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<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/Kinyarwanda|Kinyarwanda]]  → [[Language/Kinyarwanda/Grammar|Grammar]] → [[Language/Kinyarwanda/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → Noun Classes</div>
Welcome to today's lesson on '''Kinyarwanda Noun Classes'''! This topic is crucial for anyone looking to understand and speak Kinyarwanda effectively. Noun classes are an essential component of the language and play a significant role in how words interact with one another within sentences. They help in agreement between nouns, adjectives, and verbs, making it vital to grasp this concept early in your learning journey.
In Kinyarwanda, nouns are categorized into various classes, each with its own prefix and associated grammatical rules. Understanding these classes will not only enhance your vocabulary but also improve your overall fluency and comprehension.


<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/Kinyarwanda|Kinyarwanda]]  → [[Language/Kinyarwanda/Grammar|Grammar]] → [[Language/Kinyarwanda/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → Nouns and Pronouns → Noun Classes</div>
Throughout this lesson, we will explore:


__TOC__
* The definition and importance of noun classes in Kinyarwanda.
 
* A detailed breakdown of the various noun classes, along with examples.


Noun classes are an important and unique feature of Kinyarwanda. In Kinyarwanda, every noun belongs to a specific class, and the choice of class affects the form of other words that interact with it in a sentence, such as adjectives, verbs, and pronouns.
* Exercises to practice what you've learned.


There are a total of sixteen noun classes in Kinyarwanda, which are identified by a prefix that is attached to the noun. In this lesson, you will learn about the different noun classes in Kinyarwanda and how they affect agreement with other words in a sentence.
So, let’s dive in!


== Overview ==
__TOC__


All Kinyarwanda nouns belong to one of the sixteen classes. These classes are organized according to semantics, which means that nouns with similar meanings but different forms belong to the same class. The classes are indicated by a class marker that precedes the noun. 
=== What are Noun Classes? ===


Noun classes also affect the form of adjectives, verbs, and pronouns that interact with them in a sentence. These words must agree with the noun in both class and number.  
Noun classes are a way to categorize nouns based on shared characteristics. Each class has a specific prefix that modifies the noun and affects how it agrees with verbs and adjectives in a sentence. In Kinyarwanda, there are 16 noun classes, and they are essential for proper sentence structure.


== Singular and Plural ==
=== Importance of Noun Classes ===


In Kinyarwanda, nouns have both singular and plural forms. To form the plural of a noun, the class marker is replaced with a different marker, or the entire prefix may change.  
* '''Agreement''': Noun classes play a crucial role in grammatical agreement between nouns, verbs, and adjectives.


For example, the singular prefix for Class 1 is umu-, and the plural prefix is aba-. Thus, the word for "man" in Kinyarwanda is umugabo, and its plural form is abagabo. Likewise, the singular prefix for Class 3 is i-, and the plural prefix is ama-. The word for "cow" in Kinyarwanda is inka, and its plural form is amanika.
* '''Meaning''': The class of a noun can also provide clues about its meaning or function in a sentence.


It is important to note that the plural forms of some nouns do not follow a predictable pattern, and must be memorized.  
* '''Structure''': Understanding noun classes helps learners construct sentences correctly.


== The Sixteen Noun Classes ==
=== Overview of Kinyarwanda Noun Classes ===


Each Kinyarwanda noun belongs to one of sixteen classes. Some classes have only a few nouns in them, while others have many. The following table shows each of the sixteen classes and a sample of nouns that belong to them:
The Kinyarwanda noun classes are organized primarily by prefixes. Below is a table summarizing the noun classes, their prefixes, and example nouns.


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Class !! Marker !! Example Nouns
 
! Noun Class !! Prefix !! Example Noun !! English Translation
 
|-
|-
| Class 1 || mu- / m- || umugabo (man), umugore (woman), umuntu (person)
 
| 1 || u- || umunyeshuri || student
 
|-
|-
| Class 2 || ba- || abana (children), abakobwa (girls), abagabo (men)
 
| 2 || aba- || abashumba || herders
 
|-
|-
| Class 3 || i- / y- || inka (cow), imfura (goat), igihombo (fish)
 
| 3 || umu- || umuryango || family
 
|-
|-
| Class 4 || zi- / z- || zirafiti (bicycle), zimyitiri (motorcycle), zitubutse (eyebrows)
 
| 4 || ibi- || ibiti || trees
 
|-
|-
| Class 5 || bi- / by- || ibijumba (carrots), ibitoki (bananas), ibiribwa (beans)
 
| 5 || iyi- || iyinjira || entrance
 
|-
|-
| Class 6 || u- / bw- || ubwoko (tribe), ubwoba (fear), ubwishingizi (thief)
 
| 6 || imyi- || imyanda || waste
 
|-
|-
| Class 7 || ku- / kw- || ku nshuti (friendship), ku bija (neighborhood), kwihangana (competition)
 
| 7 || uru- || urukundo || love
 
|-
|-
| Class 8 || tu- / tw- || tugiye (journey), tukore (work), tuja (future)
 
| 8 || ama- || amazi || water
 
|-
|-
| Class 9 || mu- / m- || mu mucyo (hearth), mu gitsina (bed), mu murima (garden)
 
| 9 || inka- || inka || cow
 
|-
|-
| Class 10 || i- / y- || inka (house), igiti (tree), igihe (time)
 
| 10 || isi- || isi || world
 
|-
 
| 11 || udu- || udushya || innovations
 
|-
 
| 12 || umu- || umubano || relationship
 
|-
 
| 13 || -ka || -gari || small
 
|-
 
| 14 || -bwa || -nini || big
 
|-
|-
| Class 11 || ka- / k- || kabuga (market), kazoza (bottle), kaguru (ship)
 
| 15 || -nka || -mara || to finish
 
|-
|-
| Class 12 || tu- / tw- || turamye (exile), turarana (meeting), turugendo (journey)
 
| 16 || -bwa || -banda || to be wide
 
|}
 
=== Detailed Breakdown of Kinyarwanda Noun Classes ===
 
To understand noun classes better, let's delve deeper into each class with examples and explanations.
 
==== Class 1 (u-) ====
 
Class 1 typically includes singular nouns. The prefix '''u-''' is used for people and animate beings.
 
* '''Example''': ''umukecuru'' (grandmother)
 
* '''Agreement''': Adjectives and verbs will take the prefix '''u-''' when referring to nouns in this class.
 
==== Class 2 (aba-) ====
 
Class 2 includes plural forms of Class 1 nouns. The prefix '''aba-''' is used.
 
* '''Example''': ''abakecuru'' (grandmothers)
 
* '''Agreement''': The corresponding adjectives and verbs will also adopt the prefix '''aba-'''.
 
==== Class 3 (umu-) ====
 
Class 3 nouns are usually singular noun classes that refer to trees and other objects.
 
* '''Example''': ''umugezi'' (river)
 
* '''Agreement''': The prefix '''umu-''' will be used for related adjectives and verbs.
 
==== Class 4 (ibi-) ====
 
Class 4 covers plural forms of Class 3 nouns. The prefix '''ibi-''' is used.
 
* '''Example''': ''ibihuru'' (rivers)
 
* '''Agreement''': Related adjectives and verbs will utilize the '''ibi-''' prefix.
 
==== Class 5 (iyi-) ====
 
Class 5 is associated with singular nouns that denote specific items or objects.
 
* '''Example''': ''iyubaka'' (building)
 
* '''Agreement''': Adjectives and verbs will take the prefix '''iyi-'''.
 
==== Class 6 (imyi-) ====
 
Class 6 typically includes plural forms of Class 5 nouns.
 
* '''Example''': ''imyubakire'' (buildings)
 
* '''Agreement''': Adjectives and verbs will adopt the prefix '''imyi-'''.
 
==== Class 7 (uru-) ====
 
Class 7 is for certain abstract nouns, usually referring to qualities or concepts.
 
* '''Example''': ''urukundo'' (love)
 
* '''Agreement''': The prefix '''uru-''' is used in related adjectives and verbs.
 
==== Class 8 (ama-) ====
 
Class 8 is often used for liquids and collective nouns.
 
* '''Example''': ''amazi'' (water)
 
* '''Agreement''': The prefix '''ama-''' will be used for adjectives and verbs.
 
==== Class 9 (inka-) ====
 
Class 9 includes singular nouns that often refer to animals.
 
* '''Example''': ''inkoko'' (chicken)
 
* '''Agreement''': Adjectives and verbs will take the prefix '''inka-'''.
 
==== Class 10 (isi-) ====
 
Class 10 refers to singular nouns that denote the world or environment.
 
* '''Example''': ''isi'' (earth)
 
* '''Agreement''': The prefix '''isi-''' will be used in adjectives and verbs.
 
==== Class 11 (udu-) ====
 
Class 11 is for diminutive forms of nouns.
 
* '''Example''': ''uduhanga'' (small things)
 
* '''Agreement''': The prefix '''udu-''' is used for related adjectives and verbs.
 
==== Class 12 (umu-) ====
 
Class 12 nouns typically refer to relationships.
 
* '''Example''': ''umubano'' (relationship)
 
* '''Agreement''': The prefix '''umu-''' is used in related adjectives and verbs.
 
==== Class 13 (-ka) ====
 
Class 13 is used to denote smallness or lesser degree.
 
* '''Example''': ''umukaka'' (a small piece)
 
* '''Agreement''': Related adjectives and verbs will adopt the suffix '''-ka'''.
 
==== Class 14 (-bwa) ====
 
Class 14 is used to indicate a larger size or degree.
 
* '''Example''': ''umubwiza'' (a large beauty)
 
* '''Agreement''': Adjectives and verbs will use the suffix '''-bwa'''.
 
==== Class 15 (-nka) ====
 
Class 15 indicates completion or ending.
 
* '''Example''': ''gukora'' (to finish)
 
* '''Agreement''': Related words will adopt the suffix '''-nka'''.
 
==== Class 16 (-bwa) ====
 
Class 16 refers to width or extent.
 
* '''Example''': ''ubugari'' (wide)
 
* '''Agreement''': Related terms will utilize the suffix '''-bwa'''.
 
=== Practice Exercises ===
 
Now that we've covered the noun classes in detail, let's put your knowledge to the test with some exercises!
 
1. '''Identify the Class''': Determine the noun class for the following words:
 
* umunyeshuri
 
* abashumba
 
* ibiti
 
* urukundo
 
2. '''Fill in the Blanks''': Complete the sentences with the correct prefixes for the nouns provided.
 
* _____ (umuhanda) ni mwiza. (The road is beautiful.)
 
* _____ (abana) barakina. (The children are playing.)
 
3. '''Translate the Sentences''': Translate the following sentences into Kinyarwanda, paying attention to noun classes.
 
* The student is reading a book.
 
* The mothers are cooking food.
 
4. '''Match the Noun and Prefix''': Match the following nouns with their correct prefixes.
 
* 1. inka
 
* 2. ibiti
 
* 3. umuryango
 
* 4. amazi
 
5. '''Create Sentences''': Use the following nouns in sentences, ensuring proper agreement.
 
* umunyamakuru (journalist)
 
* ababyeyi (parents)
 
* ibitabo (books)
 
6. '''Identify Errors''': Find and correct the errors in the following sentences.
 
* Umunyeshuri arakora akazi kenshi.
 
* Abana nibakina mu kibuga.
 
7. '''Change to Plural''': Convert the following singular nouns to their plural forms.
 
* umuryango
 
* umukecuru
 
* urukundo
 
8. '''Fill in the Noun Classes''': Fill in the table with the correct noun class for each noun.
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Noun !! Noun Class
 
|-
|-
| Class 13 || ka- / k- || kamwe (one), kadege (bird), karubanda (hockey)
 
| umukecuru ||  
 
|-
|-
| Class 14 || e- / j- || egetsi (electricity), ejo (yesterday), ejiji (engineer)
 
| abashumba ||  
 
|-
|-
| Class 15 || ku- / kw- || ku cyumba (house), ku isugi (sugar cane), kwigira (arrival)
 
| ibiti ||  
 
|-
|-
| Class 16 || mu- / m- || mu ishuri (school), mu mujyi (city), mu rugo (home)
 
| amazi ||  
 
|}
|}


== Agreement in Kinyarwanda ==
9. '''Noun Class Agreement''': Write a short paragraph using at least three different noun classes, ensuring that adjectives and verbs agree with the nouns.
 
10. '''Group Discussion''': Discuss with a partner the importance of noun classes in Kinyarwanda. How does understanding them help in communication?
 
=== Solutions to Exercises ===
 
1.


In Kinyarwanda, adjectives, verbs, and pronouns must agree with the noun in both class and number. This means that the form of these words changes depending on the class and number of the noun they are associated with.
* umunyeshuri → Class 1


For example, consider the following sentence:
* abashumba → Class 2


"Umugabo wanjye ni mukirezi."
* ibiti → Class 4


This sentence means "My husband is a teacher." The subject of the sentence is "umugabo" (husband), which belongs to Class 1. The predicate "is a teacher" is expressed by the verb "ni", which must agree with the subject in both class and number. Because "umugabo" is singular, the verb takes the prefix "mu-", resulting in "mukirezi" (teacher).
* urukundo → Class 7


Similarly, if we change the subject to "abagabo" (men), the sentence becomes:
2.


"Abagabo banjye ni bakirezi."
* Umuhanda ni mwiza.  


This sentence means "My men are teachers." The subject is now plural and belongs to Class 2. The predicate must reflect this by using the plural prefix "ba-" and the plural form of the word for "teacher", resulting in "bakirezi".
* Abana barakina.


== Conclusion ==
3.


Noun classes are an important feature of Kinyarwanda, and mastering them is essential to understanding how Kinyarwanda works. By now, you should be familiar with the sixteen different classes and how they are used, as well as how agreement works in Kinyarwanda.  
* Umunyeshuri arimo gusoma igitabo.


In the next lesson, we will continue studying Kinyarwanda nouns and pronouns by exploring personal pronouns, including subject and object pronouns, as well as possessive pronouns.
* Ababyeyi barimo guteka ifunguro.
 
4.
 
* inka - 9
 
* ibiti - 4
 
* umuryango - 3
 
* amazi - 8
 
5.
 
* Umunyamakuru arandika inkuru.
 
* Ababyeyi barakina n’abana.
 
* Ibitabo birimo ubumenyi bwinshi.
 
6.
 
* Umunyeshuri arakora akazi kenshi. (Correct)
 
* Abana barakina mu kibuga. (Correct)
 
7.
 
* umuryango → imiryango
 
* umukecuru → abakecuru
 
* urukundo → urukundo (no change)
 
8.
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Noun !! Noun Class
 
|-
 
| umukecuru || 1
 
|-
 
| abashumba || 2
 
|-
 
| ibiti || 4
 
|-
 
| amazi || 8
 
|}
 
9.
 
(Answers will vary, but should include proper noun class agreement.)
 
10.
 
(Discussion points will vary based on student interaction.)
 
In conclusion, mastering noun classes is fundamental to your journey in learning Kinyarwanda. They are the backbone of the language, providing structure and meaning to your conversations. Keep practicing, and don’t hesitate to refer back to this lesson as you continue to develop your skills!


{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=Kinyarwanda Grammar: Noun Classes
 
|keywords=Kinyarwanda, nouns, noun classes, agreement, adjectives, verbs, pronouns
|title=Kinyarwanda Noun Classes Explained
|description=Learn about the different noun classes in Kinyarwanda and how they affect agreement with other words in a sentence. Mastering these is essential!
 
|keywords=Kinyarwanda, Noun Classes, Language Learning, Grammar, Kinyarwanda Language
 
|description=In this lesson, you will learn about the various noun classes in Kinyarwanda, their importance, and how they affect agreement with other words in sentences.
 
}}
}}


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<span openai_correct_model></span> <span gpt></span> <span model=gpt-4o-mini></span> <span temperature=0.7></span>
 
==Sources==
* [https://sites.google.com/a/wisc.edu/learning-kinyarwanda/lessons-in-grammar-and-pronunciation/noun-classes/noun-class-one A.) Noun Class One - Learning Kinyarwanda]
* [https://osf.io/d2teq/download A Quantitative Study of Noun Classes in Kinyarwanda]
* [https://sites.google.com/a/wisc.edu/learning-kinyarwanda/lessons-in-grammar-and-pronunciation/noun-classes 3.) Noun Classes - Learning Kinyarwanda]




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==Sources==
* [https://sites.google.com/a/wisc.edu/learning-kinyarwanda/lessons-in-grammar-and-pronunciation/noun-classes/noun-class-one A.) Noun Class One - Learning Kinyarwanda]
* [https://osf.io/d2teq/download A Quantitative Study of Noun Classes in Kinyarwanda]
* [https://sites.google.com/a/wisc.edu/learning-kinyarwanda/lessons-in-grammar-and-pronunciation/noun-classes 3.) Noun Classes - Learning Kinyarwanda]


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Latest revision as of 08:40, 2 August 2024

◀️ Introducing Yourself — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — Personal Pronouns ▶️

Kinyarwanda-flag-polyglotclub.fw.png
Kinyarwanda → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Noun Classes

Welcome to today's lesson on Kinyarwanda Noun Classes! This topic is crucial for anyone looking to understand and speak Kinyarwanda effectively. Noun classes are an essential component of the language and play a significant role in how words interact with one another within sentences. They help in agreement between nouns, adjectives, and verbs, making it vital to grasp this concept early in your learning journey.

In Kinyarwanda, nouns are categorized into various classes, each with its own prefix and associated grammatical rules. Understanding these classes will not only enhance your vocabulary but also improve your overall fluency and comprehension.

Throughout this lesson, we will explore:

  • The definition and importance of noun classes in Kinyarwanda.
  • A detailed breakdown of the various noun classes, along with examples.
  • Exercises to practice what you've learned.

So, let’s dive in!

What are Noun Classes?[edit | edit source]

Noun classes are a way to categorize nouns based on shared characteristics. Each class has a specific prefix that modifies the noun and affects how it agrees with verbs and adjectives in a sentence. In Kinyarwanda, there are 16 noun classes, and they are essential for proper sentence structure.

Importance of Noun Classes[edit | edit source]

  • Agreement: Noun classes play a crucial role in grammatical agreement between nouns, verbs, and adjectives.
  • Meaning: The class of a noun can also provide clues about its meaning or function in a sentence.
  • Structure: Understanding noun classes helps learners construct sentences correctly.

Overview of Kinyarwanda Noun Classes[edit | edit source]

The Kinyarwanda noun classes are organized primarily by prefixes. Below is a table summarizing the noun classes, their prefixes, and example nouns.

Noun Class Prefix Example Noun English Translation
1 u- umunyeshuri student
2 aba- abashumba herders
3 umu- umuryango family
4 ibi- ibiti trees
5 iyi- iyinjira entrance
6 imyi- imyanda waste
7 uru- urukundo love
8 ama- amazi water
9 inka- inka cow
10 isi- isi world
11 udu- udushya innovations
12 umu- umubano relationship
13 -ka -gari small
14 -bwa -nini big
15 -nka -mara to finish
16 -bwa -banda to be wide

Detailed Breakdown of Kinyarwanda Noun Classes[edit | edit source]

To understand noun classes better, let's delve deeper into each class with examples and explanations.

Class 1 (u-)[edit | edit source]

Class 1 typically includes singular nouns. The prefix u- is used for people and animate beings.

  • Example: umukecuru (grandmother)
  • Agreement: Adjectives and verbs will take the prefix u- when referring to nouns in this class.

Class 2 (aba-)[edit | edit source]

Class 2 includes plural forms of Class 1 nouns. The prefix aba- is used.

  • Example: abakecuru (grandmothers)
  • Agreement: The corresponding adjectives and verbs will also adopt the prefix aba-.

Class 3 (umu-)[edit | edit source]

Class 3 nouns are usually singular noun classes that refer to trees and other objects.

  • Example: umugezi (river)
  • Agreement: The prefix umu- will be used for related adjectives and verbs.

Class 4 (ibi-)[edit | edit source]

Class 4 covers plural forms of Class 3 nouns. The prefix ibi- is used.

  • Example: ibihuru (rivers)
  • Agreement: Related adjectives and verbs will utilize the ibi- prefix.

Class 5 (iyi-)[edit | edit source]

Class 5 is associated with singular nouns that denote specific items or objects.

  • Example: iyubaka (building)
  • Agreement: Adjectives and verbs will take the prefix iyi-.

Class 6 (imyi-)[edit | edit source]

Class 6 typically includes plural forms of Class 5 nouns.

  • Example: imyubakire (buildings)
  • Agreement: Adjectives and verbs will adopt the prefix imyi-.

Class 7 (uru-)[edit | edit source]

Class 7 is for certain abstract nouns, usually referring to qualities or concepts.

  • Example: urukundo (love)
  • Agreement: The prefix uru- is used in related adjectives and verbs.

Class 8 (ama-)[edit | edit source]

Class 8 is often used for liquids and collective nouns.

  • Example: amazi (water)
  • Agreement: The prefix ama- will be used for adjectives and verbs.

Class 9 (inka-)[edit | edit source]

Class 9 includes singular nouns that often refer to animals.

  • Example: inkoko (chicken)
  • Agreement: Adjectives and verbs will take the prefix inka-.

Class 10 (isi-)[edit | edit source]

Class 10 refers to singular nouns that denote the world or environment.

  • Example: isi (earth)
  • Agreement: The prefix isi- will be used in adjectives and verbs.

Class 11 (udu-)[edit | edit source]

Class 11 is for diminutive forms of nouns.

  • Example: uduhanga (small things)
  • Agreement: The prefix udu- is used for related adjectives and verbs.

Class 12 (umu-)[edit | edit source]

Class 12 nouns typically refer to relationships.

  • Example: umubano (relationship)
  • Agreement: The prefix umu- is used in related adjectives and verbs.

Class 13 (-ka)[edit | edit source]

Class 13 is used to denote smallness or lesser degree.

  • Example: umukaka (a small piece)
  • Agreement: Related adjectives and verbs will adopt the suffix -ka.

Class 14 (-bwa)[edit | edit source]

Class 14 is used to indicate a larger size or degree.

  • Example: umubwiza (a large beauty)
  • Agreement: Adjectives and verbs will use the suffix -bwa.

Class 15 (-nka)[edit | edit source]

Class 15 indicates completion or ending.

  • Example: gukora (to finish)
  • Agreement: Related words will adopt the suffix -nka.

Class 16 (-bwa)[edit | edit source]

Class 16 refers to width or extent.

  • Example: ubugari (wide)
  • Agreement: Related terms will utilize the suffix -bwa.

Practice Exercises[edit | edit source]

Now that we've covered the noun classes in detail, let's put your knowledge to the test with some exercises!

1. Identify the Class: Determine the noun class for the following words:

  • umunyeshuri
  • abashumba
  • ibiti
  • urukundo

2. Fill in the Blanks: Complete the sentences with the correct prefixes for the nouns provided.

  • _____ (umuhanda) ni mwiza. (The road is beautiful.)
  • _____ (abana) barakina. (The children are playing.)

3. Translate the Sentences: Translate the following sentences into Kinyarwanda, paying attention to noun classes.

  • The student is reading a book.
  • The mothers are cooking food.

4. Match the Noun and Prefix: Match the following nouns with their correct prefixes.

  • 1. inka
  • 2. ibiti
  • 3. umuryango
  • 4. amazi

5. Create Sentences: Use the following nouns in sentences, ensuring proper agreement.

  • umunyamakuru (journalist)
  • ababyeyi (parents)
  • ibitabo (books)

6. Identify Errors: Find and correct the errors in the following sentences.

  • Umunyeshuri arakora akazi kenshi.
  • Abana nibakina mu kibuga.

7. Change to Plural: Convert the following singular nouns to their plural forms.

  • umuryango
  • umukecuru
  • urukundo

8. Fill in the Noun Classes: Fill in the table with the correct noun class for each noun.

Noun Noun Class
umukecuru
abashumba
ibiti
amazi

9. Noun Class Agreement: Write a short paragraph using at least three different noun classes, ensuring that adjectives and verbs agree with the nouns.

10. Group Discussion: Discuss with a partner the importance of noun classes in Kinyarwanda. How does understanding them help in communication?

Solutions to Exercises[edit | edit source]

1.

  • umunyeshuri → Class 1
  • abashumba → Class 2
  • ibiti → Class 4
  • urukundo → Class 7

2.

  • Umuhanda ni mwiza.
  • Abana barakina.

3.

  • Umunyeshuri arimo gusoma igitabo.
  • Ababyeyi barimo guteka ifunguro.

4.

  • inka - 9
  • ibiti - 4
  • umuryango - 3
  • amazi - 8

5.

  • Umunyamakuru arandika inkuru.
  • Ababyeyi barakina n’abana.
  • Ibitabo birimo ubumenyi bwinshi.

6.

  • Umunyeshuri arakora akazi kenshi. (Correct)
  • Abana barakina mu kibuga. (Correct)

7.

  • umuryango → imiryango
  • umukecuru → abakecuru
  • urukundo → urukundo (no change)

8.

Noun Noun Class
umukecuru 1
abashumba 2
ibiti 4
amazi 8

9.

(Answers will vary, but should include proper noun class agreement.)

10.

(Discussion points will vary based on student interaction.)

In conclusion, mastering noun classes is fundamental to your journey in learning Kinyarwanda. They are the backbone of the language, providing structure and meaning to your conversations. Keep practicing, and don’t hesitate to refer back to this lesson as you continue to develop your skills!

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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