Kinyarwanda Dictionary
When you have plans to visit Rwanda, please take some time to study some words. Many Rwandans in the city area speak English or French, but in case you go to the countryside, this short dictionary could be of help. Next to that, it is always good to approach people in the language of the country that you are visiting. The dictionary is divided in different sections and is mend for daily life during your stay in Rwanda.
Dictionary sections (click on one of them to go there):
General greetings and daily conversation
Beverages, food, and other food/drink-related terms
Money, directions and transportation
Family and people
Phrases and expressions
Nouns, verbs, and adjectives
Languages, continents and nationalities
Numbers and time
Some Rwandans pronounce "k" as "ch." Many pronounce "l" like "r" and vice versa, which means that some Rwandans pronounce "Kigali" as "Chigari." Similarly, some pronounce "g" as hard and others pronounce it softer, so "Ruhengeri" can sound like "Ruhenjeli."
If you are a stickler for pronunciation, try to imitate the way they pronounce their "l," which, if said correctly, should also sound vaguely like an "r" or a "d." After much practice, I’ve discovered that all it takes is a simple tap of the tongue on the hard palate behind your top teeth. It sounds harder than it is....in fact, Kinyarwanda is very easy to pronounce once you get the hang of it!
Dictionary sections (click on one of them to go there):
General greetings and daily conversation
Beverages, food, and other food/drink-related terms
Money, directions and transportation
Family and people
Phrases and expressions
Nouns, verbs, and adjectives
Languages, continents and nationalities
Numbers and time
Some Rwandans pronounce "k" as "ch." Many pronounce "l" like "r" and vice versa, which means that some Rwandans pronounce "Kigali" as "Chigari." Similarly, some pronounce "g" as hard and others pronounce it softer, so "Ruhengeri" can sound like "Ruhenjeli."
If you are a stickler for pronunciation, try to imitate the way they pronounce their "l," which, if said correctly, should also sound vaguely like an "r" or a "d." After much practice, I’ve discovered that all it takes is a simple tap of the tongue on the hard palate behind your top teeth. It sounds harder than it is....in fact, Kinyarwanda is very easy to pronounce once you get the hang of it!
