Language/Kinyarwanda/Vocabulary/Health

Kinyarwanda Vocabulary - Health

Hi Kinyarwanda learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn important health-related words and phrases in Kinyarwanda. Health is an essential topic to learn, especially when traveling to a new country. Knowing the basics will help you seek medical attention and describe your symptoms to the doctor. Let's get started!

Vocabulary

Here is a list of health-related words and phrases in Kinyarwanda:

Kinyarwanda	Pronunciation	English
umwuka	['umwukɑ]	headache
akamu	[ɑ'kɑmu]	stomachache
umwuka w'ingwe	['umwukɑ w‿iŋge]	joint pain
inzoka	[in'zokɑ]	fever
irindi	[iɾin'di]	cold
nkahe	['nkɑhe]	cough
umurwayi	['umurwɑji]	patient
umudugudu	['umudugudu]	hospital
umubyeyi w'umwana	['umubjɛji w‿umwɑnɑ]	pediatrician
inywa	[in'jwɑ]	medicine

Example dialogue:

• Person 1: Ndi muri umwuka. (I have a headache.)
• Person 2: Twese duhindure meshyi. (Let's all drink water.)
• Person 1: Inzoka zirirwaga. (I have a fever.)
• Person 2: Wubaha inywa ya parasetamoli wowe. (You should take paracetamol medicine.)

Useful phrases

Here are some phrases you can use when seeking medical attention:

• Ndarota urugo (I need a hospital)
• Ndarota dokotera (I need a doctor)
• Ndahindura inama (I feel dizzy)
• Nitwara ibitotsi (I have a headache)

Cultural Information

In Rwanda, there is a proverb "Gira ubwoba burushya," which means "Have a little fear." This proverb emphasizes the importance of precautionary measures and not taking unnecessary risks. In the context of health, it is essential to seek medical attention and not dismiss symptoms. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Rwandan traditional medicine is prevalent among the local population. People seek healing from traditional healers, also known as herbalists or diviners. They use a combination of herbal remedies and spiritual practices to cure a variety of ailments, from physical to psychological. However, it is important to keep in mind that traditional medicine should not replace modern medical treatment.

Conclusion

I hope this lesson has helped you expand your Kinyarwanda vocabulary and your knowledge of health-related terms. Remember to take care of your health, seek medical attention when needed, and have a little fear. Don't forget to practice using these words and phrases with native speakers of Kinyarwanda. Keep learning with Polyglot Club's Vocabulary and Kinyarwanda lessons!

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➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎

Related Lessons

• Clothes
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• Fruits
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• Feelings and Emotions
• Animals
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• Colors
• Geography

Sources

• Kinyarwanda Vocabulary - Health
• Trainee Kinyarwanda Book Table of Contents
• Kinyarwanda - DICTIONARY