The Swahili saying kupotea njia ndiyo kujua njia translates to ‘to get lost is to know the way‘ in English.
It’s one of those proverbs that captures a deeply practical and philosophical truth at the same time.
Here’s what it means in context:
Table of Contents
Literal Meaning
- When traveling, if you get lost once, you learn the correct path afterward.
- Making a mistake in navigation teaches you the route better than if you had never been lost.
Deeper Interpretation
- Learning Through Mistakes
- The proverb reflects the idea that failure or setbacks are part of growth. You cannot truly master something without first going wrong.
- For example, a student who makes errors while learning ends up understanding the subject more deeply than someone who never struggles.
- Resilience and Experience
- In life, wrong turns—bad choices, missed chances, even personal struggles—are not wasted. They teach lessons that eventually help you find the right way.
- Patience and Process
- It reminds people not to fear mistakes but to see them as stepping stones toward wisdom and clarity.
Cultural Context
- Proverbs like this are common across East Africa because they echo the values of resilience, humility, and experiential learning.
- Swahili sayings often come from everyday realities—like travel, farming, or community life—but they carry layered meanings about human behavior and relationships.
- In practice, an elder might use this phrase to comfort someone who has failed at a task, or to encourage youth that making errors is part of finding direction in life.
Modern Usage
Even today, you’ll hear it in conversations, classrooms, and even motivational talks in Kenya and Tanzania.
It’s sometimes used in workplaces when people are learning new systems or by parents guiding children through challenges.
So in short: “Kupotea njia ndiyo kujua njia” teaches that getting lost, failing, or making mistakes is not the end—it is the very process by which we gain true knowledge and direction.
This got me curious about what my own current collection of kangas had to offer in terms of sayings.
Checking when I got home, I found that my kangas say:
- Siri si umbeya (A secret isn’t gossip)
- Mungu ndiye kimbilio letu (God is our refuge)
- Nemekuja kutembea sikuja kwa umbea (I have come to visit, I didn’t come to gossip)
- Kuomba si kupata mungu akipenda atakupa (To ask is not to get; if God wishes, he will give you)
- Muumbaji ni mmoja njoo tuishi pamoja (The Creater is one; come let’s live together)
- Upendo ni nuru ya maisha (Love is the light of life)
- Maisha ni kutafuta siyo kutafutana (Life is about seeking not going after each other)
Tell me, do you have a favorite kanga saying?
If so, what is it, what does it mean, and why do you like it so much?
If you are an avid kanga wearer but never pay much attention to the words written on them, how about checking now (and sharing) what’s written on your favorite kanga?
Does this saying in any way reflect something that’s going on in your life?
Let me know by leaving a comment below.
If you would like to know more about kanga, its history, or kanga sayings in general, then check out the following links: List of 254 Sayings on Khangas.
Otherwise, that’s it from me.
I wish you a great weekend and, as always, look forward to hearing what you have to say.
Until the next time,
Biche
Kanga sayings, known as methali za kanga or maneno ya kanga, are a distinctive feature of the colorful, patterned fabrics worn by women across East Africa, particularly in Kenya and Tanzania.
These sayings, usually printed along the border of the kanga, serve as a form of communication, allowing women to express emotions, share wisdom, and even send coded messages without speaking directly.
Kangas are not just garments; they are cultural artifacts that reflect the values, humor, and complexities of Swahili society.
The Origins and Significance of Kanga Sayings
The tradition of printing messages on kangas dates back to the early 20th century, when textile manufacturers in Tanzania and Kenya began incorporating Swahili proverbs, blessings, and expressions onto the fabric.
Initially, these messages were simple, but over time, they became more nuanced, reflecting social dynamics, relationships, and personal sentiments.
Kanga sayings are deeply embedded in East African culture, especially among Swahili-speaking communities.
Women carefully choose kangas based on the message they wish to convey, whether it’s a personal statement, a response to gossip, or a blessing for a loved one.
Since direct confrontation is often discouraged in traditional societies, kangas offer a way to express emotions subtly yet powerfully.
Themes in Kanga Sayings
Kanga sayings cover a wide range of themes, reflecting different aspects of life and social interaction.
Some of the most common categories include:
Maneno ya Kanga Theme #1. Love and Affection
Kangas are often exchanged as gifts between couples, family members, or friends.
Romantic and affectionate messages are common, especially in wedding ceremonies and engagements.
- Penzi ni kikohozi, halifichiki (Love is like a cough; it cannot be hidden).
- Nakupenda sana, usiniache (I love you very much, don’t leave me).
2. Wisdom and Life Lessons (Including Subira Huvuta Heri in English)
Many kanga sayings draw from Swahili proverbs, offering guidance and reflections on life.
These messages are used to share knowledge and remind others of important values.
- Mvumilivu hula mbivu (A patient person eats ripe fruit).
- Subira huvuta heri (Patience draws good fortune).
Kenyan Sayings
Kenyan sayings—especially proverbs and Swahili or Sheng expressions—are rich in metaphor, wisdom, humor, and cultural insight.
Here’s an overview:
Kenyan Swahili Proverbs & Kanga Sayings
Many proverbs are still shared widely through conversations, songs, or Kanga cloth (textiles with Swahili phrases printed on them).
Examples include:
- “Makali ya jicho yashinda wembe” – The sharpness of the eye is greater than the razor.
- “Mwenye radhi hasumbuki” – He who is content is not disturbed.
- “Subira ina malipo” – Patience pays.
- “Umekuja na lako usichunguze la mwenzako” – You came with yours; don’t examine your neighbor’s.
Other common Swahili proverbs found in East Africa include:
- “Kuishi kwingi ni kula asali” – To live long is to eat honey
- “Milima haikutani, binadamu hukutana” – Mountains don’t meet but people do
- “Umoja ni nguvu” – Unity is strength
- “Kupoteza njia ndio kujua njia” – To get lost is to know the way
Traditional Kenyan Ethnic Proverbs
Kenya’s diverse tribes—such as the Teso and Nandi—have their own proverbs.
Here are a few translated proverbs from Teso and Nandi sources:
Teso Proverbs:
- “The patient knows the pain” (Used to imply that nobody truly understands your suffering except you.)
- “A donkey always says thank you with a kick” (Even kindness can provoke ingratitude.)
Nandi Proverbs:
- “No work can be accomplished without a shepherd and a child-minder.” (Everyone’s role is important.)
- “Whatever is obtained for free is bad.”
Popular Kenyan Proverbs in General Usage
Widely quoted in daily life:
- “Haraka, haraka, haina baraka.” – Hurry, hurry has no blessings. (Rushing often backfires.)
- “Usipoziba ufa, utajenga ukuta.” – If you don’t fill cracks, you’ll end up rebuilding the whole wall. (Neglect becomes bigger problems.)
Additional ones include:
- “Try this bracelet: if it fits you, wear it; but if it hurts you, throw it away—no matter how shiny.”
- “No one can pass twice between the thighs of an elephant.” (Some paths only used once.)
- “Anyone who urinates in a stream should be warned because any of his relatives may drink from it.”
- “It is better to have a flat tyre on your Pajero than a troublesome friend.”
Sheng Slang Expressions
Sheng is the urban youth slang in Nairobi and other metropolitan areas, mixing Swahili, English, and local dialects.
Some fun and expressive examples:
- “Niaje?” – What’s up? (Sheng greeting)
- “Poa.” – All good. (Common reply)
- “Bora uhai.” – Short for “Bora uhai”, meaning “As long as you’re alive, nothing else matters.” (Often used when life feels uncertain.)
- “Naenda hivi na‑come!” – “I’ll go like this… and come!” (Mix of Swahili and English, meaning “I’m headed out but will return.”)
- Also common: “Ati …”, “Mzungu”, “Woiyee”, and others which convey tone and subtext in casual speech
Why These Sayings Matter
- Cultural insight: Proverbs and sayings are windows into community values—patience, unity, self-reliance, hard work, humility.
- Language in art and fashion: Especially seen in kanga cloth messaging, bridging traditional wisdom with everyday expression.
- Modern spoken language: Sheng sayings and modern proverbs reflect contemporary urban life among Kenyan youth.
Sample Table: Saying & Meaning
| Saying | Translation / Meaning |
|---|---|
| Haraka, haraka haina baraka | Rushing often leads to mistakes |
| Subira ina malipo | Patience pays off |
| Makali ya jicho yashinda wembe | Perception exceeds sharpness |
| Bora uhai | Life matters more than anything |
| Niaje? – Poa. | What’s up? – All good. (shorthand exchange) |
TL;DR
- Kenya’s everyday wisdom comes through Swahili proverbs, ethnic proverbs, and modern Sheng slang.
- Each reflects human experiences—relationships, caution, community, resilience.
- Even fashionable Kangas mirror cultural values through printed proverbs.
Photo credits: YANGA! TV