🌍 Introduction
The Sesotho language, spoken by the Basotho people of Southern Africa, is filled with colorful idioms (maele) that convey deep meaning, cultural wisdom, and everyday life lessons. These idioms are often used in conversation, storytelling, and traditional ceremonies to teach values, offer advice, and reflect the society’s philosophy.
In this post, we look at 10 common Sesotho idioms, breaking down their literal translations and figurative meanings.
📝 1. Khomo e tšehla e hlola e tala
Literal Meaning: A yellow cow dominates a green one
Meaning: Experience and wisdom often outweigh youth and inexperience.
📝 2. Bitso lebe ke seromo
Literal Meaning: A bad name is a bad omen
Meaning: Your name and reputation can shape your future or influence how you are treated.
📝 3. Ngoana sa motho ha a hlokomeloe ke beng
Literal Meaning: A stranger’s child can’t be raised by others
Meaning: Everyone must take responsibility for their own families or communities.
📝 4. Mofoka o jele litapole, litapole tsa jele mofoka
Literal Meaning: The porridge has eaten the potatoes, and vice versa
Meaning: Cooperation and mixing can create unity and harmony.
📝 5. Mollo o chesang ha o tlatlapatsoe
Literal Meaning: Don’t stir a burning fire
Meaning: Avoid provoking tense or dangerous situations.
📝 6. Setloholo se sithwa ke ditlatlapo
Literal Meaning: An elder is crushed by the recklessness of youth
Meaning: Youthful carelessness can cause suffering for the older generation.
📝 7. Letsoho le hlatswa le leng le hlweke
Literal Meaning: One hand washes the other to become clean
Meaning: Cooperation and mutual support lead to success.
📝 8. Nonyana e fofang e hlahella ka moriting
Literal Meaning: A flying bird reveals itself by its shadow
Meaning: A person’s true character is revealed by their actions.
📝 9. Tau e ja ka lenaka
Literal Meaning: A lion eats with its horn
Meaning: A brave person uses their strength and resources wisely to succeed.
📝 10. Monna ke nku ha a lle
Literal Meaning: A man is like a sheep, he doesn’t cry
Meaning: A traditional belief encouraging men to suppress emotion — now often challenged as outdated in modern views on masculinity.
🗣️ Final Thoughts
Sesotho idioms offer more than just poetic language; they carry generations of cultural lessons, shared experiences, and philosophies. Whether used to teach respect, caution, or wisdom, they remain an important part of Basotho oral tradition.