Haraka haraka haina baraka

Meaning: Haste makes waste.

Literally: Hurry hurry has no blessing

Example: “Umesahau funguo tena? Haraka haraka haina baraka.” — You forgot the keys again? Haste makes waste.

English equivalent: Haste makes waste

Origin: A Swahili proverb (methali): haraka is haste and baraka a blessing, from Arabic baraka. The rhyme carries the lesson that rushing brings no good, like English "haste makes waste." It is one of the best-known Swahili sayings, often paired with pole pole ndio mwendo.

More Swahili idioms

Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa You cannot do everything alone.
Chovya chovya humaliza buyu la asali Small indulgences add up to a big loss.
Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu Effort and initiative are always rewarded.
Pole pole ndio mwendo Slow and steady gets you there.
Mvumilivu hula mbivu Patience is rewarded.

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