Language/Kinyarwanda/Grammar/Gender
Hi Kinyarwanda learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn about the gender rules in Kinyarwanda. We will look at how to identify the gender of nouns and how to use the correct gender when speaking or writing.
Gender in Kinyarwanda
In Kinyarwanda, nouns are either masculine or feminine. This means that when you use a noun, you must also use the correct gender. For example, if you are talking about a man, you must use the masculine form of the noun.
The gender of a noun can be identified by looking at the ending of the word. Generally, nouns that end in -a are feminine and nouns that end in -e are masculine. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.
Masculine Nouns
Masculine nouns usually end in -e. Here are some examples:
| Kinyarwanda | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| umugabo | oo-moo-GAH-boh | man |
| umuntu | oo-MOON-too | person |
| umwe | oo-MWEH | one |
| umuriro | oo-moo-REE-roh | tree |
Feminine Nouns
Feminine nouns usually end in -a. Here are some examples:
| Kinyarwanda | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| umugore | oo-moo-GOH-reh | woman |
| umushyikirano | oo-moo-shyee-kee-RAH-noh | agreement |
| umwami | oo-WAH-mee | king |
| umwuka | oo-WOO-kah | week |
Using the Correct Gender
Once you have identified the gender of a noun, you must use the correct gender when speaking or writing. For example, if you are talking about a woman, you must use the feminine form of the noun.
When using adjectives to describe a noun, you must also use the correct gender. For example, if you are describing a woman, you must use the feminine form of the adjective.
Masculine Adjectives
Masculine adjectives usually end in -e. Here are some examples:
| Kinyarwanda | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| kabiri | kah-BEE-ree | big |
| karangi | kah-RAHN-gee | white |
| kimwe | keem-WEH | one |
| kiremere | keer-eh-MEH-reh | long |
Feminine Adjectives
Feminine adjectives usually end in -a. Here are some examples:
| Kinyarwanda | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| kabiri | kah-BEE-ree | big |
| karangi | kah-RAHN-gee | white |
| kimwe | keem-WEH | one |
| kiremere | keer-eh-MEH-reh | long |
Practice
To improve your Kinyarwanda Grammar, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!
Here is a quiz to test your understanding of gender in Kinyarwanda.
- What is the gender of the word umuntu?
- What is the gender of the word umwami?
- What is the gender of the adjective karangi?
- What is the gender of the adjective kiremere?
Answers:
- Masculine
- Masculine
- Masculine
- Feminine
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎