Introduction & Greetings
Essential Kinyarwanda phrases for introducing yourself and greeting people in Rwanda. Perfect for first interactions and daily conversations.
📚 Pronunciation Guide
- r: Rolled like Spanish "rr"
- ny: Like "ny" in "canyon"
- cy/gv: Soft "ch" sound
- Vowels: Always pronounced clearly (a, e, i, o, u)
| Phrase | Definition | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Muraho neza (Moo-rah-hoh neh-zah) | Hello | |
| Mwaramutse (Mwah-rah-moo-tseh) | Good morning (Singular) | |
| Mwiriwe (Mwee-ree-weh) | Good afternoon/evening (Singular) | |
| Bite se? (Bee-teh seh?) | How is it? / What's up? (Informal) | |
| Amakuru ki? (Ah-mah-koo-roo kee?) | What is the news? (Common informal) | |
| Meze neza (Meh-zay neh-zah) | I am well/I feel good | |
| Ndabashuhuje (Nda-bah-shoo-hoo-jhay) | I salute you (Formal/Plural) | |
| Ndashaka kwivuga (Nda-shah-kah kwee-voo-gah) | I want to introduce myself | |
| Ndi [Name] (Ndee [Name]) | I am [Name] | |
| Izina ryanjye ni [Name] (Ee-zee-nah r'yahn-jhay nee [Name]) | My name is [Name] | |
| Ndi umunyamahanga (Ndee oo-moo-n'yah-mah-hah-ngah) | I am a foreigner | |
| Ndi hano bwa mbere (Ndee hah-noh bwah mm-beh-reh) | I am here for the first time | |
| Ni ubwa mbere tuhuye (Nee oo-b'wah mm-beh-reh too-hoo-yay) | It's the first time we meet | |
| Ni byiza cyane guhura nawe (Nee b'yee-zah ch'yah-nay goo-hoo-rah nah-weh) | It's very good to meet you (Singular) | |
| Ni byiza guhura namwe (Nee b'yee-zah goo-hoo-rah nah-m'weh) | It's good to meet you (Plural/Formal) | |
| Mwakire ikaze (M'wah-kee-reh ee-kah-zay) | Receive a welcome (Formal) | |
| Ndabakiriye (Nda-bah-kee-ree-yay) | I welcome you (Formal/Plural) | |
| Mwakoze kuza (M'wah-koh-zay koo-zah) | Thank you for coming (Formal/Plural) | |
| Mwatangiye? (M'wah-tah-n-gee-yay?) | Have you started? (Formal/Plural) | |
| Twishimiye kubakira (Twee-shee-mee-yay koo-bah-kee-rah) | We are happy to receive you (Formal) | |
| Ndashaka kuvuga ijambo (Nda-shah-kah koo-voo-gah ee-jah-mbah) | I want to say a word (Start a speech) | |
| Reka mbanze mbashire (Reh-kah mm-bah-n-zay mm-bah-shee-reh) | Let me first greet you (Formal) | |
| Ndi inshuti ya [Name] (Ndee een-shoo-tee yah [Name]) | I am a friend of [Name] | |
| Ndi umukozi wa [Company] (Ndee oo-moo-koh-zee wah [Company]) | I am an employee of [Company] | |
| Mpemereye ko ntangira (Mm-peh-meh-reh-yay koh ntah-n-gee-rah) | Allow me to start (Formal request) | |
| Ndishimye kuba hano (Ndee-shee-m'yay koo-bah hah-noh) | I am happy to be here | |
| Ngaho duhere (Ngah-hoh doo-heh-reh) | Let us start now (Suggesting the beginning) | |
| Muduhe umwanya (Moo-doo-hay oo-m'wah-n'yah) | Give us time/space (Requesting permission to speak) | |
| Twatangiye noneho (T'wah-tah-n-gee-yay noh-neh-hoh) | We start now | |
| Ndi [Title] (Ndee [Title]) | I am the [Title] (Stating position) | |
| Murakaza neza i Kigali (Moo-rah-kah-zah neh-zah ee Kee-gah-lee) | Welcome to Kigali | |
| Turishimiye kuba kumwe namwe (Too-ree-shee-mee-yay koo-bah koo-m'weh nah-m'weh) | We are happy to be together with you (Plural) | |
| Umugoroba mwiza (Oo-moo-goh-roh-bah mwee-zah) | Have a nice evening (Greeting/Farewell) | |
| Muryoherwe n'iki gikorwa (Moo-r'yoh-heh-r'weh n'ee-kee gee-koh-r'wah) | Enjoy this event (Formal wish) | |
| Umunsi mwiza (Oo-moo-nsee mwee-zah) | Have a nice day (Singular) | |
| Amahoro (Ah-mah-hoh-roh) | Peace (Common greeting/farewell) | |
| Urugendo ruhire (Oo-roo-geh-ndoh roo-hee-reh) | Have a blessed journey (Often used to start/end a trip discussion) | |
| Ndimo kuvuga ku byerekeye [Topic] (Ndee-moh koo-voo-gah koo b'yeh-reh-keh-yay [Topic]) | I am speaking about [Topic] | |
| Intego y'iki gikorwa ni (Een-teh-goh y'ee-kee gee-koh-r'wah nee) | The goal of this event is | |
| Turi kumwe na [Name] (Too-ree koo-m'weh nah [Name]) | We are with [Name] | |
| Nje mbereye [Person/Group] (N-jhay mm-beh-reh-yay [Person/Group]) | I came representing [Person/Group] | |
| Ndishimye kubona imyitwarire myiza (Ndee-shee-m'yay koo-boh-nah ee-m'yee-t'wah-ree-reh m'yee-zah) | I am happy to see good behavior (Formal start of a critique/compliment) | |
| Murakaza neza mwese (Moo-rah-kah-zah neh-zah mweh-seh) | Welcome all of you | |
| Iki ni igihe cyiza cyo gutangira (Ee-kee nee ee-gee-hay ch'yee-zah ch'yoh goo-tah-n-gee-rah) | This is a good time to start | |
| Mfashe uyu mwanya ngo... (M-fah-shye oo-yoo m'wah-n'yah ngoh) | I take this moment to... | |
| Umeze ute? (Oo-meh-zay oo-teh?) | How are you? (Singular | |
| Mumeze mute? (Moo-meh-zay moo-teh?) | How are you? (Plural/Formal) | |
| Mwaramukanye amahoro? (M'wah-rah-moo-kah-n'yay ah-mah-hoh-roh?) | Did you wake up in peace? (Morning greeting) | |
| Twiriwe neza (Twee-ree-weh neh-zah) | We spent the afternoon well (Formal response) | |
| Twahuye he? (T'wah-hoo-yay hay?) | Where did we meet? (Common way to start recollection) | |
| Simfite ibyo nzi byinshi (Seem-fee-tay ee-b'yoh nzee b'yeen-shee) | I don't have much to say/I don't know much | |
| Reka tuvuge ku kibazo cya [Issue] (Reh-kah too-voo-gah koo ee-kee-bah-zoh ch'yah [Issue]) | Let's talk about the problem of [Issue] | |
| Ijambo ni iryanjye (Ee-jah-mbah nee ee-r'yahn-jhay) | The word is mine (I have the floor) | |
| Ndimo kuganira na [Name] (Ndee-moh koo-gah-nee-rah nah [Name]) | I am chatting with [Name] | |
| Ufite umwanya? (Oo-fee-tay oo-m'wah-n'yah?) | Do you have time? (To discuss) | |
| Iki gikorwa kiratangira (Ee-kee gee-koh-r'wah kee-rah-tah-n-gee-rah) | This event is about to start | |
| Dutegereze gato (Doo-teh-geh-reh-zay gah-toh) | Let's wait a bit | |
| Ndategereje [Name] (Nda-teh-geh-reh-jhay [Name]) | I am waiting for [Name] | |
| Ndaza gukomeza (Nda-zah goo-koh-meh-zah) | I will continue (after a pause/introduction) | |
| Duhaye ikaze abashyitsi (Doo-hah-yay ee-kah-zay ah-bah-sh'yee-tsee) | We welcome the guests | |
| Abashyitsi bose (Ah-bah-sh'yee-tsee boh-say) | All the guests | |
| Turahaye ikaze abayobozi (Too-rah-hah-yay ee-kah-zay ah-bah-yoh-boh-zee) | We welcome the leaders | |
| Ubu ni uburyo bwa [Name] (Oo-boo nee oo-boo-r'yoh bwah [Name]) | This is [Name]'s method/turn | |
| Ubu ni umwanya wanjye (Oo-boo nee oo-m'wah-n'yah wahn-jhay) | This is my turn/time | |
| Mwaduhaye uruhushya (M'wah-doo-hah-yay oo-roo-hoo-sh'yah) | You gave us permission | |
| Turabasuhuje namwe (Too-rah-bah-soo-hoo-jhay nah-m'weh) | We greet you too (Formal response) | |
| Ndashimira abateguye (Nda-shee-mee-rah ah-bah-teh-goo-yay) | I thank the organizers | |
| Twishimiye ubufatanye (Twee-shee-mee-yay oo-boo-fah-tah-n'yay) | We are happy for the collaboration | |
| Uyu munsi ni ingenzi (Oo-yoo moo-nsee nee een-gehn-zee) | This day is important | |
| Mfashe uyu mwanya w'ibanze (M-fah-shye oo-yoo m'wah-n'yah w'ee-bah-n-zay) | I take this initial moment | |
| Ni byiza kwiga hamwe (Nee b'yee-zah kwee-gah hah-m'weh) | It is good to learn together | |
| Twaje kwigira kuri [Topic] (T'wah-jhay kwee-gee-rah koo-ree [Topic]) | We came to learn about [Topic] | |
| Duhuje umugambi (Doo-hoo-jhay oo-moo-gah-mbee) | We share a common purpose | |
| Ibi ni iby'ingenzi kuri twe (Ee-bee nee ee-b'y'ee-ngehn-zee koo-ree t'weh) | These are important for us | |
| Twemerewe kuvuga (T'weh-meh-reh-weh koo-voo-gah) | We are allowed to speak | |
| Mutubabarire gutangira (Moo-too-bah-bah-ree-reh goo-tah-n-gee-rah) | Forgive us for starting (Apology for starting late) | |
| Nta kibazo cyo gutangira (Nta kee-bah-zoh ch'yoh goo-tah-n-gee-rah) | No problem starting (Permission to start) | |
| Iki gice cy'ibanze (Ee-kee gee-chay ch'yee-bah-n-zay) | This initial part/section | |
| Ndashaka kuvuga ijambo rito (Nda-shah-kah koo-voo-gah ee-jah-mbah ree-toh) | I want to say a small word | |
| Igikorwa cyacu kirimo gutangira (Ee-gee-koh-r'wah ch'yah-choo kee-ree-moh goo-tah-n-gee-rah) | Our event is starting now | |
| Mbasuhuza mwese (Mm-bah-soo-hoo-zah mweh-seh) | I greet all of you (Formal/Plural) | |
| Ndi umwe muri mwe (Ndee oo-m'weh moo-ree m'weh) | I am one of you (Expressing solidarity) | |
| Ndahagarariye [Group] (Nda-hah-gah-rah-ree-yay [Group]) | I am representing [Group] | |
| Turi kumwe (Too-ree koo-m'weh) | We are together | |
| Ni igihe cyacu (Nee ee-gee-hay ch'yah-choo) | It is our time (To start/speak) | |
| Mbere yo gutangira (Mm-beh-reh yoh goo-tah-n-gee-rah) | Before starting | |
| Reka mbasuhuze (Reh-kah mm-bah-soo-hoo-zay) | Let me greet you (Plural/Formal) | |
| Ndi umuyobozi wa [Team] (Ndee oo-moo-yoh-boh-zee wah [Team]) | I am the leader of [Team] | |
| Ndabakunda (Nda-bah-koo-ndah) | I love you (Warm | |
| Ndabashimiye (Nda-bah-shee-mee-yay) | I thank you (Formal) | |
| Umutima wanjye urishimye (Oo-moo-tee-mah wahn-jhay oo-ree-shee-m'yay) | My heart is happy | |
| Ndazanye ubwenge (Nda-zah-n'yay oo-b'weh-ngeh) | I have brought wisdom (Starting a serious talk) | |
| Iki ni igihugu cyacu (Ee-kee nee ee-gee-hoo-goo ch'yah-choo) | This is our country (Patriotic opening) | |
| Tugomba kwiga (Too-goh-mbah kwee-gah) | We must learn | |
| Twaje kubaza (T'wah-jhay koo-bah-zah) | We came to ask | |
| Mbabarira (Mm-bah-bah-ree-rah) | I'm sorry | |
| Ni byiza kwiga uburyo (Nee b'yee-zah kwee-gah oo-boo-r'yoh) | It is good to learn the method | |
| Turi mu nzira (Too-ree moo een-zee-rah) | We are on the way/in the process | |
| Urugendo rwatangiye (Oo-roo-geh-ndoh r'wah-tah-n-gee-yay) | The journey has started | |
| Ni igihe cyo kubaka (Nee ee-gee-hay ch'yoh koo-bah-kah) | It is time to build | |
| Ndashaka kumenya [Name] (Nda-shah-kah koo-meh-n'yah [Name]) | I want to know [Name] | |
| Wanyibuka? (Wah-n'yee-boo-kah?) | Do you remember me? | |
| Mbwira izina ryawe (M'bwee-rah ee-zee-nah r'yah-weh) | Tell me your name (Singular) | |
| Mumbwire amazina yanyu (Moo-m-bwee-reh ah-mah-zee-nah yah-n'yoo) | Tell me your names (Plural/Formal) | |
| Ndi ku ruhande rwa [Name] (Ndee koo oo-roo-hah-ndeh r'wah [Name]) | I am on the side of [Name] (Expressing support) | |
| Turi abafatanyabikorwa (Too-ree ah-bah-fah-tah-n'yah-bee-koh-r'wah) | We are partners (Formal) | |
| Ndimo kuvuga nka [Name] (Ndee-moh koo-voo-gah nk-ah [Name]) | I am speaking as [Name] | |
| Umutumire (Oo-moo-too-mee-reh) | The invitee/guest | |
| Umuyobozi w'icyiciro (Oo-moo-yoh-boh-zee w'ee-ch'yee-chee-roh) | The section/department leader | |
| Uru ruhare (Oo-roo oo-roo-hah-reh) | This role/share | |
| Ndaza kugaruka kuri [Topic] (Nda-zah koo-gah-roo-kah koo-ree [Topic]) | I will return to [Topic] | |
| Reka ntangire vuba (Reh-kah ntah-n-gee-reh voo-bah) | Let me start quickly | |
| Muduhe umwanya muto (Moo-doo-hay oo-m'wah-n'yah moo-toh) | Give us a little time | |
| Ndashaka kubahisha (Nda-shah-kah koo-bah-hee-shah) | I want to show you (Formal) | |
| Mfashe akanya (M-fah-shye ah-kah-n'yah) | I take a moment | |
| Iki kiganiro (Ee-kee kee-gah-nee-roh) | This discussion/talk | |
| Ni igikomeye (Nee ee-gee-koh-meh-yay) | It is important/serious | |
| Iki ni igihugu cy'amahoro (Ee-kee nee ee-gee-hoo-goo ch'y'ah-mah-hoh-roh) | This is a country of peace | |
| Ntabwo nzi kuvuga neza (Nta-bwoh nzee koo-voo-gah nay-zah) | I don't know how to speak well (Humble opening) | |
| Mvuga Kinyarwanda gake (M'voo-gah Kee-n'yah-r'wah-ndah gah-kay) | I speak little Kinyarwanda | |
| Ndagerageza kuvuga (Nda-geh-rah-geh-zah koo-voo-gah) | I will try to speak | |
| Munkosore (Moo-n-koh-soh-reh) | Correct me (Request for assistance) | |
| Mumbwire (Moo-m-bwee-reh) | Tell me (Plural/Formal request) | |
| Mbahaye ikaze (Mm-bah-hah-yay ee-kah-zay) | I welcome you (Formal) | |
| Iki gikorwa cya mbere (Ee-kee gee-koh-r'wah ch'yah mm-beh-reh) | This first action/event | |
| Twemerewe (T'weh-meh-reh-weh) | We are allowed | |
| Ndashaka kuvuga ko... (Nda-shah-kah koo-voo-gah koh...) | I want to say that... | |
| Dutangiye (Doo-tah-n-gee-yay) | We have started | |
| Ndi hano kubera [Reason] (Ndee hah-noh koo-beh-rah [Reason]) | I am here because of [Reason] | |
| Ndashaka kwiga (Nda-shah-kah kwee-gah) | I want to learn | |
| Ubu ni uburyo bwiza (Oo-boo nee oo-boo-r'yoh b'wee-zah) | This is a good method | |
| Ndaje (Nda-jhay) | I am coming | |
| Aho twahuriye (Ah-hoh t'wah-hoo-ree-yay) | Where we met | |
| Ibi ni iby'ingenzi (Ee-bee nee ee-b'y'ee-ngehn-zee) | These are important things | |
| Tugomba kwizera (Too-goh-mbah kwee-zeh-rah) | We must trust | |
| Isomo rya mbere (Ee-soh-moh r'yah mm-beh-reh) | The first lesson | |
| Reka mvuge (Reh-kah m'voo-gay) | Let me speak | |
| Reka mpanure (Reh-kah mm-pah-noo-reh) | Let me guide/advise (Formal start of advice) | |
| Ndi umwe mu bavuga (Ndee oo-m'weh moo ah-bah-voo-gah) | I am one of the speakers | |
| Umutwe w'ijambo ryanjye (Oo-moo-t'weh w'ee-jah-mbah r'yahn-jhay) | The title of my talk | |
| Iki kiganiro kizafata (Ee-kee kee-gah-nee-roh kee-zah-fah-tah) | This discussion will take | |
| Muri iki gice (Moo-ree ee-kee gee-chay) | In this section/part | |
| Nshaka kubereka (Nshah-kah koo-beh-reh-kah) | I want to show you | |
| Dufite impamvu (Doo-fee-tay eem-pah-m'voo) | We have a reason | |
| Ni byiza guhura n'inshuti (Nee b'yee-zah goo-hoo-rah n'ee-n-shoo-tee) | It is good to meet friends | |
| Ndabakunda mwese (Nda-bah-koo-ndah mweh-seh) | I love all of you (Warm opening) | |
| Ndi umukozi w'Imana (Ndee oo-moo-koh-zee w'Ee-mah-nah) | I am a servant of God (Common start of a spiritual talk) | |
| Turi hano kubera urukundo (Too-ree hah-noh koo-beh-rah oo-roo-koo-ndoh) | We are here because of love | |
| Urukundo rwa [Topic] (Oo-roo-koo-ndoh r'wah [Topic]) | The love of [Topic] | |
| Dufite inshingano (Doo-fee-tay een-shee-ngah-noh) | We have a responsibility | |
| Uyu ni umwanya w'ubwitonzi (Oo-yoo nee oo-m'wah-n'yah w'oo-b'wee-toh-nzee) | This is a time for carefulness | |
| Reka tuganire (Reh-kah too-gah-nee-reh) | Let us discuss/chat | |
| Reka mbatere intambwe (Reh-kah mm-bah-teh-reh een-tah-m'b'weh) | Let me take the first step for you (Start of a guided process) | |
| Ndashaka kuvuga ku... (Nda-shah-kah koo-voo-gah koo...) | I want to talk about... | |
| Iki gihugu (Ee-kee gee-hoo-goo) | This country | |
| Abanyarwanda (Ah-bah-n'yah-r'wah-ndah) | Rwandan people | |
| Ndi umwe muri bo (Ndee oo-m'weh moo-ree boh) | I am one of them | |
| Turi abavandimwe (Too-ree ah-bah-vah-ndee-m'weh) | We are siblings (Expressing close kinship/unity) | |
| Ubu ni ubumwe (Oo-boo nee oo-boo-m'weh) | This is unity | |
| Twaje guhuza (T'wah-jhay goo-hoo-zah) | We came to unite/agree | |
| Muvuge (Moo-voo-gay) | Speak (Plural/Formal permission) | |
| Ntabwo nzi [Name] (Nta-bwoh nzee [Name]) | I don't know [Name] | |
| Ndacyeka ko (Nda-ch'yeh-kah koh) | I suspect that.../I think that... | |
| Ubu ni uburyo bushya (Oo-boo nee oo-boo-r'yoh boo-sh'yah) | This is a new method | |
| Twizeye ko (T'wee-zeh-yay koh) | We hope that.../We trust that... | |
| Murakoze kwitabira (Moo-rah-koh-zay kwee-tah-bee-rah) | Thank you for attending (Formal) | |
| Ndashaka gushima (Nda-shah-kah goo-shee-mah) | I want to thank/praise | |
| Muri abantu beza (Moo-ree ah-bahn-too beh-zah) | You are good people | |
| Twese turi hano (Tweh-seh too-ree hah-noh) | We are all here | |
| Ndi umukire (Ndee oo-moo-kee-reh) | I am a rich person (Humble brag/opening humor) | |
| Ndi umukene (Ndee oo-moo-keh-nay) | I am a poor person (Self-deprecating humor/humble opening) | |
| Iki ni igikombe cyacu (Ee-kee nee ee-gee-koh-mbeh ch'yah-choo) | This is our cup (Our turn/Our share) | |
| Ndashaka kubana namwe (Nda-shah-kah koo-bah-nah nah-m'weh) | I want to be with you | |
| Iki ni igihango (Ee-kee nee ee-gee-hah-ngoh) | This is a covenant/agreement (Solemn start) | |
| Twaje gukora (T'wah-jhay goo-koh-rah) | We came to work | |
| Twaje kwiga ibishya (T'wah-jhay kwee-gah ee-bee-sh'yah) | We came to learn new things | |
| Uyu ni umuryango (Oo-yoo nee oo-moo-r'yah-ngoh) | This is a family (Expressing warmth) | |
| Twifuje ko (Twee-foo-jhay koh) | We wished that... | |
| Ndashaka gutangiza (Nda-shah-kah goo-tah-n-gee-zah) | I want to start/initiate | |
| Gutangiza ikiganiro (Goo-tah-n-gee-zah ee-kee-gah-nee-roh) | To start the discussion | |
| Gutangiza inama (Goo-tah-n-gee-zah ee-nah-mah) | To start the meeting | |
| Iki ni igice cya mbere (Ee-kee nee ee-gee-chay ch'yah mm-beh-reh) | This is the first part | |
| Twese hamwe (Tweh-seh hah-m'weh) | All of us together | |
| Ndi umuhamya (Ndee oo-moo-hah-m'yah) | I am a witness (Formal testimony start) | |
| Icyo nshaka kuvuga ni... (Ee-choh nshah-kah koo-voo-gah nee...) | What I want to say is... | |
| Murabeho (Moo-rah-beh-hoh) | Goodbye (Often used at the start to say "Hello" in a formal way) | |
| Mubwire [Name] (Moo-bwee-reh [Name]) | Tell [Name] (Asking the audience to pass a message) | |
| Ndabashimira imbaraga zanyu (Nda-bah-shee-mee-rah ee-m-bah-rah-gah zah-n'yoo) | I thank you for your strength/effort | |
| Turishimiye uyu munsi (Too-ree-shee-mee-yay oo-yoo moo-nsee) | We are happy this day | |
| Muduhe ijambo (Moo-doo-hay ee-jah-mbah) | Give us the word (Request to speak) | |
| Mfashe umwanya wawe (M-fah-shye oo-m'wah-n'yah wah-weh) | I take your time (Apology for interruption/starting) | |
| Ndi kumwe na [Name] (Ndee koo-m'weh nah [Name]) | I am with [Name] (Introducing a companion) | |
| Twaje turi babiri (T'wah-jhay too-ree bah-bee-ree) | We came as two (Introducing a small group) | |
| Uyu ni umunsi utazibagirana (Oo-yoo nee oo-moo-nsee oo-tah-zee-bah-gee-rah-nah) | This is an unforgettable day | |
| Turi mu rugendo ruremereye (Too-ree moo oo-roo-geh-ndoh roo-reh-meh-reh-yay) | We are on a serious journey | |
| Ndashaka kuvuga ku mateka (Nda-shah-kah koo-voo-gah koo ah-mah-teh-kah) | I want to talk about history | |
| Twizeye ejo heza (T'wee-zeh-yay eh-joh heh-zah) | We hope for a good tomorrow | |
| Ndi umukirisitu (Ndee oo-moo-kee-ree-see-too) | I am a Christian (Common religious opening) | |
| Ndimo kwiga (Ndee-moh kwee-gah) | I am learning (Humble opening) | |
| Ndi umwigisha (Ndee oo-m'wee-gee-shah) | I am a teacher | |
| Ndashaka kuganira namwe (Nda-shah-kah koo-gah-nee-rah nah-m'weh) | I want to chat with you (Formal) | |
| Reka mbatangirize (Reh-kah mm-bah-tah-n-gee-ree-zay) | Let me start for you (Offering to open) | |
| Muvugane (Moo-voo-gah-nay) | Speak to each other (Request for discussion) | |
| Icyo dukeneye (Ee-choh doo-keh-neh-yay) | What we need (Stating the requirement/focus) | |
| Ubutumwa bwanjye ni (Oo-boo-too-m'wah b'wahn-jhay nee) | My message is | |
| Ndaza kuvuga byinshi (Nda-zah koo-voo-gah b'yeen-shee) | I will speak a lot (Warning/Stating length) | |
| Mugomba kumva (Moo-goh-mbah koo-m'vah) | You must hear/listen | |
| Ndabizi (Nda-bee-zee) | I know it | |
| Ntawabura kuvuga (Nta-wah-boo-rah koo-voo-gah) | No one should fail to speak | |
| Iki kiganiro kiroroshye (Ee-kee kee-gah-nee-roh kee-roh-roh-sh'yeh) | This discussion is easy | |
| Ndimo gutangira vuba (Ndee-moh goo-tah-n-gee-rah voo-bah) | I am starting soon | |
| Ndashaka kuvugana n'abantu (Nda-shah-kah koo-voo-gah-nah n'ah-bahn-too) | I want to talk with the people | |
| Abantu benshi (Ah-bahn-too behn-shee) | Many people | |
| Muri bwinshi (Moo-ree bwee-n-shee) | You are many (Acknowledging the large crowd) | |
| Ndaza kugaruka (Nda-zah koo-gah-roo-kah) | I will return | |
| Nta cyo byangiza (Nta choh b'yah-n-gee-zah) | It doesn't damage anything (Reassurance/calm opening) | |
| Ndabizanye (Nda-bee-zah-n'yay) | I brought them (Referring to ideas/gifts) | |
| Ibi ni ibitekerezo (Ee-bee nee ee-bee-teh-keh-reh-zoh) | These are ideas | |
| Twese hamwe turi [Group] (Tweh-seh hah-m'weh too-ree [Group]) | All of us together are [Group] | |
| Ufite uburenganzira (Oo-fee-tay oo-boo-reh-ngah-nzee-rah) | You have the right | |
| Ndimo kuvuga ukuri (Ndee-moh koo-voo-gah oo-koo-ree) | I am speaking the truth | |
| Ukuri ni iki? (Oo-koo-ree nee ee-chee?) | What is the truth? (Philosophical start) | |
| Nshaka kubaza (Nshah-kah koo-bah-zah) | I want to ask (Starting with a question) | |
| Uyu munsi ni uw'ibyishimo (Oo-yoo moo-nsee nee oo-w'ee-b'yee-shee-moh) | This day is for joy | |
| Mbere y'abantu bose (Mm-beh-reh y'ah-bahn-too boh-say) | Before all people (Public speaking formality) | |
| Ndi ku ruhare rwa [Role] (Ndee koo oo-roo-hah-reh r'wah [Role]) | I am in the role of [Role] | |
| Umutware w'iki gikorwa (Oo-moo-t'wah-reh w'ee-kee gee-koh-r'wah) | The host/chief of this event | |
| Abanyacyubahiro (Ah-bah-n'yah-ch'yoo-bah-hee-roh) | Honorable guests (Formal opening address) | |
| Mfashe uyu mwanya ngo mbashimire (M-fah-shye oo-yoo m'wah-n'yah ngoh mm-bah-shee-mee-reh) | I take this moment to thank you (Formal) | |
| Ndashaka kugaragaza (Nda-shah-kah koo-gah-rah-gah-zah) | I want to show/demonstrate | |
| Turabasaba (Too-rah-bah-sah-bah) | We ask you (Formal request) | |
| Ntawe umfashije (Nta-weh oo-m-fah-shee-jhay) | No one is helping me (Self-reliance statement) | |
| Reka mbasobanurire (Reh-kah mm-bah-soh-bah-noo-ree-reh) | Let me explain to you | |
| Icyizere kirahari (Ee-ch'yee-zeh-reh kee-rah-hah-ree) | Hope is present (Optimistic opening) | |
| Ndumva ndi i muhira (Ndoo-m'vah ndee ee moo-hee-rah) | I feel like I am home (Expressing comfort) | |
| Ubu ni ubutumwa bwiza (Oo-boo nee oo-boo-too-m'wah b'wee-zah) | This is good news (Common start) | |
| Ndashaka kuvuga ibyiza (Nda-shah-kah koo-voo-gah ee-b'yee-zah) | I want to speak good things | |
| Ndi umutumwa (Ndee oo-moo-too-m'wah) | I am a messenger | |
| Muduhe amatwi (Moo-doo-hay ah-mah-t'wee) | Give us ears (Listen to us | |
| Twaje twese (T'wah-jhay t'weh-seh) | We all came | |
| Nta mpamvu yo kwihisha (Nta mm-pah-m'voo yoh kwee-hee-shah) | No reason to hide (Encouraging openness) | |
| Reka mpamware [Name] (Reh-kah mm-pah-m'wah-reh [Name]) | Let me call [Name] (Introducing the next speaker) | |
| Ndashaka kuvuga nka [Role] (Nda-shah-kah koo-voo-gah nk-ah [Role]) | I want to speak as [Role] | |
| Mbwira uko wiyumva (M'bwee-rah oo-koh wee-yoo-m'vah) | Tell me how you feel (Personal opening) | |
| Muri iki gihe (Moo-ree ee-kee gee-hay) | At this time/moment | |
| Ndi umukozi ukomeye (Ndee oo-moo-koh-zee oo-koh-meh-yay) | I am a strong/important worker (Stating status) | |
| Ndashaka kubereka inzira (Nda-shah-kah koo-beh-reh-kah een-zee-rah) | I want to show you the way | |
| Inzira y'ubuzima (Een-zee-rah y'oo-boo-zee-mah) | The path of life | |
| Twaje kumenyana (T'wah-jhay koo-meh-n'yah-nah) | We came to know each other | |
| Ndimo kuvugisha ukuri (Ndee-moh koo-voo-gee-shah oo-koo-ree) | I am speaking the truth | |
| Ukuri gusa (Oo-koo-ree goo-sah) | Only the truth | |
| Twihaye umwanya (Twee-hah-yay oo-m'wah-n'yah) | We gave ourselves time | |
| Ndashaka kugira icyo mvuga (Nda-shah-kah koo-gee-rah ee-choh m'voo-gah) | I want to have something to say | |
| Ibyo nshaka kuvuga ni bike (Ee-b'yoh nshah-kah koo-voo-gah nee bee-kay) | What I want to say is little (Humble self-introduction) | |
| Ndi umuntu w'ibanga (Ndee oo-moo-n'too w'ee-bah-ngah) | I am a secret person (Humorous/Intriguing opening) | |
| Muduhe imbaraga (Moo-doo-hay ee-m-bah-rah-gah) | Give us strength (Request for support) | |
| Iki ni igihugu gikomeye (Ee-kee nee ee-gee-hoo-goo gee-koh-meh-yay) | This is a strong country | |
| Ndi umunyedini (Ndee oo-moo-n'yeh-dee-nee) | I am a religious person | |
| Mbahaye ikaze mu izina rya [Name] (Mm-bah-hah-yay ee-kah-zay moo ee-zee-nah r'yah [Name]) | I welcome you in the name of [Name] | |
| Ndaza gukoresha Kinyarwanda (Nda-zah goo-koh-reh-shah Kee-n'yah-r'wah-ndah) | I will use Kinyarwanda | |
| Muvuge buhoro (Moo-voo-gay boo-hoh-roh) | Speak slowly (Requesting clarity) | |
| Wanyongerera? (Wah-n'yoh-ngeh-reh-rah?) | Can you add/repeat? | |
| Muduhe icyo kunywa (Moo-doo-hay ee-choh koo-n'wah) | Give us something to drink (Hospitality request) | |
| Murabyumva? (Moo-rah-b'yoo-m'vah?) | Do you understand it? (Checking audience comprehension) | |
| Ndaho (Nda-hoh) | I am here (Simple greeting response) | |
| Ni wowe ugiye gutangira? (Nee woh-weh oo-gee-yay goo-tah-n-gee-rah?) | Are you the one going to start? | |
| Mbaza (Mm-bah-zah) | Ask me (Singular) | |
| Mumbaze (Moo-m-bah-zay) | Ask me (Plural/Formal) | |
| Ndashaka kubagira inama (Nda-shah-kah koo-bah-gee-rah ee-nah-mah) | I want to advise you | |
| Inama zanjye (Ee-nah-mah zahn-jhay) | My advice | |
| Muzikire (Moo-zee-kee-reh) | Receive them (Advice/Ideas) | |
| Iki gikorwa c'ubugeni (Ee-kee gee-koh-r'wah ch'oo-boo-geh-nee) | This event of artistry | |
| Twishimiye ubu butumwa (Twee-shee-mee-yay oo-boo oo-boo-too-m'wah) | We are happy for this message | |
| Ndi umunyeshuri (Ndee oo-moo-n'yeh-shoo-ree) | I am a student | |
| Ndi umwarimu (Ndee oo-m'wah-ree-moo) | I am a teacher | |
| Ndashaka kuvuga mu izina rya [Group] (Nda-shah-kah koo-voo-gah moo ee-zee-nah r'yah [Group]) | I want to speak in the name of [Group] | |
| Turi kumwe mu rugendo (Too-ree koo-m'weh moo oo-roo-geh-ndoh) | We are together on the journey | |
| Reka ntangirire ku [Topic] (Reh-kah ntah-n-gee-ree-reh koo [Topic]) | Let me start with [Topic] | |
| Uruhande rwanjye (Oo-roo-hah-ndeh r'wahn-jhay) | My side/perspective | |
| Twese dufite (Tweh-seh doo-fee-tay) | We all have | |
| Ndashaka kubereka [Something] (Nda-shah-kah koo-beh-reh-kah [Something]) | I want to show you [Something] | |
| Iki ni igikoresho gishya (Ee-kee nee ee-gee-koh-reh-shoh gee-sh'yah) | This is a new tool | |
| Ubu ni uburyo bwo kwizera (Oo-boo nee oo-boo-r'yoh b'woh kwee-zeh-rah) | This is a way of trust | |
| Ndashaka kuvuga byose (Nda-shah-kah koo-voo-gah b'yoh-say) | I want to say everything | |
| Munyemerere (Moo-n'yeh-meh-reh-reh) | Allow me (Formal request) | |
| Twese turi abahanga (Tweh-seh too-ree ah-bah-hah-ngah) | We are all experts | |
| Ndabizi cyane (Nda-bee-zee ch'yah-nay) | I know it very well | |
| Ibi ni iby'ukuri (Ee-bee nee ee-b'y'oo-koo-ree) | These are true things | |
| Ndashaka kubashishikariza (Nda-shah-kah koo-bah-shee-shee-kah-ree-zah) | I want to encourage you | |
| Murahabwa ikaze (Moo-rah-hah-b'wah ee-kah-zay) | You are given a welcome (Passive formal) | |
| Ndi umufaransa (Ndee oo-moo-fah-rah-n-sah) | I am French | |
| Ndi umunyamerika (Ndee oo-moo-n'yah-meh-ree-kah) | I am American | |
| Ndi umugande (Ndee oo-moo-gah-ndeh) | I am Ugandan | |
| Ndi umunya-Burundi (Ndee oo-moo-n'yah-Boo-roo-ndee) | I am Burundian | |
| Ndi umuzungu (Ndee oo-moo-zoo-ngoo) | I am a white person (Foreigner) | |
| Ndi umwirabura (Ndee oo-m'wee-rah-boo-rah) | I am a black person | |
| Ndi umuturage wa [Village] (Ndee oo-moo-too-rah-geh wah [Village]) | I am a resident of [Village] | |
| Ndi umuturanyi wawe (Ndee oo-moo-too-rah-n'yee wah-weh) | I am your neighbor | |
| Ndi umushyitsi (Ndee oo-moo-sh'yee-tsee) | I am a visitor/guest | |
| Ndi mushya hano (Ndee moo-sh'yah hah-noh) | I am new here | |
| Murakaza neza mu rugo (Moo-rah-kah-zah neh-zah moo oo-roo-goh) | Welcome home | |
| Ndimo kwiga ururimi (Ndee-moh kwee-gah oo-roo-ree-mee) | I am learning the language | |
| Uratangaje (Oo-rah-tah-ngah-jhay) | You are amazing/surprising (Complimentary opener) | |
| Ni bangahe mutangiye? (Nee bah-ngah-hay moo-tah-n-gee-yay?) | At what time did you start? | |
| Mbwira igihe cyo gutangira (M'bwee-rah ee-gee-hay ch'yoh goo-tah-n-gee-rah) | Tell me the time to start | |
| Mbwira uti (M'bwee-rah oo-tee) | Tell me | |
| Turi abambere (Too-ree ah-bah-m-beh-reh) | We are the first ones | |
| Turi aba nyuma (Too-ree ah-bah n'yoo-mah) | We are the last ones | |
| Muri bube (Moo-ree boo-beh) | You (Plural) will be | |
| Ndategereje [Person] ngo atangire (Nda-teh-geh-reh-jhay [Person] ngoh ah-tah-n-gee-reh) | I am waiting for [Person] to start | |
| Umukoro wanjye (Oo-moo-koh-roh wahn-jhay) | My assignment/task | |
| Ndagira ngo nshimire (Nda-gee-rah ngoh n-shee-mee-reh) | I want to thank | |
| Mudasuhuje (Moo-dah-soo-hoo-jhay) | You (Plural) who are greeted (Response) | |
| Ndaza gukoresha ingero (Nda-zah goo-koh-reh-shah een-geh-roh) | I will use examples | |
| Iki kiganiro kizasaba (Ee-kee kee-gah-nee-roh kee-zah-sah-bah) | This discussion will require | |
| Ndishimye kubona [Name] (Ndee-shee-m'yay koo-boh-nah [Name]) | I am happy to see [Name] | |
| Waraye ute? (Wah-rah-yay oo-teh?) | How did you spend the night? (Common morning greeting) | |
| Naraaye neza (Nah-rah-yay neh-zah) | I spent the night well (Response) | |
| Wiriwe ute? (Wee-ree-weh oo-teh?) | How did you spend the day? (Common afternoon greeting) | |
| Mwari mumeze mute? (M'wah-ree moo-meh-zay moo-teh?) | How were you doing? (Inquiring about past state) | |
| Ndaza kubakira (Nda-zah koo-bah-kee-rah) | I will welcome you (Promise to host) | |
| Umuco wacu (Oo-moo-choh w'ah-choo) | Our culture (Reference to tradition) | |
| Ndashaka kwiga umuco (Nda-shah-kah kwee-gah oo-moo-choh) | I want to learn the culture | |
| Iki ni igikombe cyiza (Ee-kee nee ee-gee-koh-mbeh ch'yee-zah) | This is a good cup (Metaphor for good opportunity) | |
| Mfashe umwanya wo kuvuga (M-fah-shye oo-m'wah-n'yah w'oh koo-voo-gah) | I take the time to speak | |
| Ndaza kuvuga ku busa (Nda-zah koo-voo-gah koo oo-boo-sah) | I will speak briefly/on nothing (Humble start) | |
| Muri ab'ingenzi (Moo-ree ah-b'ee-ngehn-zee) | You are important (Complimentary opening) | |
| Reka mbasobanurire ibintu (Reh-kah mm-bah-soh-bah-noo-ree-reh ee-bee-n'too) | Let me explain the matters to you | |
| Icyo dukwiye kwiga (Ee-choh doo-kwee-yay kwee-gah) | What we ought to learn | |
| Urugendo rwo kwiga (Oo-roo-geh-ndoh r'woh kwee-gah) | The journey of learning | |
| Ndishimye cyane kuba hano (Ndee-shee-m'yay ch'yah-nay koo-bah hah-noh) | I am very happy to be here | |
| Ndashaka kubasaba (Nda-shah-kah koo-bah-sah-bah) | I want to ask you (Formal request) | |
| Kubasaba iki? (Koo-bah-sah-bah ee-chee?) | Ask you what? (Engaging question) | |
| Ndimo gutegura (Ndee-moh goo-teh-goo-rah) | I am preparing (Stating readiness) | |
| Ibi ni iby'igihugu (Ee-bee nee ee-b'y'ee-gee-hoo-goo) | These are things of the country (Patriotic focus) | |
| Ubutwari (Oo-boo-t'wah-ree) | Courage/Bravery (Motivational opening) | |
| Twatangiye neza (T'wah-tah-n-gee-yay neh-zah) | We started well | |
| Ndashaka kuvugisha [Name] (Nda-shah-kah koo-voo-gee-shah [Name]) | I want to speak with [Name] | |
| Aho twahuriye ni (Ah-hoh t'wah-hoo-ree-yay nee) | Where we met is (Reminding of location) | |
| Ndi umutangabuhamya (Ndee oo-moo-tah-ngah-boo-hah-m'yah) | I am a witness/testifier | |
| Ubu ni ubuhamya (Oo-boo nee oo-boo-hah-m'yah) | This is a testimony | |
| Mfashe uyu mwanya w'umugisha (M-fah-shye oo-yoo m'wah-n'yah w'oo-moo-gee-shah) | I take this moment of blessing | |
| Ndashaka kubaha icyubahiro (Nda-shah-kah koo-bah-hah ee-ch'yoo-bah-hee-roh) | I want to give you honor (Formal respect) | |
| Ibyo ni iby'agaciro (Ee-b'yoh nee ee-b'y'ah-gah-chee-roh) | Those are valuable things | |
| Murabyumva neza (Moo-rah-b'yoo-m'vah nay-zah) | You understand it well (Complimentary) | |
| Ndaza gukoresha imfashanyigisho (Nda-zah goo-koh-reh-shah ee-m-fah-sh'yah-n'yee-gee-shoh) | I will use teaching aids | |
| Icyerekezo (Ee-ch'yeh-reh-keh-zoh) | Vision/Outlook (Focusing the talk) | |
| Tugomba kugira icyerekezo (Too-goh-mbah koo-gee-rah ee-ch'yeh-reh-keh-zoh) | We must have a vision | |
| Ndashaka gusangiza (Nda-shah-kah goo-sah-n-gee-zah) | I want to share (Ideas/knowledge) | |
| Ibi ni ibyo nize (Ee-bee nee ee-b'yoh nee-zay) | These are what I learned |
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