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{| class="wikitable pg_template_nav"
|[[Language/Kinyarwanda/Vocabulary/Telling-Time|◀️ Telling Time — Previous Lesson]]
|[[Language/Kinyarwanda/Grammar/Past-Tense|Next Lesson — Past Tense ▶️]]
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{{Kinyarwanda-Page-Top}}
{{Kinyarwanda-Page-Top}}
<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/Kinyarwanda|Kinyarwanda]]  → [[Language/Kinyarwanda/Grammar|Grammar]] → [[Language/Kinyarwanda/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → Present Tense</div>
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.


<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/Kinyarwanda|Kinyarwanda]]  → [[Language/Kinyarwanda/Grammar|Grammar]] → [[Language/Kinyarwanda/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → Verbs and Tenses → Present Tense</div>
'''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


__TOC__
__TOC__


<h1>Introduction</h1>
=== Understanding Regular Verbs in the Present Tense ===
 
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):
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! 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)'''
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Kinyarwanda !! Pronunciation !! English


Welcome to the present tense lesson in the Complete 0 to A1 Kinyarwanda Course! Understanding how to use the present tense is essential to mastering Kinyarwanda. In this lesson, we will cover regular verb conjugation in the present tense, as well as some common irregular verbs. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to form sentences in the present tense and communicate with Kinyarwanda speakers about things happening right now.
|-


<h2>Regular Verbs in the Present Tense</h2>
| Nkinira || [n'ki.ni.ra] || I play


Regular verbs in Kinyarwanda follow a simple pattern to be conjugated in the present tense. To conjugate a regular verb, simply remove the "-a" from the infinitive form and add the correct prefix depending on the noun class of the subject.
|-


Here are the present tense prefixes for each of the 16 noun classes in Kinyarwanda:
| Urakinira || [u'ra.ki.ni.ra] || You play (singular)


<table class="wikitable">
|-
  <tr>
    <th>Noun Class</th>
    <th>Prefix</th>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>1/2</td>
    <td>ya-</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>3/4</td>
    <td>a-</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>5/6</td>
    <td>i-</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>7/8</td>
    <td>y-</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>9/10</td>
    <td>tu-</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>11/10</td>
    <td>ru-</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>14/15</td>
    <td>m-</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>16</td>
    <td>si-</td>
  </tr>
</table>


Now that you know the subject prefixes, let's see how they are used in verb conjugation in the present tense.  
| Arakinira || [a'ra.ki.ni.ra] || He/She plays


To conjugate a regular verb in the present tense, take the infinitive form of the verb and remove the "-a" ending. Then, add the appropriate subject prefix based on the noun class of the subject. Let's see some examples:
|-


<table class="wikitable">
| Turakinira || [tu'ra.ki.ni.ra] || We play
  <tr>
    <th>Kinyarwanda</th>
    <th>Pronunciation</th>
    <th>English Translation</th>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>yandikiye</td>
    <td>yan-diki-ye</td>
    <td>I write</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>twandikiye</td>
    <td>twan-diki-ye</td>
    <td>We write</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>ari yandikiye</td>
    <td>a-ri yan-diki-ye</td>
    <td>He/She writes</td>
  </tr>
</table>


As you can see in the examples, the subject prefix is added to the verb stem to form the present tense. It's that simple!
|-


<h2>Irregular Verbs in the Present Tense</h2>
| Murakinira || [mu'ra.ki.ni.ra] || You play (plural/formal)


While regular verbs follow a simple pattern, irregular verbs require you to memorize the specific conjugations for each verb. In Kinyarwanda, there are a few common irregular verbs you should be familiar with.
|-


<h3>Kwiga (to learn)</h3>
| Barakinira || [ba'ra.ki.ni.ra] || They play


<table class="wikitable">
|}
  <tr>
    <th>Kinyarwanda</th>
    <th>Pronunciation</th>
    <th>English Translation</th>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>ndi kwiga</td>
    <td>n-dee kwi-ga</td>
    <td>I learn</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>tuzi kwiga</td>
    <td>tuzi kwi-ga</td>
    <td>We learn</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>yuzuye kwiga</td>
    <td>yoo-zoo-ye kwi-ga</td>
    <td>He/She learns</td>
  </tr>
</table>


<h3>Gufasha (to help)</h3>
'''Verb: "guhinga" (to farm)'''


<table class="wikitable">
{| class="wikitable"
  <tr>
    <th>Kinyarwanda</th>
    <th>Pronunciation</th>
    <th>English Translation</th>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>ndi gufasha</td>
    <td>n-dee gu-fa-sha</td>
    <td>I help</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>twifashe</td>
    <td>twi-fa-she</td>
    <td>We help</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>yafashe</td>
    <td>ya-fa-she</td>
    <td>He/She helps</td>
  </tr>
</table>


<h3>Gukora (to work/do)</h3>
! Kinyarwanda !! Pronunciation !! English


<table class="wikitable">
|-
  <tr>
    <th>Kinyarwanda</th>
    <th>Pronunciation</th>
    <th>English Translation</th>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>ndi gukora</td>
    <td>n-dee gu-ko-ra</td>
    <td>I work/do</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>tukora</td>
    <td>tukora</td>
    <td>We work/do</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>yakoreye</td>
    <td>ya-ko-re-ye</td>
    <td>He/She works/does</td>
  </tr>
</table>


<h2>Summary</h2>
| Nhinga || [n'hi.ŋa] || I farm


In this lesson, we covered regular verb conjugation in the present tense and some common irregular verbs. We saw that regular verbs follow a simple pattern by removing the "-a" from the infinitive form and adding the appropriate subject prefix. Irregular verbs require memorization of specific conjugations. By mastering the present tense, you will be able to communicate about things happening right now with Kinyarwanda speakers. Keep practicing and next time we will cover the past tense. Until then, murakoze cyane!
|-
 
| 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 ===
 
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:
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! 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:
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! 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:
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! 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 ===
 
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 ==
 
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 ===
 
'''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.


{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=Kinyarwanda Grammar → Verbs and Tenses → Present Tense
 
|keywords=Kinyarwanda, present tense, regular verbs, irregular verbs, conjugation, noun classes
|title=Kinyarwanda Grammar - Present Tense
|description=In this lesson, you will learn how to conjugate regular and irregular verbs in the present tense in Kinyarwanda, as well as the subject prefixes for each noun class.
 
|keywords=Kinyarwanda, present tense, conjugation, irregular verbs, regular verbs, language learning
 
|description=In this lesson, you will learn how to conjugate regular and irregular verbs in the present tense in Kinyarwanda, helping you to communicate effectively.
 
}}
}}


{{Kinyarwanda-0-to-A1-Course-TOC}}
{{Template:Kinyarwanda-0-to-A1-Course-TOC}}


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<span gpt></span> <span model=gpt-3.5-turbo></span> <span temperature=1></span>
<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/the-verb-the-present-tense 11.) The Verb: The Present Tense - Learning Kinyarwanda]
* [https://files.peacecorps.gov/multimedia/audio/languagelessons/rwanda/RW_Kinyarwanda_Language_Lessons.pdf Trainee Kinyarwanda Book Table of Contents]
* [https://sites.google.com/a/wisc.edu/learning-kinyarwanda/lessons-in-grammar-and-pronunciation Lessons in Grammar and Pronunciation - Learning Kinyarwanda]
 
 
 
==Other Lessons==
* [[Language/Kinyarwanda/Grammar/How-to-Use-Be|How to Use Be]]
* [[Language/Kinyarwanda/Grammar/Asking-Questions|Asking Questions]]
* [[Language/Kinyarwanda/Grammar/Negating-Sentences|Negating Sentences]]
* [[Language/Kinyarwanda/Grammar/Personal-Pronouns|Personal Pronouns]]
* [[Language/Kinyarwanda/Grammar/Noun-Classes|Noun Classes]]
* [[Language/Kinyarwanda/Grammar/Pronouns|Pronouns]]
* [[Language/Kinyarwanda/Grammar/Questions|Questions]]
* [[Language/Kinyarwanda/Grammar/Conditional-Mood|Conditional Mood]]
* [[Language/Kinyarwanda/Grammar/Past-Tense|Past Tense]]
* [[Language/Kinyarwanda/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]]
 
 




{{Kinyarwanda-Page-Bottom}}
{{Kinyarwanda-Page-Bottom}}
<span pgnav>
{| class="wikitable pg_template_nav"
|[[Language/Kinyarwanda/Vocabulary/Telling-Time|◀️ Telling Time — Previous Lesson]]
|[[Language/Kinyarwanda/Grammar/Past-Tense|Next Lesson — Past Tense ▶️]]
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Latest revision as of 08:42, 2 August 2024

◀️ Telling Time — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — Past Tense ▶️

Kinyarwanda-flag-polyglotclub.fw.png
KinyarwandaGrammar0 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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