Language Learning

1. Nshaka kwiga ururimi rw'Ikinyarwanda.

   I would like to learn Kinyarwanda.

   Usage

   Used to express desire to learn Kinyarwanda

   Grammar Note

   "rw'" is a possessive connector used before vowels

2. Vuga buhoro, nyamuneka.

   Please speak slowly.

   Usage

   Used to ask someone to speak more slowly

   Grammar Note

   "vuga" is the imperative "speak" and "buhoro" means "slowly". "neza" means "well", not "slowly"

3. Ni ikihe gisobanuro cy'ijambo "inzira"?

   What is the meaning of the word "inzira"?

   Usage

   Used when asking for the meaning of a word

   Grammar Note

   "ni ikihe" is a question phrase meaning "what is"

4. Wabisubiramo mu Kinyarwanda?

   Can you say that again in Kinyarwanda?

   Usage

   Used to ask someone to repeat themselves in Kinyarwanda

   Grammar Note

   "wabisubiramo" = "wa-" (you) + "bi-" (it) + "subiramo" (repeat): "could you repeat it". "mu Kinyarwanda" means "in Kinyarwanda"

5. Wanyandikira iryo jambo?

   Could you write down that word for me?

   Usage

   Used when asking someone to write down an unfamiliar word

   Grammar Note

   "wanyandikira" = "wa-" (you) + "n" (to me) + "yandikira" (write for): a request, "could you write it for me". "nshobora" means "I can", so it does not fit a request to someone else

6. Ndashaka gusoma ibitabo byo mu Kinyarwanda.

   I would like to read books in Kinyarwanda.

   Usage

   Used when looking for Kinyarwanda reading materials

   Grammar Note

   "byo mu" means "of" or "in" (referring to language)

7. Ikinyarwanda gifite ibyiciro bingahe by'amazina?

   How many noun classes does Kinyarwanda have?

   Usage

   Used when studying the noun class system of Kinyarwanda

   Grammar Note

   Kinyarwanda has many noun classes as a Bantu language

8. Wanyandikira hano ukansobanurira?

   Could you write here and explain?

   Usage

   Used when asking someone to write and explain something

   Grammar Note

   "wanyandikira" (you write for me) is followed by "ukansobanurira" (and explain to me), linking two requests: "write it and then explain"

9. Ni hehe nshobora kubona mwarimu w'ururimi?

   Where can I find a language teacher?

   Usage

   Used when searching for a private Kinyarwanda tutor

   Grammar Note

   "ni hehe" is a question expression meaning "where is"

10. Ikinyarwanda nkivuga ni cyiza?

    Is the Kinyarwanda I'm speaking good?

    Usage

    Used to ask for feedback on your Kinyarwanda speaking

    Grammar Note

    "Ikinyarwanda" is a class 7 noun, so the object marker in "nkivuga" (I speak it) is "ki-" and the adjective is "cyiza". "Ubu" would mean "now" and is not used here

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