Feelings

1. Ndishimye

   I'm happy

   Usage

   The base word for gladness and contentment — after a kindness, or when describing how the trip is going

   Grammar Note

   "N-" (I) plus the perfect of "kwishima" (to be glad); the perfect expresses a present state.

2. Nishimiye

   I'm glad about it

   Usage

   "Glad about" something; "Nishimiye kukumenya" — pleased to meet you — is the standard introduction line

   Grammar Note

   The applicative "-ira/-iye" on "kwishima" yields "to be glad about" something.

3. Birasekeje

   That's funny

   Usage

   A reaction to someone's joke that keeps the conversation going

   Grammar Note

   "Bi-" (class 8, standing for the situation) + "ra-" + "sekeje" (to make laugh) — the subject is the situation, not a person.

4. Ndabikunda

   I like it

   Usage

   The safest way to praise a dish or a place; usable with anyone

   Grammar Note

   "Nd-" + the present "a-" + the class 8 object marker "bi-" + "kunda" (to like).

5. Ndagukunda

   I love you

   Usage

   Works for family and friends as well as romance; too heavy for a first meeting

   Grammar Note

   "Nd-" + "a-" + the object marker "ku-" (you) + "kunda".

6. Ndagukumbuye

   I miss you

   Usage

   Natural when parting or promising to return; works for places as well as people

   Grammar Note

   "Nd-" + "a-" + "ku-" (you) + the perfect of "gukumbura" (to long for).

7. Ndababaye

   I'm sad

   Usage

   For feeling low, and also for offering condolence; "Ndababajwe" adds "I am pained by" something

   Grammar Note

   "N-" plus the perfect of "kubabara" (to hurt), used for both bodily and emotional pain.

8. Ndi wenyine

   I'm on my own / lonely

   Usage

   Literally "I am alone" — an opener when travelling solo and wanting company

   Grammar Note

   "Ndi" (I am) plus "wenyine" (alone); the "w-" agrees with a class 1 or first/second-person subject.

9. Ndarambiwe

   I'm bored

   Usage

   For a long wait. Aimed at someone's tour it would be rude, so keep it about your own situation

   Grammar Note

   "Nd-" + "a-" + the perfect of "kurambirwa" (to become bored), carrying the passive "-irwa".

10. Ndarakaye

    I'm angry

    Usage

    A strong signal. Rwandan conversational norms favour composure, so keep it for genuine complaints

    Grammar Note

    "Nd-" + "a-" + the perfect of "kurakara" (to become angry).

11. Ndatinya

    I'm afraid

    Usage

    You can name what frightens you: "Ndatinya inzoka" — I'm afraid of snakes. Use it when you feel unsafe

    Grammar Note

    "Nd-" + "a-" + "gutinya" (to fear).

12. Ndatangaye

    I'm surprised

    Usage

    Neutral — it works for pleasant and unpleasant surprises alike, and for amazement

    Grammar Note

    "Nd-" + "a-" + the perfect of "gutangara" (to be amazed).

13. Ndahangayitse

    I'm worried

    Usage

    For voicing concern about luggage or your health; it invites the other person to ask

    Grammar Note

    "Nd-" + "a-" + the perfect of "guhangayika" (to be anxious).

14. Mfite isoni

    I'm shy / embarrassed

    Usage

    Literally "I have shyness" — for blushing at a compliment, or explaining that you dislike speaking in public

    Grammar Note

    "N-" plus "-fite" (to have) becomes "mfite"; "n-" turns into "m" before "f". "Isoni" is class 9/10.

15. Ndananiwe

    I'm tired

    Usage

    After gorilla trekking or a walk through the hills; a polite way to ask for a break

    Grammar Note

    "Nd-" + "a-" + the perfect of "kunanirwa" (to be worn out).

16. Mfite ibitotsi

    I'm sleepy

    Usage

    Literally "I have sleep"; distinct from "ndananiwe" — this is drowsiness rather than tiredness

    Grammar Note

    "Mfite" (I have) plus "ibitotsi" (sleepiness, class 8).

17. Ndi muzima

    I'm well

    Usage

    An answer to "how are you"; literally "I am alive and sound"

    Grammar Note

    "Ndi" (I am) plus "muzima" (healthy), in the class 1 adjective form.

18. Ndwaye

    I'm ill

    Usage

    The base phrase for feeling unwell; use the body cards to show where it hurts

    Grammar Note

    "N-" plus the perfect of "kurwara" (to fall ill); the perfect expresses the present state.

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