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<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/Rundi|Rundi]]  → [[Language/Rundi/Grammar|Grammar]] → [[Language/Rundi/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → Questions and Negation → Asking Questions</div>
<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/Rundi|Rundi]]  → [[Language/Rundi/Grammar|Grammar]] → [[Language/Rundi/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → Asking Questions</div>
 
As we embark on the exciting journey of learning Rundi, one of the essential skills you'll need to master is asking questions. Questions are the building blocks of communication, allowing us to engage with others, gather information, and express curiosity. In Rundi, just like in any language, the way we structure our questions can open the door to rich conversations and deepen our understanding of the culture and people around us.
 
In this lesson, we will explore the various types of questions in Rundi, including yes-no questions, wh-questions, and tag questions. By the end of this lesson, you'll feel more confident in your ability to ask questions in Rundi, enabling you to interact with native speakers and enhance your learning experience.


__TOC__
__TOC__


== Introduction ==
=== The Importance of Asking Questions ===
 
Asking questions is fundamental in any language. It not only helps you gather information but also shows your interest in the conversation. In Rundi, the way you form a question can convey politeness, urgency, or curiosity, making it a vital skill to develop as you learn the language.
 
=== Types of Questions in Rundi ===
 
In Rundi, there are three primary types of questions we will focus on:
 
1. '''Yes-No Questions''': These questions can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no."
 
2. '''Wh-Questions''': These questions begin with a "wh" word (who, what, where, when, why) and require more elaborate answers.


In this lesson, we will explore the topic of asking questions in the Rundi language. Asking questions is a fundamental aspect of communication, allowing us to gather information and engage in meaningful conversations. We will cover various types of questions, including yes-no questions, wh-questions, and tag questions. By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid understanding of how to form questions in Rundi and be able to confidently communicate with native speakers.
3. '''Tag Questions''': These questions are statements turned into questions, often used to confirm information.


== Yes-No Questions ==
== Yes-No Questions ==


Yes-no questions are the most basic type of questions in any language. They are called yes-no questions because they can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no". In Rundi, yes-no questions are formed by using question particles at the end of a sentence. Let's look at some examples:
Yes-no questions are straightforward and are often used for simple inquiries. In Rundi, these questions typically start with a verb or a subject.
 
=== Structure of Yes-No Questions ===
 
In Rundi, the basic structure for forming yes-no questions can be illustrated as follows:
 
* '''Verb + Subject + Object'''
 
Let's look at some examples:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Rundi !! Pronunciation !! English
! Rundi !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| Urahira? || uˈɾahiɾa || Are you happy?
|-
|-
| Ufise amavuta? || oo-fee-se a-ma-voo-ta || Do you have a car?
 
| Wumva? || ˈwumva || Do you understand?
 
|-
|-
| Wagenda ku ishuri? || wen-da ku ee-shoo-ree || Did you go to school?
 
| Arakora? || aɾaˈkoɾa || Is he/she working?
 
|-
|-
| Yewe, ndi umugore. || ye-we, n-dee oo-moo-go-re || Yes, I am a woman.
 
| Murakora? || muɾaˈkoɾa || Are you all working?
 
|-
|-
| Oya, ntitari umugabo. || o-ya, n-tee-ta-ree oo-moo-ga-bo || No, I am not a man.
 
| Ndakora? || ndaˈkoɾa || Am I working?
 
|}
|}


As you can see, the question particles "ufise" and "wagenda" are added to the end of the sentences to indicate that they are questions. When answering yes-no questions, you can simply respond with "ewe" for "yes" or "oya" for "no". Let's practice forming yes-no questions in Rundi.
=== Examples of Yes-No Questions ===


__Exercise:__
Here are more examples to illustrate how yes-no questions are formed in Rundi:
1. Translate the following English sentences into Rundi as yes-no questions:
  a) Are you hungry?
  b) Did you see the movie?
  c) Is it raining?
  d) Do you speak Rundi?
2. Answer the following questions in Rundi:
  a) Ufise inka? (Do you have a cow?)
  b) Wagenda ku ishuri? (Did you go to school?)
  c) Yewe, ndi umugabo. (Yes, I am a man.)
  d) Oya, ntitari umugore. (No, I am not a woman.)


__Solution:__
{| class="wikitable"
1. a) Ufise ibyuma?
  b) Wagenda wabonye filimi?
  c) Ehe, ameza agwa?
  d) Ufite ururimi rwacu?


2. a) Ewe, nfise inka.
! Rundi !! Pronunciation !! English
  b) Oya, sigeze kugenda ku ishuri.
 
  c) Yewe, ndi umugabo.
|-
  d) Oya, ntitari umugore.
 
| Wabahe? || waˈbahe || Are they here?
 
|-
 
| Ufise? || uˈfise || Do you have it?
 
|-
 
| Ndahe? || ndaˈhe || Am I wrong?
 
|-
 
| Uzi? || uˈzi || Do you know?
 
|-
 
| Ndarota? || ndaˈɾota || Am I dreaming?
 
|}


== Wh-Questions ==
== Wh-Questions ==


Wh-questions, also known as information questions, are used to ask for specific information such as who, what, where, when, why, and how. In Rundi, wh-questions are formed by using question words at the beginning of a sentence. Let's take a look at some examples:
Wh-questions require more detailed responses and are essential for gathering information. In Rundi, these questions typically start with words like "naki" (what), "nde" (where), "nki" (who), "kubera iki" (why), and "rya ryari" (when).
 
=== Structure of Wh-Questions ===
 
The general structure for forming wh-questions in Rundi is:
 
* '''Wh-Word + Verb + Subject + Object'''
 
Let's explore some examples:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Rundi !! Pronunciation !! English
! Rundi !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| Naki? || ˈnaki || What?
|-
|-
| Imana iri he? || ee-ma-na ee-ree he || Where is the church?
 
| Nde? || ˈnde || Where?
 
|-
|-
| Uwundi mwana wawe ni nde? || oo-woon-dee mwa-na wa-we nee nde || Who is that child of yours?
 
| Nki? || ˈnki || Who?
 
|-
|-
| Ubu buryo bukwiye kugenda? || oo-boo boo-ryo boo-kwee-ye ku-genda || How is this done?
 
| Kubera iki? || kuˈbeɾa ˈiki || Why?
 
|-
|-
| Igihe cyo kwiga kiratangaje? || ee-gi-he sho kwi-ga kee-ra-ta-nga-je || When does the learning start?
 
| Rya ryari? || ˈɾya ɾjaˈɾi || When?
 
|}
|}


In the examples above, the question words "imana", "uwundi", "ubu buryo", and "igihe cyo" are used to ask for specific information. The rest of the sentence follows the regular word order in Rundi. It's important to note that Rundi does not have a specific word for "what". Instead, the question word "ki" is used with the appropriate noun class agreement. For example, "ki" becomes "icyo" for "what" in general, "igeze" for "what time", and "ikibazo" for "what problem".
=== Examples of Wh-Questions ===
 
Here are more examples to help you understand how to form wh-questions in Rundi:
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Rundi !! Pronunciation !! English
 
|-
 
| Naki uzi? || naˈki uˈzi || What do you know?
 
|-
 
| Nde uhaguruka? || ˈnde uhaˈguɾuka || Where do you live?
 
|-
 
| Nki arakora? || nki aɾaˈkoɾa || Who is working?
 
|-


Let's practice forming wh-questions in Rundi.
| Kubera iki wumva? || kuˈbeɾa ˈiki ˈwumva || Why do you understand?


__Exercise:__
|-
1. Translate the following English sentences into Rundi as wh-questions:
  a) What is your name?
  b) Where do you live?
  c) When is your birthday?
  d) How do you get to work?
2. Answer the following questions in Rundi:
  a) Igihe cyo kwiga kiri he? (Where does the learning take place?)
  b) Uwundi mwana wawe ni nde? (Who is that child of yours?)
  c) Ubu buryo bukwiye kugenda? (How is this done?)
  d) Igihe cyo kwiga kiratangaje? (When does the learning start?)


__Solution:__
| Rya ryari tuzokorana? || ˈɾya ɾjaˈɾi tuˈzo koɾaˈna || When will we work together?
1. a) Icyo ushaka kubwira?
  b) Uwuje hejuru?
  c) Igihe cy'umunsi wawe kiri he?
  d) Ufite ibikoresho byo kugenda mu ishuri?


2. a) Igihe cyo kwiga kiri mu ishuri.
|}
  b) Uwundi mwana wanjye ni wowe.
  c) Ubu buryo bufite ubuzima bwiza.
  d) Igihe cyo kwiga kiratangaje mu gitondo.


== Tag Questions ==
== Tag Questions ==


Tag questions are used to confirm or seek agreement on a statement. They are formed by adding a question tag at the end of a sentence. In Rundi, tag questions are formed by using the question particle "nka" or "na" at the end of a sentence, depending on the verb tense. Let's look at some examples:
Tag questions are a unique feature that allows speakers to confirm information or seek agreement. They follow a statement and typically use a pronoun to refer back to the subject.
 
=== Structure of Tag Questions ===
 
The format for creating tag questions in Rundi is as follows:
 
* '''Statement + Tag Pronoun'''
 
Here are some examples:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Rundi !! Pronunciation !! English
! Rundi !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| Ufise inzira, nka? || oo-fee-se een-zee-ra, nka || You have the way, don't you?
 
| Urakora, si? || uɾaˈkoɾa si || You are working, aren’t you?
 
|-
|-
| Wagenda ku ishuri, nka? || wen-da ku ee-shoo-ree, nka || You went to school, didn't you?
 
| Uzi, nti? || uˈzi ˈnti || You know, right?
 
|-
|-
| Yewe, ndi umugore, na? || ye-we, n-dee oo-moo-go-re, na || Yes, I am a woman, right?
 
| Arakora, we? || aɾaˈkoɾa we || He/she is working, isn’t he/she?
 
|-
 
| Turakora, si? || tuɾaˈkoɾa si || We are working, aren’t we?
 
|-
|-
| Oya, ntitari umugabo, nka? || o-ya, n-tee-ta-ree oo-moo-ga-bo, nka || No, I am not a man, am I?
 
| Ndahe, we? || ndaˈhe we || I am wrong, am I?
 
|}
|}


In the examples above, the question particles "nka" and "na" are added to the end of the sentences to form tag questions. The particle "nka" is used for positive statements and the particle "na" is used for negative statements. When speaking, the intonation rises at the end of a tag question to indicate that it is a question. Tag questions can be used to seek confirmation or agreement, or to express surprise or disbelief.
=== Examples of Tag Questions ===


Let's practice forming tag questions in Rundi.
Here are further examples of tag questions in Rundi:


__Exercise:__
{| class="wikitable"
1. Translate the following English sentences into Rundi as tag questions:
  a) You like coffee, don't you?
  b) They don't speak English, do they?
  c) He is coming tomorrow, isn't he?
  d) We shouldn't be late, should we?
2. Answer the following questions in Rundi:
  a) Ufise amavuta, nka? (You have a car, don't you?)
  b) Wagenda ku ishuri, nka? (You went to school, didn't you?)
  c) Yewe, ndi umugore, na? (Yes, I am a woman, right?)
  d) Oya, ntitari umugabo, nka? (No, I am not a man, am I?)


__Solution:__
! Rundi !! Pronunciation !! English
1. a) Wifuza amakawa, nka?
  b) Ntitabigira icyongereza, na?
  c) Yaje kuwa kabiri, na?
  d) Ntidufite igihe kirekire, nka?


2. a) Ewe, nfise amavuta.
|-
  b) Oya, ntipfata ishuri.
  c) Yewe, ndi umugore.
  d) Oya, ntidufite uburyo bwo kugenda ku ishuri.


== Cultural Insights ==
| Urahira, si? || uɾahiˈɾa si || You are happy, aren’t you?


In Burundian culture, asking questions is an important part of daily communication. It shows interest, curiosity, and engagement in conversations. In formal settings, it is common to use polite language when asking questions, especially when speaking to elders or authority figures. This demonstrates respect and is considered good manners.
|-


In some rural areas of Burundi, there may be variations in the usage or understanding of certain question forms. Regional dialects and accents may also influence the pronunciation of specific words or phrases. It is important to be aware of these variations when interacting with different communities in Burundi.
| Wabahe, nti? || waˈbahe ˈnti || They are here, right?


An interesting cultural fact about Burundi is that the Rundi language is widely spoken, but it is not the only language used in the country. Kirundi, French, and English are the official languages of Burundi. Kirundi is the most widely spoken language among the population, while French is used in formal settings and English is taught in schools. This linguistic diversity reflects the country's history and cultural heritage.
|-


== Conclusion ==
| Ufise, we? || uˈfise we || You have it, don’t you?


In this lesson, we have explored the topic of asking questions in the Rundi language. We have learned how to form yes-no questions, wh-questions, and tag questions. Asking questions is an essential skill in communication, allowing us to gather information and engage in meaningful conversations. By practicing the examples and exercises in this lesson, you have developed a solid understanding of how to form questions in Rundi. Keep practicing and using these question forms in your conversations to become even more proficient in the Rundi language.
|-


__Exercise Solutions:__
| Ndarota, si? || ndaˈɾota si || I am dreaming, aren’t I?


1. a) Ufise ibyuma?
|-
  b) Uwenda wabonye filimi?
  c) Ameza agwa?
  d) Ufite ururimi rwacu?


2. a) Ewe, nfise inka.
| Uzi, we? || uˈzi we || You know, right?
  b) Oya, sigeze kugenda ku ishuri.
  c) Yewe, ndi umugabo.
  d) Oya, ntitari umugore.


1. a) Icyo ushaka kubwira?
|}
  b) Uwuje hejuru?
  c) Igihe cy'umunsi wawe kiri he?
  d) Ufite ibikoresho byo kugenda mu ishuri?


2. a) Igihe cyo kwiga kiri mu ishuri.
== Practice Exercises ==
  b) Uwundi mwana wanjye ni wowe.
  c) Ubu buryo bufite ubuzima bwiza.
  d) Igihe cyo kwiga kiratangaje mu gitondo.


1. a) Wifuza amakawa, nka?
Now that we've covered the various types of questions in Rundi, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test! Below are ten exercises designed to help you practice forming questions in Rundi.
  b) Ntitabigira icyongereza, na?
  c) Yaje kuwa kabiri, na?
  d) Ntidufite igihe kirekire, nka?


2. a) Ewe, nfise amavuta.
=== Exercise 1: Forming Yes-No Questions ===
  b) Oya, ntipfata ishuri.
 
  c) Yewe, ndi umugore.
Convert the following statements into yes-no questions.
  d) Oya, ntidufite uburyo bwo kugenda ku ishuri.
 
1. You are happy.
 
2. They understand.
 
3. She is singing.
 
4. We are friends.
 
5. I am learning.
 
=== Solutions to Exercise 1 ===
 
1. Urahira?
 
2. Barumva?
 
3. Aririmba?
 
4. Turabana?
 
5. Ndiga.
 
=== Exercise 2: Forming Wh-Questions ===
 
Convert the following statements into wh-questions.
 
1. You have a book.
 
2. They are studying.
 
3. He is playing soccer.
 
4. We are going home.
 
5. I am waiting.
 
=== Solutions to Exercise 2 ===
 
1. Naki ufise?
 
2. Nde bariga?
 
3. Nki arakina?
 
4. Nde turagenda?
 
5. Naki ndakurinda?
 
=== Exercise 3: Tag Questions ===
 
Add a tag question to the following statements.
 
1. You love music.
 
2. They are coming.
 
3. She is happy.
 
4. We are together.
 
5. I am ready.
 
=== Solutions to Exercise 3 ===
 
1. Urakunda umuziki, si?
 
2. Baraza, nti?
 
3. Arakunda, we?
 
4. Turahari, si?
 
5. Nditeguye, we?
 
=== Exercise 4: Mix and Match ===
 
Match the English questions with their Rundi equivalents.
 
1. Are you happy? (A)
 
2. What do you know? (B)
 
3. Where do you live? (C)
 
4. Who is coming? (D)
 
5. You understand, right? (E)
 
A. Naki uzi? 
 
B. Nde uhaguruka? 
 
C. Urakira, si? 
 
D. Wabahe? 
 
E. Nki araza? 
 
=== Solutions to Exercise 4 ===
 
1. D
 
2. A
 
3. B
 
4. E
 
5. C
 
=== Exercise 5: Create Your Own Questions ===
 
Choose any five topics and create a yes-no question, a wh-question, and a tag question for each.
 
=== Solutions to Exercise 5 ===
 
This exercise encourages creativity; therefore, solutions may vary. Here’s an example:
 
'''Topic: Food'''
 
* Yes-No Question: Ufise ibiryo? (Do you have food?)
 
* Wh-Question: Naki ufise? (What do you have?)
 
* Tag Question: Ufise ibiryo, si? (You have food, don’t you?)
 
'''Topic: Music'''
 
* Yes-No Question: Urakunda umuziki? (Do you love music?)
 
* Wh-Question: Naki urakunda? (What do you love?)
 
* Tag Question: Urakunda umuziki, nti? (You love music, right?)
 
(Encourage students to come up with their own topics!)
 
=== Exercise 6: Fill in the Blanks ===
 
Fill in the blanks with the correct question form.
 
1. ______ arakora? (Is he/she working?)
 
2. ______ uzi? (Do you know?)
 
3. ______ wumva? (Do you understand?)
 
4. ______ ufise? (What do you have?)
 
5. ______ arakina? (Who is playing?)
 
=== Solutions to Exercise 6 ===
 
1. Arakora?
 
2. Uzi?
 
3. Wumva?
 
4. Naki ufise?
 
5. Nki arakina?
 
=== Exercise 7: True or False ===
 
Indicate whether the following statements are true or false based on the Rundi translations provided.
 
1. Urahira? means Are you sad?
 
2. Nki arakora? means Who is working?
 
3. Wabahe? means Are they here?
 
4. Ndakora? means Are you working?
 
5. Kubera iki? means What?
 
=== Solutions to Exercise 7 ===
 
1. False
 
2. True
 
3. True
 
4. False
 
5. False
 
=== Exercise 8: Sentence Transformation ===
 
Transform the following sentences into questions.
 
1. You are going to the market.
 
2. They are learning Rundi.
 
3. He is reading a book.
 
4. We are playing games.
 
5. I am cooking.
 
=== Solutions to Exercise 8 ===
 
1. Ugiye ku isoko?
 
2. Bariga Rundi?
 
3. Arasoma igitabo?
 
4. Turakina imikino?
 
5. Ndakora?
 
=== Exercise 9: Question Formation Challenge ===
 
Using the words provided, form a correct question in Rundi.
 
1. ufise / naki
 
2. barumva / nti
 
3. arakora / nki
 
4. tuzokorana / rya ryari
 
5. uzi / kubera iki
 
=== Solutions to Exercise 9 ===
 
1. Naki ufise?
 
2. Barumva, nti?
 
3. Nki arakora?
 
4. Rya ryari tuzokorana?
 
5. Uzi kubera iki?
 
=== Exercise 10: Conversation Role Play ===
 
Pair up with a partner and create a short dialogue using yes-no questions, wh-questions, and tag questions.
 
=== Solutions to Exercise 10 ===
 
The solutions will vary based on student creativity. However, encourage them to use a mix of question types in their dialogues.
 
In this lesson, we have ventured into the vibrant world of asking questions in Rundi. By mastering these structures, you will enable yourself to communicate more effectively and engage with the Burundian culture on a deeper level. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to ask questions in your learning journey!


{{#seo:
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|title=Rundi Grammar → Questions and Negation → Asking Questions
 
|keywords=Rundi grammar, Rundi questions, Rundi negation, Rundi language, Rundi course
|title=Rundi Grammar: Asking Questions
|description=In this lesson, you will learn how to form different types of questions in the Rundi language, including yes-no questions, wh-questions, and tag questions. Explore the cultural insights and practice exercises to enhance your understanding of asking questions in Rundi.
 
|keywords=Rundi, asking questions, yes-no questions, wh-questions, tag questions, language learning
 
|description=In this lesson, you will learn how to form different types of questions in Rundi, including yes-no questions, wh-questions, and tag questions. Enhance your communication skills in the Rundi language!
 
}}
}}


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==Sources==
==Sources==

Latest revision as of 15:31, 2 August 2024

◀️ Entertainment Vocabulary — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — Negating Sentences ▶️

Flag-Burundi.jpg
Rundi → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Asking Questions

As we embark on the exciting journey of learning Rundi, one of the essential skills you'll need to master is asking questions. Questions are the building blocks of communication, allowing us to engage with others, gather information, and express curiosity. In Rundi, just like in any language, the way we structure our questions can open the door to rich conversations and deepen our understanding of the culture and people around us.

In this lesson, we will explore the various types of questions in Rundi, including yes-no questions, wh-questions, and tag questions. By the end of this lesson, you'll feel more confident in your ability to ask questions in Rundi, enabling you to interact with native speakers and enhance your learning experience.

The Importance of Asking Questions[edit | edit source]

Asking questions is fundamental in any language. It not only helps you gather information but also shows your interest in the conversation. In Rundi, the way you form a question can convey politeness, urgency, or curiosity, making it a vital skill to develop as you learn the language.

Types of Questions in Rundi[edit | edit source]

In Rundi, there are three primary types of questions we will focus on:

1. Yes-No Questions: These questions can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no."

2. Wh-Questions: These questions begin with a "wh" word (who, what, where, when, why) and require more elaborate answers.

3. Tag Questions: These questions are statements turned into questions, often used to confirm information.

Yes-No Questions[edit | edit source]

Yes-no questions are straightforward and are often used for simple inquiries. In Rundi, these questions typically start with a verb or a subject.

Structure of Yes-No Questions[edit | edit source]

In Rundi, the basic structure for forming yes-no questions can be illustrated as follows:

  • Verb + Subject + Object

Let's look at some examples:

Rundi Pronunciation English
Urahira? uˈɾahiɾa Are you happy?
Wumva? ˈwumva Do you understand?
Arakora? aɾaˈkoɾa Is he/she working?
Murakora? muɾaˈkoɾa Are you all working?
Ndakora? ndaˈkoɾa Am I working?

Examples of Yes-No Questions[edit | edit source]

Here are more examples to illustrate how yes-no questions are formed in Rundi:

Rundi Pronunciation English
Wabahe? waˈbahe Are they here?
Ufise? uˈfise Do you have it?
Ndahe? ndaˈhe Am I wrong?
Uzi? uˈzi Do you know?
Ndarota? ndaˈɾota Am I dreaming?

Wh-Questions[edit | edit source]

Wh-questions require more detailed responses and are essential for gathering information. In Rundi, these questions typically start with words like "naki" (what), "nde" (where), "nki" (who), "kubera iki" (why), and "rya ryari" (when).

Structure of Wh-Questions[edit | edit source]

The general structure for forming wh-questions in Rundi is:

  • Wh-Word + Verb + Subject + Object

Let's explore some examples:

Rundi Pronunciation English
Naki? ˈnaki What?
Nde? ˈnde Where?
Nki? ˈnki Who?
Kubera iki? kuˈbeɾa ˈiki Why?
Rya ryari? ˈɾya ɾjaˈɾi When?

Examples of Wh-Questions[edit | edit source]

Here are more examples to help you understand how to form wh-questions in Rundi:

Rundi Pronunciation English
Naki uzi? naˈki uˈzi What do you know?
Nde uhaguruka? ˈnde uhaˈguɾuka Where do you live?
Nki arakora? nki aɾaˈkoɾa Who is working?
Kubera iki wumva? kuˈbeɾa ˈiki ˈwumva Why do you understand?
Rya ryari tuzokorana? ˈɾya ɾjaˈɾi tuˈzo koɾaˈna When will we work together?

Tag Questions[edit | edit source]

Tag questions are a unique feature that allows speakers to confirm information or seek agreement. They follow a statement and typically use a pronoun to refer back to the subject.

Structure of Tag Questions[edit | edit source]

The format for creating tag questions in Rundi is as follows:

  • Statement + Tag Pronoun

Here are some examples:

Rundi Pronunciation English
Urakora, si? uɾaˈkoɾa si You are working, aren’t you?
Uzi, nti? uˈzi ˈnti You know, right?
Arakora, we? aɾaˈkoɾa we He/she is working, isn’t he/she?
Turakora, si? tuɾaˈkoɾa si We are working, aren’t we?
Ndahe, we? ndaˈhe we I am wrong, am I?

Examples of Tag Questions[edit | edit source]

Here are further examples of tag questions in Rundi:

Rundi Pronunciation English
Urahira, si? uɾahiˈɾa si You are happy, aren’t you?
Wabahe, nti? waˈbahe ˈnti They are here, right?
Ufise, we? uˈfise we You have it, don’t you?
Ndarota, si? ndaˈɾota si I am dreaming, aren’t I?
Uzi, we? uˈzi we You know, right?

Practice Exercises[edit | edit source]

Now that we've covered the various types of questions in Rundi, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test! Below are ten exercises designed to help you practice forming questions in Rundi.

Exercise 1: Forming Yes-No Questions[edit | edit source]

Convert the following statements into yes-no questions.

1. You are happy.

2. They understand.

3. She is singing.

4. We are friends.

5. I am learning.

Solutions to Exercise 1[edit | edit source]

1. Urahira?

2. Barumva?

3. Aririmba?

4. Turabana?

5. Ndiga.

Exercise 2: Forming Wh-Questions[edit | edit source]

Convert the following statements into wh-questions.

1. You have a book.

2. They are studying.

3. He is playing soccer.

4. We are going home.

5. I am waiting.

Solutions to Exercise 2[edit | edit source]

1. Naki ufise?

2. Nde bariga?

3. Nki arakina?

4. Nde turagenda?

5. Naki ndakurinda?

Exercise 3: Tag Questions[edit | edit source]

Add a tag question to the following statements.

1. You love music.

2. They are coming.

3. She is happy.

4. We are together.

5. I am ready.

Solutions to Exercise 3[edit | edit source]

1. Urakunda umuziki, si?

2. Baraza, nti?

3. Arakunda, we?

4. Turahari, si?

5. Nditeguye, we?

Exercise 4: Mix and Match[edit | edit source]

Match the English questions with their Rundi equivalents.

1. Are you happy? (A)

2. What do you know? (B)

3. Where do you live? (C)

4. Who is coming? (D)

5. You understand, right? (E)

A. Naki uzi?

B. Nde uhaguruka?

C. Urakira, si?

D. Wabahe?

E. Nki araza?

Solutions to Exercise 4[edit | edit source]

1. D

2. A

3. B

4. E

5. C

Exercise 5: Create Your Own Questions[edit | edit source]

Choose any five topics and create a yes-no question, a wh-question, and a tag question for each.

Solutions to Exercise 5[edit | edit source]

This exercise encourages creativity; therefore, solutions may vary. Here’s an example:

Topic: Food

  • Yes-No Question: Ufise ibiryo? (Do you have food?)
  • Wh-Question: Naki ufise? (What do you have?)
  • Tag Question: Ufise ibiryo, si? (You have food, don’t you?)

Topic: Music

  • Yes-No Question: Urakunda umuziki? (Do you love music?)
  • Wh-Question: Naki urakunda? (What do you love?)
  • Tag Question: Urakunda umuziki, nti? (You love music, right?)

(Encourage students to come up with their own topics!)

Exercise 6: Fill in the Blanks[edit | edit source]

Fill in the blanks with the correct question form.

1. ______ arakora? (Is he/she working?)

2. ______ uzi? (Do you know?)

3. ______ wumva? (Do you understand?)

4. ______ ufise? (What do you have?)

5. ______ arakina? (Who is playing?)

Solutions to Exercise 6[edit | edit source]

1. Arakora?

2. Uzi?

3. Wumva?

4. Naki ufise?

5. Nki arakina?

Exercise 7: True or False[edit | edit source]

Indicate whether the following statements are true or false based on the Rundi translations provided.

1. Urahira? means Are you sad?

2. Nki arakora? means Who is working?

3. Wabahe? means Are they here?

4. Ndakora? means Are you working?

5. Kubera iki? means What?

Solutions to Exercise 7[edit | edit source]

1. False

2. True

3. True

4. False

5. False

Exercise 8: Sentence Transformation[edit | edit source]

Transform the following sentences into questions.

1. You are going to the market.

2. They are learning Rundi.

3. He is reading a book.

4. We are playing games.

5. I am cooking.

Solutions to Exercise 8[edit | edit source]

1. Ugiye ku isoko?

2. Bariga Rundi?

3. Arasoma igitabo?

4. Turakina imikino?

5. Ndakora?

Exercise 9: Question Formation Challenge[edit | edit source]

Using the words provided, form a correct question in Rundi.

1. ufise / naki

2. barumva / nti

3. arakora / nki

4. tuzokorana / rya ryari

5. uzi / kubera iki

Solutions to Exercise 9[edit | edit source]

1. Naki ufise?

2. Barumva, nti?

3. Nki arakora?

4. Rya ryari tuzokorana?

5. Uzi kubera iki?

Exercise 10: Conversation Role Play[edit | edit source]

Pair up with a partner and create a short dialogue using yes-no questions, wh-questions, and tag questions.

Solutions to Exercise 10[edit | edit source]

The solutions will vary based on student creativity. However, encourage them to use a mix of question types in their dialogues.

In this lesson, we have ventured into the vibrant world of asking questions in Rundi. By mastering these structures, you will enable yourself to communicate more effectively and engage with the Burundian culture on a deeper level. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to ask questions in your learning journey!

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


Introduction to Rundi Language


Greetings and Introductions


Nouns and Pronouns


Numbers and Time


Verbs and Tenses


Family and Relationships


Adjectives and Adverbs


Food and Dining


Prepositions and Conjunctions


Travel and Transportation


Burundian Culture


Hobbies and Entertainment


Questions and Negation


Health and Emergencies


Rundi Etiquette and Customs

Sources[edit | edit source]


Other Lessons[edit | edit source]




◀️ Entertainment Vocabulary — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — Negating Sentences ▶️

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