A beginner's guide to Kinyarwanda
3 mins
Rwanda, often called the "Land of a Thousand Hills," is not only known for its stunning landscapes and remarkable recovery from a difficult past – it's also home to a rich linguistic heritage. At the heart of this heritage is Kinyarwanda, the national language spoken by nearly all Rwandans, regardless of their ethnic background. In a country that values unity and shared identity, language plays a vital role in daily life, education, and governance.
This small, vibrant nation is also where famed primatologist Dian Fossey – portrayed in the award-winning film Gorillas in the Mist – spent 18 years living among the Rwandan people and working tirelessly to protect the now-endangered mountain gorillas.
Get a glimpse into Rwanda’s heart and understand the language from this vibrant country.
Where is Kinyarwanda spoken?
Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwandan, Canada, the Netherlands, and the United States of America.
What’s the demographic breakdown of speakers?
Kinyarwanda is spoken by more than 99.7% of Rwandans (13.2 million), and is one of four official languages besides English, French and Kiswahili.
Most official functions in Rwanda are performed in Kinyarwanda. Various official documents, including the official Gazette of the Republic of Rwanda, have a Kinyarwanda version.
What’s the language in a nutshell?
Kinyarwanda, which is spoken by (A)banyarwanda, has several dialects, including: Bufumbwa, Ikinyabwishya, Igikiga, Ikinyamurenge, Ikirera and Urufumbira.
It is closely related to Kirundi, which is spoken in Burundi, (A)mashi, which is spoken in the South Kivu region of Congo, and Kiha, which is spoken in north-western Tanzania.
Any cool or useful phrases?
- Murakaza neza!: Welcome!
- Amakuru ki?/Mumeze mute?: How are you?
- Mwaramutse: Good morning
- Ijoro ryiza: Good night
- Witwa nde?: What is your name?
- Uburere buruta ubuvuke: Parenting is about much more than just about giving birth
- Utazi ubwenge ashima ubwe: A silly person who praises himself
- Imana yirirwa ahandi igataha i Rwanda: (Direct translation) God spends the day elsewhere and returns to Rwanda at the end of the day
- Impore: Be strong
Are there any famous speakers?
- J. Savério Nayigiziki (Author)
- Edouard Gasarabwe (Novelist)
- Gaël Ruboneka Vande Weghe (Photographer)
- Somi Kakoma (Jazz singer)
- Donald Kaberuka (Rwandan economist)
- Sabrina Iyadede (Singer)
- Sonia Mugabo (Fashion designer)
- Dieudonné Disi (World-class athlete)
- Bishop Alexis Kagame (Author)
- Bishop Aloys Bigirumwami (Author)
- Jimmy Gatete (Football legend)
- Haruna Niyonzima (Football player)
- Louise Mushikiwabo (Secretary General of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie)
- Salima Mukansanga (International football referee)
A glimpse into life in Rwanda
This is Rwanda's traditional dance, called “Inyambo”, inspired by their country's long-horned cows (inyambo).