva kushanda zvakaoma kuti urarame)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To eat the hard crust of sadza.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kushanda mabasa epasi-pasi kuti uwane chouviri; to toil in menial jobs to survive.
Mutsetse: Vanhu vazhinji vari kudya makoko kuti variritire mhuri dzavo.
English: Many people are toiling in menial jobs to support their families.
43. Kurova neshungu (kureva kuita chinhu nehasha kana kushinga)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To hit with grief/anger.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuita chinhu nesimba guru nekuda kwehasha kana kutsunga; to do something with great force due to anger or determination.
Mutsetse: Akarova bhora neshungu rikapinda mugedhe.
English: He struck the ball with great force (out of determination) and it went into the goal.
44. Kusungwa nehope
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To be tied by sleep.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuva nehope dzakanyanya; to be very sleepy.
Mutsetse: Ndakanga ndasungwa nehope, ndakabva ndarara ipapo patafura.
English: I was overcome by sleep and fell asleep right there at the table.
45. Kuva pamuedzo
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To be on trial/test.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuva panguva yakaoma kana yekutambura; to be going through a difficult time or suffering.
Mutsetse: Mhuri iyi iri pamuedzo, vari kusangana nematambudziko akawanda.
English: This family is going through a difficult time; they are facing many challenges.
46. Kupiswa nezuva (kureva kutambura nekupisa kwezuva)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To be burned by the sun.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kutambura nekupisa kwezuva; to suffer from the sun's heat.
Mutsetse: Takafamba nzendo refu tikapiswa nezuva.
English: We walked a long distance and suffered from the sun's heat.
47. Kusvika pamhene (kureva kuburitsa chakavanzika)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To reach the open/clearing.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuburitsa pachena chinhu chaive chakavanzika; to reveal a secret.
Mutsetse: Nyaya iyi yave kusvika pamhene, chokwadi chava kuzivikanwa.
English: This matter is now coming into the open; the truth is about to be known.
48. Kutora mukana (kureva kushandisa munhu zvisizvo)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To take a chance/opportunity.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kushandisa munhu kana mamiriro ezvinhu zvisina kunaka kuti iwe ubatsirwe; to take advantage of someone or a situation unfairly.
Mutsetse: Akatora mukana wekusaziva kwake akamubira mari.
English: He took advantage of her ignorance and stole her money.
49. Kusava pakati pedu
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: Not to be amongst us.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kufa; to have passed away.
Mutsetse: Tinochema gamba redu risisiri pakati pedu.
English: We mourn our hero who is no longer amongst us.
50. Kudimbura ukama
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To cut a relationship.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuparadza hukama; to end a relationship.
Mutsetse: Vakadimbura ukama hwavo mushure mekunetsana kwenguva refu.
English: They ended their relationship after a long period of conflict.
51. Kutsvaga rudo (kureva kutsvaga wekudanana naye)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To look for love.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kutsvaga munhu wekudanana naye; to look for a romantic partner.
Mutsetse: Musikana uyu akura, ava kutsvaga rudo.
English: This girl is grown up; she is now looking for a romantic partner.
52. Kuva nemaziso matsvuku (kureva kutsamwa)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To have red eyes.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kutsamwa zvakanyanya; to be very angry.
Mutsetse: Akauya aine maziso matsvuku achida kurwa.
English: He came very angry, wanting to fight.
53. Kusvika pakuchema ropa (kureva kusuwa zvakanyanyisa)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To reach the point of crying blood.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kusuwa zvakanyanyisa; to grieve intensely.
Mutsetse: Amai vakasvika pakuchema ropa nekurasikirwa nemwana wavo.
English: The mother grieved intensely over the loss of her child.
54. Kutora nzvimbo yeumwe
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To take someone's place.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kudzinga mumwe basa kana kumutorera chinzvimbo; to replace someone in a job or position.
Mutsetse: Anonzi ndiye achatora nzvimbo yemukuru webasa ava kuenda pamudyandigere.
English: It is said he will take the place of the boss who is retiring.
55. Kusvika pakunwa mvura yemusasa (kureva kuomerwa zvakanyanya)
Zvarinoreva chaizvo: To reach the point of drinking water from a temporary shelter.
Zvarinoreva seruremekedzo: Kuva mumatambudziko makuru kwazvo ehurombo; to be in extreme poverty or dire straits.
Mutsetse: Mhuri iyi yasvika pakunwa mvura yemusasa, vanoda rubatsiro rwekukurumidza.
English: This family is in extreme poverty; they need urgent help.