Shona

Zviuya hazviwanani

Beautiful or kind people do not marry each other.

Tsanagudzo

Hachisi chinhu chinowanzoitika kuti mukomana akarurama awanane nemusikana akarurama kana musikana akarurama awanikwe nemukomana akarurama.

What the Words Say

Beautiful or kind people do not marry each other.

What It Means

Perfect people rarely find each other in marriage. A similar english saying is include “opposites attract” and “Like poles repel”

Cultural Context

Our elders observed over long periods that rarely do two people of the same qualities end up together. It may be nature’s way of securing a balance but it seems rare for people of the same character to get married. Hence this is not seen as mismatch but rather as the norm, with few exceptions.

How It's Used

The proverb is used in observation of people of opposite traits or habits being matched together. It is a explanation as well as a resignation to the fact that one person of high standing or standards happens to be with or attracted to someone who is clearly their opposite.