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These Sepedi (Sepedi) proverbs speak to kin, marriage, parenting and the home. Here are 4 of them, each with its literal translation and a clear explanation of its meaning, drawn from documented Sepedi usage.
Mmago ngwana o swara thipa ka bogaleng.
Literally: “The mother of a child holds the knife by its sharp edge.”
Meaning: A mother (or parent) endures pain and sacrifice, taking the dangerous part upon herself, for the sake of her child.
Lebitla la mosadi ke bogadi.
Literally: “A woman's grave is at her marital home.”
Meaning: Traditionally a married woman belongs to her husband's family and remains there for life; an expression about marriage and belonging.
Bana ba motho ba ngwathelana hlogwana ya tšie.
Literally: “Children of one person share among themselves the little head of a locust.”
Meaning: Kin and family share even the smallest thing; relatives help one another even in scarcity.
Ngwana wa mpa ga a latwe.
Literally: “A child of one's womb is not thrown away.”
Meaning: More standard Sepedi: 'Ngwana wa mpa ga a lahlwe' — one's own child (of the womb) is not thrown away/abandoned; you do not disown your own blood however troublesome. Given meaning is correct; 'latwe' should be 'lahlwe'/'lahlwa'.