Language/Kinyarwanda/Vocabulary/Telling-Time

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Kinyarwanda → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Numbers and Time → Telling Time

Introduction

Welcome to the Kinyarwanda lesson on telling time! In this lesson, we will learn how to express time in Kinyarwanda, including how to say 'o'clock', 'half past', and 'quarter to'. Telling time is an essential skill in any language, and it allows us to effectively communicate and coordinate our activities. Whether you're planning a meeting or simply trying to catch a bus, knowing how to tell time in Kinyarwanda will be extremely useful. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently express different times of the day in Kinyarwanda.

To navigate through this lesson, we will begin by exploring the basics of telling time in Kinyarwanda. We will then delve into more specific expressions, such as 'half past' and 'quarter to'. Throughout the lesson, we will provide numerous examples to ensure a clear understanding of each concept. Additionally, we will explore any regional variations in the usage of time expressions and share interesting cultural facts related to timekeeping in Rwanda.

So let's get started and master the art of telling time in Kinyarwanda!

Basics of Telling Time

To begin, let's start with the basics of telling time in Kinyarwanda. In Kinyarwanda, we use a combination of numbers and specific time-related vocabulary to express different times of the day. Here are the key components:

Hours

In Kinyarwanda, the hours are expressed using the numbers from 1 to 12. Let's take a look at how to say each hour:

Kinyarwanda	Pronunciation	English
saa ya saa moja	saa ya saa moja	1 o'clock
saa ya saa mbiri	saa ya saa mbiri	2 o'clock
saa ya saa tatu	saa ya saa tatu	3 o'clock
saa ya saa kane	saa ya saa kane	4 o'clock
saa ya saa gatanu	saa ya saa gatanu	5 o'clock
saa ya saa gatanu na tanu	saa ya saa gatanu na tanu	5:30
saa ya saa sase	saa ya saa sase	6 o'clock
saa ya saa sase na tanu	saa ya saa sase na tanu	6:30
saa ya saa saba	saa ya saa saba	7 o'clock
saa ya saa saba na tanu	saa ya saa saba na tanu	7:30
saa ya saa munane	saa ya saa munane	8 o'clock
saa ya saa munane na tanu	saa ya saa munane na tanu	8:30
saa ya saa tisa	saa ya saa tisa	9 o'clock
saa ya saa tisa na tanu	saa ya saa tisa na tanu	9:30
saa ya saa cumi	saa ya saa cumi	10 o'clock
saa ya saa cumi na tanu	saa ya saa cumi na tanu	10:30
saa ya saa cumi na gatanu	saa ya saa cumi na gatanu	10:45
saa ya saa cumi na sase	saa ya saa cumi na sase	10:06
saa ya saa kumi na cumi	saa ya saa kumi na cumi	11 o'clock
saa ya saa kumi na cumi na tanu	saa ya saa kumi na cumi na tanu	11:30
saa ya saa kumi na gatanu	saa ya saa kumi na gatanu	11:45
saa ya saa kumi na saba	saa ya saa kumi na saba	11:07
saa ya saa kumi na nane	saa ya saa kumi na nane	12 o'clock

As you can see from the examples above, the structure for expressing the hours is "saa ya saa" followed by the corresponding number. For example, to say "3 o'clock", we say "saa ya saa tatu". This structure is consistent for all the hours from 1 to 12.

Minutes

To express minutes in Kinyarwanda, we use the numbers from 1 to 59. The structure is similar to that of the hours. Let's take a look at some examples:

Kinyarwanda	Pronunciation	English
saa ya saa tatu na kumi	saa ya saa tatu na kumi	3:10
saa ya saa tatu na cumi na tanu	saa ya saa tatu na cumi na tanu	3:15
saa ya saa tatu na gatanu	saa ya saa tatu na gatanu	3:30
saa ya saa tatu na cumi na saba	saa ya saa tatu na cumi na saba	3:17
saa ya saa tatu na cumi na nane	saa ya saa tatu na cumi na nane	3:18

To express a specific minute, we simply add the corresponding number after the hour expression. For example, to say "3:10", we say "saa ya saa tatu na kumi". The structure remains consistent for all the minutes from 1 to 59.

O'clock

In Kinyarwanda, we use the term "saa ya saa" to indicate that it is a specific hour without any minutes. Here are a few examples:

• Saa ya saa kumi na nane - 12 o'clock
• Saa ya saa mbiri - 2 o'clock
• Saa ya saa tisa - 9 o'clock

Quarters

In addition to expressing specific hours and minutes, Kinyarwanda also has specific terms for "quarter past" and "quarter to". Let's take a look at how to use these terms:

• "Quarter past" is expressed as "saa ya saa tatu n'igice" which translates to "a quarter past three". For example, "Saa ya saa tatu n'igice" means "3:15".
• "Quarter to" is expressed as "saa ya saa kumi na cumi n'igice" which translates to "a quarter to eleven". For example, "Saa ya saa kumi na cumi n'igice" means "10:45".

These expressions are useful when we want to give a more precise time description, especially when it is close to the hour or half past.

Regional Variations and Cultural Insights

Telling time is generally consistent across different regions in Rwanda, although there may be slight variations in pronunciation and vocabulary usage. It is worth noting that the Kinyarwanda language has been heavily influenced by other languages, such as French and English, especially in urban areas. As a result, you may hear some borrowed words when it comes to time expressions. However, the core structure and vocabulary remain the same.

In Rwandan culture, punctuality is highly valued. Being on time is seen as a sign of respect and professionalism. It is common for people to arrive a few minutes early for appointments and meetings. Additionally, Rwandans have a strong sense of community and often rely on each other for support. Time is considered a shared resource, and being mindful of others' time is crucial in maintaining harmonious relationships.

Practice Exercises

Now it's time to practice what you have learned! Try the following exercises to reinforce your understanding of telling time in Kinyarwanda:

Exercise 1: Express the following times in Kinyarwanda:

• 8:20
• 5:45
• 11:55
• 2:30

Exercise 2: Translate the following time expressions from English to Kinyarwanda:

• Half past seven
• A quarter to ten
• Quarter past two
• Ten minutes to four

Exercise 3: Create your own sentences using different time expressions in Kinyarwanda. Be creative and try to incorporate the vocabulary and structures you have learned in this lesson.

Solutions and Explanations

Exercise 1: Express the following times in Kinyarwanda:

• 8:20 - Saa ya saa munane n'igice
• 5:45 - Saa ya saa gatanu na cumi na saba
• 11:55 - Saa ya saa kumi na cumi na tano
• 2:30 - Saa ya saa mbiri na gatanu

Exercise 2: Translate the following time expressions from English to Kinyarwanda:

• Half past seven - Saa ya saa saba n'igice
• A quarter to ten - Saa ya saa kumi na cumi n'igice
• Quarter past two - Saa ya saa mbiri n'igice
• Ten minutes to four - Saa ya saa kane na mirongo itanu

Exercise 3: Create your own sentences using different time expressions in Kinyarwanda.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to tell time in Kinyarwanda. By mastering the vocabulary and structures covered in this lesson, you will be able to confidently express different times of the day in Kinyarwanda. Remember to practice regularly to reinforce your understanding and fluency. Telling time is an essential skill that will greatly enhance your ability to communicate and coordinate with others. Keep up the great work, and continue on your journey to mastering the Kinyarwanda language!

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

• Unit 3: Kuvuga ibihe mu Kinyarwanda (Telling time in Kinyarwanda ...
• Kinyarwanda Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

Other Lessons

• Asking for Directions
• Education
• Express Surprise
• Introducing Yourself
• Clothes
• How to say Good Bye?
• Days of the Week
• Animals
• Feelings and Emotions

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