Greetings

1. Muraho

   Mu-ra-ho

   Hello

   Usage

   The general Kinyarwanda greeting, widely used in Rwanda

   Grammar Note

   Uses the plural form to show respect, even when greeting a single person

2. Murakoze

   Mu-ra-ko-ze

   Thank you

   Usage

   The most common Kinyarwanda expression of gratitude

   Grammar Note

   "Murakoze cyane" means "thank you very much" — cyane means very

3. Murabeho

   Mu-ra-be-ho

   Goodbye

   Usage

   The respectful Kinyarwanda farewell

   Grammar Note

   The casual "Bye" (English) is also commonly used in Rwanda

4. Yego / Oya

   Ye-go / O-ya

   Yes / No

   Usage

   Basic Kinyarwanda words for yes and no

   Grammar Note

   "Yego" is the standard affirmative in Kinyarwanda, a Bantu language of Rwanda

5. Amakuru?

   A-ma-ku-ru?

   How are you? / What is the news?

   Usage

   A Kinyarwanda greeting asking "what is the news?" — used as "how are you?"

   Grammar Note

   Reply "Ni meza" (it's good / I'm fine) or add "murakoze" (thank you)

6. Bite?

   Bi-te?

   How is it going? (casual)

   Usage

   A casual greeting used with friends or peers in Rwanda

   Grammar Note

   Reply "Ni meza" (it's fine) or "Neza" (well). A casual colloquial greeting among Rwandan youth

7. Murakaza neza

   Mu-ra-ka-za ne-za

   Welcome

   Usage

   Used to welcome someone. Widely used in Rwanda's tourism and hospitality

   Grammar Note

   "murakaza neza" is also Rwanda's official tourism slogan — a very warm and formal welcome expression

8. Mwiriwe

   Mwi-ri-we

   Good afternoon / Good day

   Usage

   Used as an afternoon greeting in Kinyarwanda

   Grammar Note

   "mwiriwe" is the afternoon/evening greeting. Morning greeting is "mwaramutse" (good morning)

9. Mwaramutse

   Mwa-ra-mu-tse

   Good morning

   Usage

   The Kinyarwanda morning greeting. Polite greetings are very important in Rwandan culture

   Grammar Note

   "mwaramutse" uses the plural/respectful form. Singular "waramutse". Greeting exchange is essential in Rwanda

10. Bundi munsi

    Bun-di mun-si

    See you another day / See you tomorrow

    Usage

    A friendly farewell expressing hope to meet again

    Grammar Note

    "bundi munsi" means "another day". Can also use "ejo" (tomorrow) for "see you tomorrow"

11. Umusarani uri he?

    U-mu-sa-ra-ni u-ri he?

    Where is the toilet/bathroom?

    Usage

    Practical phrase for asking the location of a toilet in public places or facilities

    Grammar Note

    "Uri he?" is the Kinyarwanda locative question meaning "where is it?" "He" is the interrogative word for "where."

12. Simvuga Ikinyarwanda

    Sim-vu-ga I-ki-nya-rwan-da

    I can't speak Kinyarwanda

    Usage

    Used to indicate you cannot speak Kinyarwanda. Often used as a preface to request help in English or French

    Grammar Note

    "Simvuga" = negative prefix "si-" + 1sg subject "n-" + verb root "-vuga" (to speak; infinitive "kuvuga"). "si-" + "n-" assimilates to "sim-", the same pattern as "simfite" (I don't have) and "simbikeneye" (I don't need it) elsewhere in this app. "Ntabwo mvuga Ikinyarwanda" is an equally common periphrastic alternative.

13. Uraryame neza

    U-ra-rya-me ne-za

    Good night

    Usage

    Said before going to bed, e.g. at a guesthouse or homestay; literally "sleep well"

14. Nta kibazo

    Nta ki-ba-zo

    You're welcome

    Usage

    Response to "Murakoze" (thank you); literally "no problem"

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