Language/Southern-betsimisaraka-malagasy/Vocabulary/Idiomatic-Expressions
Hi Southern Betsimisaraka Malagasy learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn Southern Betsimisaraka Malagasy idiomatic expressions. To make studying more fun and interesting, we will use cultural information and fun facts to illustrate each expression. We will also include a dialogue section to help you understand the context in which each idiom can be used. Make sure to also check out our Southern Betsimisaraka Malagasy Vocabulary page for more helpful words and phrases. And don't forget to practice with native speakers on Polyglot Club! You can find native speakers and ask them any questions. Let's begin! 🤓
Don't count your chickens before they hatch[edit | edit source]
This idiom means that you shouldn't rely too much on something happening because it may not happen at all. It's usually said to someone who is overly confident about an event or outcome. In Southern Betsimisaraka Malagasy, you say:
| Southern Betsimisaraka Malagasy | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Tsy miasa mifanampy amin'ny habibiana | Tsee meea-sah meefanam-pee ah-meen-y ha-beeb-yah-nah | Don't count your chickens before they hatch |
Dialogue:
- Person 1: Mazotoa raha nantenaina be ny mpivaro-tena anio fa mbola toa tsy azo afa-po.
- Person 2: Tsy miasa mifanampy amin'ny habibiana. 😏 (Person 1: I'm sure we will win the competition today.
Person 2: Don't count your chickens before they hatch. 😏)
To have a blue finger[edit | edit source]
This expression means that you have waited for something for too long. The idea behind it is that you have kept your finger frozen in anticipation for so long that it has turned blue. In Southern Betsimisaraka Malagasy, you say:
| Southern Betsimisaraka Malagasy | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Miverimberina kitapo | Meeve-ree-mbeh-reen-ah kee-tah-poo | To have a blue finger |
Dialogue:
- Person 1: Nitsangan-javatra vitsy aho tae?
- Person 2: Miverimberina kitapo, malahelo aho vazaha, saingy mbola tsy nahatsiaro...😒 (Person 1: Did you wait long?
Person 2: I have a blue finger, my friend, but it still hasn't arrived...😒)
To have a breadface[edit | edit source]
This expression refers to someone who has been pampered and has not worked for what they have. It comes from the idea that if you have enough money, you can eat bread with every meal and never have to work. In Southern Betsimisaraka Malagasy, you say:
| Southern Betsimisaraka Malagasy | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Manikeky be tsilefa | Maa-nee-keh-kee beh tsee-leh-fah | To have a breadface |
Dialogue:
- Person 1: Azonao antoka fa nanao toy izay tianao izao ny mpitsara?
- Person 2: Manikeky be tsilefa ny zaza mpanoratra io, tsy nahazo sahabo intsony.
😔 (Person 1: Do you think the writer did what they enjoyed?
Person 2: That writer has a breadface, they don't have to work anymore. 😔)
To eat green bananas[edit | edit source]
This expression means that someone is inexperienced or naive. It comes from the fact that green bananas are harder and less sweet, making them less desirable than ripe ones. In Southern Betsimisaraka Malagasy, you say:
| Southern Betsimisaraka Malagasy | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Midoha mena | Mee-doo-hah meh-nah | To eat green bananas |
Dialogue:
- Person 1: Raha toa ka ampiasanao ny efitra, dia mety hiala tsikelikely ianao.
- Person 2: Mbola midoha mena aho momba ny fifandraisan'ny olona, saingy azo lazaina fa tsy misy zavatra tsara lavitra ny mikoriana amiko. 🤷♀️ (Person 1: If you use public transportation, you might get lost.
Person 2: I still eat green bananas when it comes to socializing with people. It can be said that I am inexperienced in that regard. 🤷♀️)
To have many mouths to feed[edit | edit source]
This idiom means that you have a lot of responsibilities or obligations. It comes from the idea that if you have a large family, you have more mouths to feed. In Southern Betsimisaraka Malagasy, you say:
| Southern Betsimisaraka Malagasy | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Misy ratsy fa tsy mandeha | Mee-see rah-tsy fah tsy man-deh-hah | To have many mouths to feed |
Dialogue:
- Person 1: Inona no mahatonga anao hiadana ofisy maromaro?
- Person 2: Misy ratsy fa tsy mandeha ahy...tsy misoratra momba ny sehatra rehetra vehivavy aho. 😩 (Person 1: What makes it difficult for you to work in multiple offices?
Person 2: I have many mouths to feed... I don't write about all the fields of women's issues. 😩)
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