Are you a new arrival in Kigali struggling to communicate in Kinyarwanda? You’re not alone. Many expats find the language difficult and often wonder if it’s worth the effort to learn anything beyond the basics. But with a little effort and practice, you can start speaking Kinyarwanda with confidence.
In this guide, we’ve compiled the essential Kinyarwanda phrases to help you get by in everyday conversations. From greetings and common expressions to questions and requests, you’ll learn everything you need to know to start speaking Kinyarwanda.
| English | Kinyarwanda | Phonetic |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Muraho | mor-AH-ho |
| Good morning | Mwaramutse | MWA-ra-MOO-tsay |
| Good afternoon | Mwiriwe | MEE-ree-way |
| Good night | Ijoro ryiza | |
| Goodbye | Muramuke | |
| Thank you | Murakoze | moo-RAH-coh-zay |
| Yes | Yego | YAY-go |
| No | Oya | OY-a |
| Who | Inde | |
| What | Iki | |
| Where | Hehe | |
| Why | Kubera iki | |
| When | Ryari | |
| How | Gute | |
| How are you | Amakuru | |
| I’m fine | Ni meza | |
| What’s your name | Witwa nde | |
| My name is… | Nitwa… | |
| Where are you from | Uturuka hehe | |
| I am from… | Mvuka… | |
| Where do you live | Utuye he | |
| I live… | Ntuye… | |
| Do you understand | Urumva | |
| I don’t understand | Ntabwo mbyumva | |
| Help me | Mfasha | |
| Do you have… | Ufite… |
Hello,i am still available for those who are interested in kinyarwanda lessons,i am a rwandan with 5 years ofexperience in teaching kinyarwanda to expats, i am professional and punctual .call jacques on 0785291363 to schedule your first lesson.!
Would basic english/french be passable in Rwanda?
I speak fluent english and understand basic French, Spanish, Hindi/Urdu..
How difficult would daily communication be for me?
You’ll be fine with English and basic French is a bonus, especially if you’ll be out of Kigali. But I get by fine with just English and terrible French.
Again, thanks! ^_^
Basic kinyarwanda books available at 10.000rwf each.Contact Jacques Mutabazi to buy one.! 0785291363
I am a Kinyarwanda teacher from Huye. I m a specialist in teaching methodology with more than 3 years experience of teaching expats. I am available. Please contact me on 0783121993/ 0785300077
i came to kigali recently , i would like to learn french , can anyone help me how to proceed for same. thank you
Would like to learn Kinyarwanda. Am Ugandan. Live in Ruyenzi, work in Kacyiru. Either early morning in Ruyenzi or luch hour in Kacyiru.
For the time being…i’m living in Tanzania…but i relly wish to be an expert in speaking and using kinyarwanda…i just happen to love the language.
I wonder if someone can give me a hand on that!!?
It is good, simple and possible. I can help you. I am a teacher by profession with 10 years of experience (A0 in Language teaching). Don’t hesitate to contact me on +250788214078/+250783280453.
i fell in love with kinyarwanda language n wish to learn it best.
I welcm anyone willing to take me through
Hello Jackues. Do you have simplified pdf files/books that i can read to learn?. Are you free to share them?. Please do. Mybe-mail is nicholasmugisha@gmail.com
Hello,
I am an expert in teaching adults ( Andragogy), especially in Kinyarwanda as far as I have a certificate taken from Peace Corps/Rwanda training as I was a Peace Corps Language and Cross-Culture Facilitator within 3 years ( from 2009- to 2012). I had also language consultation with VSO people and OAF people. I basically deliver basic, intermediate and advanced Kinyarwanda, depending on your level of understanding. Most of the time, I am available at the weekends and my rates are 5000rwf per hour and per each. Once interested, please contact me on 0788553570 or gn25150@gmail.com
nashyaka kwiga ikinyarwanda
ikinyarwanda ni cyiza cyane