Slang

1. Bite?

   What's up?

   Usage

   A casual greeting for friends your age or shop staff; with elders or in formal settings use "Amakuru?" or "Mwaramutse"

2. Nta kibazo

   No problem

   Usage

   Literally "there is no problem" — an answer to thanks and a way to wave off someone's concern. Safe with anyone

   Grammar Note

   "Nta" (there is no) plus "ikibazo" (problem, class 7); the noun's initial vowel drops after "nta".

3. Sha

   Mate / dude

   Usage

   A youth address tacked onto a sentence; only for close friends your own age, never for elders or strangers

4. Yewe!

   Hey you!

   Usage

   To get someone's attention — for friends your age. With elders or staff it sounds abrupt, so open with "Mwaramutse" instead

5. Mana we!

   Oh my God!

   Usage

   An exclamation of surprise or dismay; "Mana" means God. Rwanda is a devout society, so do not use it flippantly. Safe with anyone when the surprise is genuine

6. Ni byo?

   Really?

   Usage

   A backchannel for surprise that signals you want to hear more; safe with anyone

   Grammar Note

   "Ni" (it is) plus "byo" (those things, class 8) — "is that so?".

7. Reka!

   Stop it! / No way!

   Usage

   Literally "stop"; said laughing at a joke it becomes "oh come on!". For friends your age — said flatly it is a real command, so avoid it with elders

8. Inshuti

   Friend

   Usage

   Works as a form of address; "Inshuti yanjye" — my friend — is warmer still. Safe with anyone and welcomed from visitors

   Grammar Note

   A class 9 (in-) noun; the plural is identical.

9. Mama

   Mama (respectful address)

   Usage

   A respectful address for a woman older than you, regardless of relation. It warms things up instantly at a market or eatery. Not for women your own age

10. Papa

    Papa (respectful address)

    Usage

    A respectful address for a man older than you, regardless of relation. Rwandan society takes deference to elders seriously, so this is the safe default

11. Komera

    Be strong / take care

    Usage

    Literally "be strong" — used both to encourage and to say goodbye, and characteristically Rwandan. Safe with anyone

    Grammar Note

    The imperative of "gukomera" (to be strong); to several people or with deference, use "Mukomere".

12. Turabonana

    See you

    Usage

    Literally "we will see each other" — a parting line for someone you expect to meet again. Safe with anyone

    Grammar Note

    "Tu-" (we) + "ra-" + "bonana" (to see one another), carrying the reciprocal suffix "-ana".

13. Umuganda

    Umuganda (community work day)

    Usage

    The nationwide community work morning on the last Saturday of each month. Shops close and vehicle movement is restricted, so do not schedule travel then. Mention it and people will happily explain. Safe with anyone

    Grammar Note

    A class 3 (umu-) noun; originally a building pole or contribution, and from there communal work.

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