Language/Kinyarwanda/Vocabulary/Asking-for-Directions

◀️ Modes of Transportation — Previous Lesson

Next Lesson — Traditional Celebrations ▶️

Kinyarwanda → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Asking for Directions

In our journey to mastering Kinyarwanda, one of the most essential skills you will need is the ability to ask for and understand directions. Whether you're wandering through the vibrant streets of Kigali or exploring the beautiful countryside, knowing how to navigate your surroundings in Kinyarwanda will enrich your experience and help you connect with the local culture. In this lesson, we will explore the vocabulary and phrases you’ll need to confidently ask for directions and understand the answers you receive.

This lesson will cover:

• The key vocabulary for directions, including terms for left, right, straight, and around the corner.

• Useful phrases for asking for directions.

• How to respond to directions when given.

• Practical exercises to cement your understanding.

By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid foundation in asking for directions in Kinyarwanda, enhancing both your language skills and your travel experiences.

Vocabulary for Directions

In Kinyarwanda, the vocabulary related to directions is straightforward and practical. Let's dive into the essential terms you will need.

Key Direction Words

Here are some of the key words you'll use when asking for and giving directions:

Kinyarwanda	Pronunciation	English
ibumoso	ibuˈmoso	left
iburyo	ibuˈɾyo	right
imbere	imˈbeɾe	straight
ku murongo	ku muˈɾoŋo	around the corner
hasi	ˈhasi	down
hejuru	heˈjuɾu	up
ahantu	aˈhantu	place
nkeneye	nkenˈeje	I need
urakoze	uɾaˈkoze	thank you
ndabona	ndaˈbona	I see

These words will form the backbone of your conversations when you need to ask for directions.

Useful Phrases for Asking Directions

Now that you know the key vocabulary, let’s look at some phrases you can use to ask for directions.

Kinyarwanda	Pronunciation	English
Ndashaka kumenya uko nakwiyobora	ndaˈʃaka kuˈmɛɲa ˈuko naˈkwiˈβoɾa	I want to know how to get there
Nikihe nzira yerekeza	niˈkihe nziˈɾa jeɾeˈkɛza	Which way should I go?
Ubuhe buso bwanjye	uˈbuhe buˈso bwaˈnʤe	Which direction is mine?
Nkeneye kumenya ibumoso	nkenˈeje kuˈmɛɲa ibuˈmoso	I need to know the left
Nkeneye kumenya iburyo	nkenˈeje kuˈmɛɲa ibuˈɾyo	I need to know the right
Ndabishoboye?	ndaˈbiʃoˈbaye	Can I do this?
Mumbwire ikirere?	mumˈbwiɾe ikiˈɾeɾe	Can you tell me the way?
Ndashaka kujya ahantu	ndaˈʃaka kuˈdʒa aˈhantu	I want to go to a place
Nkeneye gutaha	nkenˈeje guˈtaɦa	I need to go home
Mufite ikarita?	muˈfiˈte ikaˈɾita	Do you have a map?

These phrases will empower you to communicate your needs effectively.

Responding to Directions

When someone gives you directions, it’s essential to understand how to respond. Here are some common phrases to help you acknowledge and clarify directions.

Kinyarwanda	Pronunciation	English
Ndabashimira	ndaˈbaʃimiɾa	Thank you
Ndabikora	ndaˈbiˈkoɾa	I understand
Ndabishoboye!	ndaˈbiʃoˈbaye!	I can do this!
Ntabwo nzi neza	ntaˈbwo nˈzi ˈneza	I don’t know well
Urakoze ku makuru	uɾaˈkoze ku aˈmaˈkuɾu	Thank you for the information
Nkeneye andi makuru	nkenˈeje anˈdi aˈmaˈkuɾu	I need more information
Ndashaka kuza	ndaˈʃaka kuˈza	I want to come
Ndasubira	ndaˈsubiɾa	I will return
Ndakurikira	ndaˈkuɾiˈkiɾa	I will follow
Ndashaka guhindura	ndaˈʃaka guˈhindura	I want to change direction

These responses will help you engage in a conversation about directions and ensure you are on the right path.

Practice Exercises

To solidify your understanding of asking for directions in Kinyarwanda, let's engage in some practice exercises. These scenarios will test your vocabulary and comprehension.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences with the appropriate Kinyarwanda term.

1. Nkeneye kumenya ______ (left).

2. Ubuhe ______ bwanjye? (direction).

3. Ndashaka ______ ahantu. (go to a place).

4. Urakoze ku ______. (information).

5. Ndabishoboye? (Can I ______ this?)

Solutions:

1. ibumoso

2. buso

3. kujya

4. makuru

5. do

Exercise 2: Match the Phrases

Match the Kinyarwanda phrases with their English translations.

1. Ndashaka kumenya uko nakwiyobora

2. Nkeneye kumenya iburyo

3. Ubuhe buso bwanjye?

4. Ntabwo nzi neza

5. Ndashaka kuza

| Kinyarwanda Phrase | English Translation |

|--------------------|---------------------|

| 1 | a |

| 2 | b |

| 3 | c |

| 4 | d |

| 5 | e |

Solutions:

1 - e; 2 - b; 3 - a; 4 - d; 5 - c

Exercise 3: Role Play

In pairs, practice asking each other for directions using the phrases learned in this lesson. One person will be the asker and the other will respond. Switch roles after 5 minutes.

Example Scenario:

• Asker: Ndashaka kumenya ibumoso.

• Responder: Hasi, ibumoso.

Exercise 4: True or False

Determine whether the following statements are true or false.

1. "iburyo" means right. (True)

2. "ku murongo" means straight. (False)

3. "Ndabashimira" means I understand. (False)

4. "Nkeneye" means I need. (True)

5. "Ndashaka kujya ahantu" means I want to go to a place. (True)

Solutions:

1. True

2. False

3. False

4. True

5. True

Exercise 5: Create a Dialogue

Write a short dialogue between two people where one is asking for directions and the other is giving directions. Use at least 5 phrases from the lesson.

Example:

• Person A: Ndashaka kumenya uko nakwiyobora.

• Person B: Ubuhe buso bwanjye?

• Person A: Nkeneye kumenya ibumoso.

• Person B: Hasi, ibumoso.

• Person A: Urakoze!

Solutions will vary based on student responses.

Exercise 6: Translation Challenge

Translate the following sentences to Kinyarwanda.

1. Which way should I go?

2. I need to go home.

3. Thank you for the information.

4. Can you tell me the way?

5. I don’t know well.

Solutions:

1. Nikihe nzira yerekeza?

2. Nkeneye gutaha.

3. Urakoze ku makuru.

4. Mumbwire ikirere?

5. Ntabwo nzi neza.

Exercise 7: Direction Matching

Match the direction with its Kinyarwanda equivalent.

1. Left

2. Right

3. Straight

4. Down

5. Up

| Direction | Kinyarwanda |

|-----------|-------------|

| 1 | ibumoso |

| 2 | iburyo |

| 3 | imbere |

| 4 | hasi |

| 5 | hejuru |

Solutions:

1 - ibumoso; 2 - iburyo; 3 - imbere; 4 - hasi; 5 - hejuru

Exercise 8: Listening Exercise

Listen to a native speaker give directions and write down the phrases you hear. Compare your notes with a partner.

Solutions will vary based on student notes.

Exercise 9: Reorder the Sentences

Reorder the following Kinyarwanda sentences to create a coherent dialogue.

1. Urakoze!

2. Ndashaka kujya ahantu.

3. Nkeneye kumenya ibumoso.

4. Ndabishoboye!

5. Hasi, ibumoso.

Solutions:

2, 3, 5, 4, 1

Exercise 10: Group Discussion

In small groups, discuss a time when you had to ask for directions in a foreign country. Use the Kinyarwanda phrases you’ve learned.

Solutions will vary based on student discussions.

By engaging in these exercises, you'll not only reinforce the vocabulary and phrases learned but also gain confidence in using Kinyarwanda in real-life situations.

As you continue your journey through the "Complete 0 to A1 Kinyarwanda Course", remember that practice and engagement are key to mastering any language. Don't hesitate to revisit this lesson as needed, and keep exploring the beautiful 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

• Trainee Kinyarwanda Book Table of Contents
• Intensive Language Study: Kinyarwanda

Other Lessons

• Geography
• Count to 10
• Clothes
• Health
• Common Foods
• Family Members
• Express Surprise
• Animals
• Drinks

Template:Kinyarwanda-Page-Bottom

◀️ Modes of Transportation — Previous Lesson

Next Lesson — Traditional Celebrations ▶️