Language/Kinyarwanda/Vocabulary/Modes-of-Transportation

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Kinyarwanda → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Travel and Transportation → Modes of Transportation

Introduction

In this lesson, we will learn the words for different modes of transportation in Kinyarwanda. Being able to talk about transportation is an essential skill when traveling or navigating a new city. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently communicate about modes of transportation in Kinyarwanda, including cars, buses, trains, and airplanes.

Cars

Let's start with the most common mode of transportation: cars. In Kinyarwanda, the word for car is "gari".

Kinyarwanda	Pronunciation	English
gari	/ga-ree/	car

Here are a few more examples of car-related vocabulary:

• Steering wheel: "inkanda y'ugari"
• Seatbelt: "igikoni"
• Gasoline: "gaz"
• License plate: "amagare"
• Traffic: "ibyapa"
• Road: "umuhanda"

Buses

Next, let's learn how to talk about buses in Kinyarwanda. The word for bus is "bisu".

Kinyarwanda	Pronunciation	English
bisu	/bee-soo/	bus

Here are some additional words related to buses:

• Bus stop: "amazi y'ibisu"
• Ticket: "umupapuro"
• Driver: "umushoferi"
• Passengers: "abasaza"
• Fare: "amafaranga y'ibisu"

Trains

Now, let's move on to trains. In Kinyarwanda, the word for train is "itreneri".

Kinyarwanda	Pronunciation	English
itreneri	/ee-tre-ne-ree/	train

Here are some more train-related words:

• Train station: "igare y'itreneri"
• Platform: "inkanda y'itreneri"
• Schedule: "igikoresho"
• Ticket inspector: "umusigishamari"
• Luggage: "ibyuma"

Airplanes

Finally, let's learn how to talk about airplanes in Kinyarwanda. The word for airplane is "agaseke".

Kinyarwanda	Pronunciation	English
agaseke	/a-ga-se-ke/	airplane

Here are some additional airplane-related words:

• Airport: "agare y'imirongo"
• Flight: "urupapuro"
• Pilot: "umufaransa"
• Cabin crew: "abaganga"
• Passport: "ikarita y'amajambere"

Cultural Insights

In Rwanda, transportation plays a crucial role in everyday life. As a landlocked country, Rwanda heavily relies on road transportation to connect different regions. Buses, locally known as "twegerane" or "matatu", are the most popular mode of public transportation, especially in urban areas. These buses are often colorfully decorated and can be quite crowded. In rural areas, people rely on motorcycles, also known as "moto", for short-distance transportation.

Trains and airplanes are less common in Rwanda, but the government has been investing in improving rail and air infrastructure in recent years. The Kigali International Airport is the main international gateway to the country, serving several international airlines.

Exercise

Now, let's practice what we've learned. Translate the following sentences from English to Kinyarwanda:

1. I need to catch a bus to the city center. 2. Is there a train station near here? 3. How much is the fare for the bus? 4. Do you have any luggage? 5. We are going to the airport to pick up our friends.

Solutions:

1. Ndiyemera kubona bisu ku muhanda wa ville. 2. Hari igare y'itreneri ihariho? 3. Amafaranga y'ibisu y'ingahe ni ibihe? 4. Wowe ufite ibyuma byiza? 5. Turagira ku gare y'imirongo kuyabona abavandimwe bacu.

Conclusion

In this lesson, we learned the words for different modes of transportation in Kinyarwanda. We covered cars, buses, trains, and airplanes, along with related vocabulary. Remember to practice using these words in context to improve your fluency. In the next lesson, we will learn how to ask for directions in Kinyarwanda.

Table of Contents - Kinyarwanda Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Basic Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Noun Classes
• Personal Pronouns

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-10
• Telling Time

  ---

Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Describing Relationships

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Describing Nouns
• Describing Verbs

  ---

Food and Drink

• Common Foods
• Eating and Drinking

  ---

Questions and Negation

• Asking Questions
• Negating Sentences

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Asking for Directions

  ---

Rwandan Customs and Traditions

• Traditional Celebrations
• Rwandan Etiquette

Sources

• Trainee Kinyarwanda Book Table of Contents

Other Lessons

• Food
• Family Members
• Colors
• Express Surprise
• How to Say Hello and Greetings
• Days of the Week
• Common Foods
• Education
• Count to 10

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