Language/Kinyarwanda/Grammar/Present-Tense

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Kinyarwanda → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Present Tense

Welcome to our lesson on the Present Tense in Kinyarwanda! Understanding how to express actions happening in the present is crucial for effective communication. In this lesson, we'll explore how to conjugate regular verbs in the present tense and look at some common irregular verbs. This knowledge will empower you to create meaningful sentences in your daily conversations in Kinyarwanda.

Why is the Present Tense Important?

The present tense allows you to describe ongoing actions, habitual activities, and general truths. It's a foundational aspect of any language, and mastering it in Kinyarwanda will open up many opportunities for engaging with native speakers and experiencing the culture more deeply. Whether you're asking for directions, making friends, or discussing your daily routine, the present tense is your go-to tool.

Lesson Structure:

  • Understanding Regular Verbs in the Present Tense
  • Common Irregular Verbs
  • Examples of Present Tense Conjugation
  • Practice Exercises

Understanding Regular Verbs in the Present Tense[edit | edit source]

In Kinyarwanda, regular verbs typically follow a predictable pattern when conjugated in the present tense. The verb root is modified with specific prefixes and suffixes based on the subject pronoun. Let’s break this down step by step.

1. Verb Roots and Subject Pronouns

Kinyarwanda verbs usually have a root form. Here are the basic subject pronouns:

  • Ndi (I)
  • Uri (You - singular)
  • Ari (He/She)
  • Turi (We)
  • Muri (You - plural/formal)
  • Bari (They)

2. Conjugation Patterns

The typical pattern for conjugating regular verbs in the present tense is as follows:

  • Verb root + subject pronoun prefix

Let’s take a look at some examples with the verb "gukora" (to work):

Kinyarwanda Pronunciation English
Nkora [ŋ'kɔra] I work
Urakora [u'ra.kɔra] You work (singular)
Arakora [a'ra.kɔra] He/She works
Turakora [tu'ra.kɔra] We work
Murakora [mu'ra.kɔra] You work (plural/formal)
Barakora [ba'ra.kɔra] They work

3. Additional Examples of Regular Verbs

Let’s explore more regular verbs to illustrate this pattern.

Verb: "gukina" (to play)

Kinyarwanda Pronunciation English
Nkinira [n'ki.ni.ra] I play
Urakinira [u'ra.ki.ni.ra] You play (singular)
Arakinira [a'ra.ki.ni.ra] He/She plays
Turakinira [tu'ra.ki.ni.ra] We play
Murakinira [mu'ra.ki.ni.ra] You play (plural/formal)
Barakinira [ba'ra.ki.ni.ra] They play

Verb: "guhinga" (to farm)

Kinyarwanda Pronunciation English
Nhinga [n'hi.ŋa] I farm
Urhinga [u'ri.ŋa] You farm (singular)
Arhinga [a'ri.ŋa] He/She farms
Turhinga [tu'ri.ŋa] We farm
Murhinga [mu'ri.ŋa] You farm (plural/formal)
Barhinga [ba'ri.ŋa] They farm

Common Irregular Verbs[edit | edit source]

While many verbs follow regular patterns, some are irregular and do not conform to these rules. Let's explore some common irregular verbs in the present tense.

1. Verb: "kugenda" (to go)

This verb has its unique conjugation:

Kinyarwanda Pronunciation English
Njya [n'ʤa] I go
Ujya [u'ʤa] You go (singular)
Ajya [a'ʤa] He/She goes
Tujya [tu'ʤa] We go
Mujya [mu'ʤa] You go (plural/formal)
Bajya [ba'ʤa] They go

2. Verb: "kumva" (to hear/understand)

Another important irregular verb:

Kinyarwanda Pronunciation English
Numva [n'um.va] I hear/understand
Urumva [u'ru.mva] You hear/understand (singular)
Arumva [a'ru.mva] He/She hears/understands
Turumva [tu'ru.mva] We hear/understand
Murumva [mu'ru.mva] You hear/understand (plural/formal)
Barumva [ba'ru.mva] They hear/understand

3. Verb: "kugira" (to have)

This verb is essential for expressing possession:

Kinyarwanda Pronunciation English
Mfite [m'fi.te] I have
Ufite [u'fi.te] You have (singular)
Afite [a'fi.te] He/She has
Dufite [du'fi.te] We have
Mufite [mu'fi.te] You have (plural/formal)
Bafite [ba'fi.te] They have

Summary of Present Tense Conjugation[edit | edit source]

To summarize the conjugation of regular and irregular verbs in the present tense:

  • Regular verbs follow a predictable pattern based on the subject pronoun.
  • Irregular verbs must be memorized as they do not adhere to standard conjugation rules.

Practice Exercises[edit | edit source]

Now that you've learned about present tense conjugation, it's time to apply your knowledge! Here are some exercises to practice what you've learned.

Exercise 1: Conjugate the Verb "gukora" (to work)

Conjugate "gukora" for each subject pronoun.

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

Translate the following sentences into Kinyarwanda using the correct present tense form of the verb given in parentheses:

1. I ___ (to eat) food.

2. You ___ (to play) soccer.

3. He ___ (to drink) water.

Exercise 3: Identify Irregular Verbs

Identify whether the following verbs are regular or irregular in the present tense:

1. kugenda

2. gukina

3. kugira

Exercise 4: Create Sentences

Using the verbs "kugenda" and "gukora," create sentences for each subject pronoun.

Exercise 5: Translation Challenge

Translate the following sentences into English:

1. Turakora imyitozo.

2. Muri abakinnyi beza.

Exercise 6: Verb Matching

Match the Kinyarwanda verbs with their English meanings:

1. Gukina

2. Gukora

3. Kugenda

Exercise 7: Conjugation Practice

Conjugate the verb "gukina" for each subject pronoun.

Exercise 8: Sentence Correction

Correct the following sentences if they are wrong:

1. Arakora (He works)

2. Nkinira (I play)

Exercise 9: Create a Dialogue

Create a short dialogue between two friends using present tense verbs.

Exercise 10: Quiz Yourself

Write down five sentences using different present tense verbs. Then, translate them into English.

Solutions and Explanations[edit | edit source]

Solution to Exercise 1:

  • Nkora (I work)
  • Urakora (You work)
  • Arakora (He/She works)
  • Turakora (We work)
  • Murakora (You work - plural/formal)
  • Barakora (They work)

Solution to Exercise 2:

1. Ndarya (I eat food.)

2. Urakina (You play soccer.)

3. Aranywa (He drinks water.)

Solution to Exercise 3:

1. kugenda - Irregular

2. gukina - Regular

3. kugira - Irregular

Solution to Exercise 4:

  • Ndagenda (I go.)
  • Uragenda (You go.)
  • Aragenda (He/She goes.)
  • Tugenda (We go.)
  • Mugenda (You go.)
  • Bagenda (They go.)

Solution to Exercise 5:

1. We are working out.

2. You are good players.

Solution to Exercise 6:

1. Gukina - To play

2. Gukora - To work

3. Kugenda - To go

Solution to Exercise 7:

  • Nkinira (I play)
  • Urakinira (You play)
  • Arakinira (He/She plays)
  • Turakinira (We play)
  • Murakinira (You play - plural/formal)
  • Barakinira (They play)

Solution to Exercise 8:

Both sentences are correct.

Solution to Exercise 9:

Friend 1: "Urakina?" (Are you playing?)

Friend 2: "Yego, ndakina." (Yes, I am playing.)

Solution to Exercise 10:

1. Ndakora (I work.)

2. Uragenda (You go.)

3. Arumva (He hears.)

4. Turakina (We play.)

5. Barakora (They work.)

Congratulations on completing this lesson! Keep practicing your conjugations, and soon you will be able to communicate effortlessly in Kinyarwanda.

Table of Contents - Kinyarwanda Course - 0 to A1[edit source]


Greetings and Introductions


Nouns and Pronouns


Numbers and Time


Verbs and Tenses


Family and Relationships


Adjectives and Adverbs


Food and Drink


Questions and Negation


Travel and Transportation


Rwandan Customs and Traditions

Sources[edit | edit source]


Other Lessons[edit | edit source]



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