Greetings
Muraho
moo-RA-ho
Hello. The all-purpose greeting in Kinyarwanda — use it before anything else, always.
Mwaramutse
mwa-ra-MOOT-seh
Good morning. Rwandans greet properly before getting to the point; skipping it reads as rude.
Amakuru?
a-ma-KOO-roo
How are you / what's the news? The expected second line. Answer 'Ni meza' — it's good.
Social
Murakoze
moo-ra-KO-zeh
Thank you. 'Murakoze cyane' for thank you very much.
Yego / Oya
YEH-go / OH-ya
Yes / no.
Murabeho
moo-ra-BEH-ho
Goodbye.
Daily life
Ni angahe?
nee an-GA-heh
How much is it? Essential at Kimironko market, where prices are negotiated.
Umuganda
oo-moo-GAN-da
Community work morning, last Saturday of the month. Much of the city stops. This is the single word to learn first.
Moto
MO-to
Motorcycle taxi — the way most of Kigali moves. Drivers carry a spare helmet and meters are standard.
Food
Amazi
a-MA-zee
Water.
Brochettes
bro-SHET
Grilled meat skewers, usually goat, eaten with grilled plantain over a long evening. The default social meal.
Emergency
112
one-one-two
Emergency. 912 for an ambulance, 111 for the fire brigade.
Some of this may be out of date. Spotted something inaccurate? Help us keep it right for the next newcomer.