Flirting

1. Uri mwiza cyane

   U-ri mwi-za cya-ne

   You are very beautiful

   Usage

   A natural compliment on someone's appearance

   Grammar Note

   "mwiza" means "beautiful/good person". It can praise appearance and character alike.

2. Witwa nde?

   Wi-twa n-de?

   What is your name?

   Usage

   A natural opening to ask someone's name when meeting them

   Grammar Note

   Reply: "Nitwa [name]" (I am called...). In Kinyarwanda culture, sharing names is an important courtesy.

3. Wenda tugasangire inzoga?

   Wen-da tu-ga-san-gi-re in-zo-ga?

   Would you like to share a drink with me?

   Usage

   A polite invitation to share a drink together

   Grammar Note

   "wenda" introduces a gentle suggestion. "inzoga" covers drinks including Rwanda's traditional banana beer.

4. Nishimye guhura nawe

   Ni-shi-mye gu-hu-ra na-we

   I am happy to meet you

   Usage

   Expresses joy at meeting someone

   Grammar Note

   "nishimye" is the perfect form of "gushimishwa" (to be made happy). "guhura nawe" = "to meet with you".

5. Wambwira numero yawe?

   Wam-bwi-ra nu-me-ro ya-we?

   Can you tell me your phone number?

   Usage

   A modern phrase to exchange phone numbers

   Grammar Note

   "wambwira" is the applied form of "kubwira" meaning "to tell [someone]". "-m-" is the object marker "me".

6. Nshaka gusohokana nawe

   N-sha-ka gu-so-ho-ka-na na-we

   I want to go out together

   Usage

   Used to invite someone on a date in Rwanda

   Grammar Note

   "gusohokana" is "gusohoka" (to go out) plus "-ana" (together): "to go out together"

7. Ndagukunda

   Nda-gu-kun-da

   I like you / I love you

   Usage

   A direct expression of affection or love in Kinyarwanda

   Grammar Note

   "ndagukunda" incorporates subject, object, and verb in one word — a feature of Bantu grammar

8. Ndashaka kunywana na we

   Nda-sha-ka ku-nywa-na na we

   I want to have a drink with you

   Usage

   Used to invite someone for a drink together

   Grammar Note

   "kunywana" is a reciprocal verb meaning "to drink together". "na we" means "with you"

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