Significado
If people are divided, they become easy to defeat.
Contexto cultural
In Tanzania, this proverb is linked to the 'Ujamaa' policy of the first president, Julius Nyerere. It was used to unite over 120 tribes into one nation with one language (Swahili). The concept of 'Harambee' (all pull together) is the Kenyan national motto. 'Utengano ni udhaifu' is the warning used to remind people why Harambee is necessary. In the spice islands, the proverb is often used in the context of maritime cooperation. Fishermen must work together to pull in large nets; if they separate, they lose the catch. While Luganda is widely spoken, Swahili proverbs like this are used in the military and police forces to emphasize discipline and unit cohesion.
The Power of the Pair
Always try to say 'Umoja ni nguvu, utengano ni udhaifu' together. It makes you sound much more fluent and culturally aware.
Don't be too preachy
Since it's a proverb, using it too often in casual conversation can make you sound like you're lecturing people. Save it for moments that truly matter.
Significado
If people are divided, they become easy to defeat.
The Power of the Pair
Always try to say 'Umoja ni nguvu, utengano ni udhaifu' together. It makes you sound much more fluent and culturally aware.
Don't be too preachy
Since it's a proverb, using it too often in casual conversation can make you sound like you're lecturing people. Save it for moments that truly matter.
Kanga Wisdom
If you see this written on a piece of cloth (Kanga), it's a message to the community. It's a very popular choice for women's clothing in East Africa.
Teste-se
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
Utengano ni _______.
The proverb is 'Utengano ni udhaifu' (Separation is weakness).
Which situation best fits the use of this proverb?
A group of students is arguing and refusing to help each other with a project. What should the teacher say?
This proverb is used to warn against division and encourage cooperation.
Complete the dialogue.
Baba: Wanangu, acheni kupigana. Watoto: Lakini yeye alianza! Baba: Msahau hayo. Kumbukeni _______.
Both 'umoja ni nguvu' and 'utengano ni udhaifu' are appropriate here as they are two sides of the same coin.
Match the proverb to the correct context.
Match 'Utengano ni udhaifu' with its best context.
The proverb addresses the weakness caused by a lack of unity.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Unity vs. Separation
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosUtengano ni _______.
The proverb is 'Utengano ni udhaifu' (Separation is weakness).
A group of students is arguing and refusing to help each other with a project. What should the teacher say?
This proverb is used to warn against division and encourage cooperation.
Baba: Wanangu, acheni kupigana. Watoto: Lakini yeye alianza! Baba: Msahau hayo. Kumbukeni _______.
Both 'umoja ni nguvu' and 'utengano ni udhaifu' are appropriate here as they are two sides of the same coin.
Match 'Utengano ni udhaifu' with its best context.
The proverb addresses the weakness caused by a lack of unity.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNo, it is a secular proverb, though it aligns with many religious teachings about unity and peace.
Yes, it is very appropriate for professional settings to encourage teamwork and collaboration.
'Utengano' implies a state of being apart, while 'ugawanyiko' implies the process of being split or divided (often more forcefully).
Absolutely! It is a simple sentence structure (A ni B) and is very impressive to native speakers.
No, as abstract nouns in the U-class, they do not have plural forms in this context.
That is 'Umoja ni nguvu'. It is the positive counterpart to this proverb.
Rarely in its full form. Youth might say 'Tusizinguane' (Let's not annoy each other) instead.
No, that would be 'imeharibika'. This proverb is strictly for social or group contexts.
'Ni' means 'is' (identity), while 'tuna' means 'we have'. The proverb states that separation *is* weakness itself.
Yes, it is universally understood in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC.
Frases relacionadas
Umoja ni nguvu
contrastUnity is strength
Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa
similarOne finger does not kill a louse
Umoja ni pambo, utengano ni donda
builds onUnity is an ornament, separation is a sore
Wengi wape
similarGive to the majority
