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50+ Common Kinyarwanda Phrases for Everyday Situation
Want to speak Kinyarwanda? Knowing basic French words and phrases can help you navigate areas, communicate about your needs, and—most importantly—spark meaningful conversations with the people you meet! In addition, you’ll be able to connect with native Kinyarwanda speakers.
Greeting Others
Muraho (Hello)
Mwaramutse (Good Morning)
Mwirwe (Good afternoon/eveing)
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Amakuru (How are you?) *Formal
Ni meza (I'm well)
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Bite (How are you?) *Informal
Ni byiza (I'm good)
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Murabeho (Goodye)
Nishimye kubamenya (Nice to meet you)
Murakoze, mugire umunsi mwiza (Thank you, have a nice day)
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Getting to know others
Witwe nde? (What is your name?)
Nitwa.... (My name is...)
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Mtuye he? (Where do you live?)
Ntuye ... (I live...)
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Mukomoka he? (Where are you from?)
Nkomoka... (I am from...)​
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Wiga he? (Where do you study?)
Niga.... (I study at)
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Ukora iki? (What do you do for work?)
Nkora... (I work as...)
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Ukunda gukora iki? (What do you like to do?)
Nkunda... (I like to...)
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Asking for Help
Ndatakaye. (I’m lost.)
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Mbabarira, urabizi he....? (Excuse me, do you know where....?)
Ubwiherero buri he? (Where is the bathroom?)
Urashobora kumfasha?(Can you help me?)
Nkeneye ubufasha? (I need help?)​
Nkeneye kujya...? (I need to go to (place).)
Ni hehe nshobora kubona taxi? (Where can I find a taxi?)
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Ordering food
Ufite menu? (Do you have a menu?)
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Ndashaka (ibiryo). (I want (food).)​
Mwashobora kumpa (ibiryo)? (Can you give me (food)?)
Ndashaka gutumiza. (I want to order.)
Ndashaka amazi. (I want water.)
Ndashaka icyo kunywa. (I want something to drink.)
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Murakoze, byari byiza. (Thank you, it was good.)
Murashobora kumpa fagitire? (Can you give me the bill?)
Additional Phrases
Wabyumvise? (Do you understand? )
Simbizi (I don't know)
Simbyumva (I don't understand)
Urashobora gusubiramo (Can you repeat again.)
Ushobora kuvuga buhoro buhoro? (Can you speak slowly?)
Ibi bivuze iki? (What does this mean?)
Wavuze iki? (What did you say?)
Ihangane? (I'm Sorry?)
Subiramo (Say again/Repeat?)
Niki? (What?)
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Ndaje? (I'm coming)
Ndashonje (I'm hungry)
Mfite inyota (I'm thirsty)
Ndananiwe (I’m tired)
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Ndagukunda (I love)
​Ndagukumbuye (I miss you)
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Ngwino hano (Come here)
Genda (Go way)
Ndeka (Leave)
Ihute (Hurry)
Try (Gerageza!)
Ceceka (Be quiet)
Birashoboka (It's possible)
Nibyo? (Isn't it?)
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Ni byiza (That's good)
Ntakibazo (No problem)
Ishimwe (Congratulations!)
Let's go (Tugende!)
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