Basic Words

1. Yego

   Yes

   Usage

   Simple affirmative. Nodding while you say it removes any doubt

2. Oya

   No

   Usage

   Simple negative. Also used to turn down offers and street vendors

3. Nyamuneka

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request. Combined with pointing it works almost anywhere

4. Murakoze

   Thank you

   Usage

   The single most useful word. Use it after paying or being given directions

   Grammar Note

   "Murakoze" is the plural/respectful form; "urakoze" is for one familiar person. Use "murakoze" with strangers.

5. Mbabarira

   Excuse me

   Usage

   To get a stranger’s attention, or when passing in front of someone

6. Ndasaba imbabazi

   Sorry

   Usage

   A real apology: after bumping into someone or making a mistake

7. Nta kibazo

   It’s OK / I’m fine

   Usage

   Reassures someone who is worried, and softly declines an offer

8. Sinumva

   I don’t understand

   Usage

   Say it when you miss what was said; it prompts them to rephrase

9. Numvise

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed the explanation and the conversation can move on

10. Narangije

    I’m finished / Done

    Usage

    Signals you have finished a meal, a form, or a payment

11. Nyamuneka tegereza

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it while you dig out your wallet or wait for a travel companion

12. Tegereza gato

    Just a moment

    Usage

    For a few seconds only — at a counter or on the phone

13. Umuntu mukuru umwe

    One adult, please

    Usage

    At a ticket window or entrance gate when stating your party size

14. Ntabwo nafashe umwanya

    I don’t have a reservation

    Usage

    The first thing to say when walking into a hotel or restaurant unannounced

    Grammar Note

    "Gufata umwanya" literally means "to take a place" — i.e. to reserve.

15. Nafashe umwanya

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it at reception before giving your name; show the booking if you have it

16. Nyamuneka mfasha

    Please help me

    Usage

    Shout it in an emergency — it is meant to draw attention fast

17. Nyamuneka subiramo

    Once more, please

    Usage

    For asking someone to repeat; pairs naturally with “I don’t understand”

18. Nyamuneka vuga buhoro

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speed is the problem rather than the words; most people oblige

19. Mvuga gato

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Say it early; people then choose simpler words and slow down

20. Uvuga icyongereza?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    For complicated business — check whether you share a language first

21. Iki kintu

    This (this thing)

    Usage

    Point at something near you

22. Icyo kintu

    That (that thing)

    Usage

    Point at something further away

23. Hano

    Here

    Usage

    Indicate this place

24. Aho

    There

    Usage

    Indicate a place a little away

25. Hariya

    Over there

    Usage

    Indicate a place far off

26. Njye

    I / me

    Usage

    Point at yourself

27. Wowe

    You

    Usage

    Point at the other person

28. Hamwe

    Together

    Usage

    Show that you are going or paying together

29. Byose

    All

    Usage

    Show that you mean all of it

30. Birahagije

    That's enough

    Usage

    Show that it is enough

31. Nonaha

    Right now

    Usage

    Show that you mean right now

32. Kimwe cya kabiri

    Half

    Usage

    Show that you want half

33. Umuntu umwe

    One person

    Usage

    Give the size of your party

34. Abantu babiri

    Two people

    Usage

    Give the size of your party

35. Abantu batatu

    Three people

    Usage

    Give the size of your party

Browse all TravelPhrases languages