Language/Kinyarwanda/Vocabulary/Common-Foods
In this lesson, you will learn the words for common foods in Kinyarwanda. Food is an important part of Rwandan culture, and there are many delicious traditional dishes to try. By the end of this lesson, you will know how to talk about fruits, vegetables, meats, and grains in Kinyarwanda.
Fruits
Fruits are a healthy and delicious snack. Here are the words for some common fruits in Kinyarwanda:
| Kinyarwanda | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Icyatsi | ee-CHAHT-see | Banana |
| Umutima | ooh-moo-TEE-ma | Apple |
| Umubande | ooh-moo-BAHN-deh | Papaya |
| Inyinya | een-YEEN-yah | Mango |
| Ibirungo | ee-bee-ROON-go | Pineapple |
| Umunyinya | ooh-moo-nyeen-yah | Orange |
| Ubuhoro | ooh-BOO-hoh-roh | Grapefruit |
- Icyatsi is a type of banana that is small and sweet. It is often eaten as a snack.
- Inyinya is a popular fruit in Rwanda. It is similar to a tangerine and is often eaten for breakfast.
Vegetables
Vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. Here are the words for some common vegetables in Kinyarwanda:
| Kinyarwanda | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Igitunguru | ee-gee-toon-goo-roo | Onion |
| Ibinyobwa | ee-bee-nyoh-bwah | Carrots |
| Imyumbati | ee-myoom-BAH-tee | Sweet potato |
| Igitunganya | ee-gee-toon-gah-nya | Garlic |
| Ibishyimbo | ee-bee-shyim-boh | Cabbage |
| Ibiteri | ee-bee-teh-ree | Tomato |
| Ikigugu | ee-kee-goo-goo | Pumpkin |
- Cabbage (Ibishyimbo) is an important ingredient in Rwandan cooking. It is often served with meat and potatoes.
- Sweet potato (Imyumbati) is a popular food in Rwanda. It can be boiled, roasted, or fried and is often served with beans and rice.
Meats
Meat is a popular food in Rwanda, especially during celebrations and special events. Here are the words for some common meats in Kinyarwanda:
| Kinyarwanda | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Inyama y'Impanga | een-yah-ma yim-PAHN-gah | Chicken |
| Inyama y'inyoni | een-yah-ma ye-nyoh-nee | Pigeon |
| Inyama y'inkoko | een-yah-ma yeen-KOH-koh | Turkey |
| Inyama y'amavuta | een-yah-ma yama-VOO-tah | Beef |
| Inyama yahinyu | een-yah-ma ya-hee-nyoo | Goat |
| Inyama y'ibigori | een-yah-ma yee-bee-GOH-ree | Pork |
- Chicken (Inyama y'Impanga) is a popular meat in Rwanda. It is often grilled and served with vegetables and rice.
- Inyama y'ibigori (Pork) is a popular meat in Rwanda, especially during special events and celebrations.
Grains
Grains are a staple food in Rwanda, and many traditional dishes are made from grains. Here are the words for some common grains in Kinyarwanda:
| Kinyarwanda | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Isambaza | ee-sahm-BAH-zah | Corn |
| Ubugari | ooh-boo-GAH-ree | Cassava |
| Ibiharage | ee-bee-hah-RAH-geh | Beans |
| Umucyo | ooh-moo-CHOH | Rice |
| Amakombe | ah-mah-KOHM-beh | Sorghum |
| Amatsi | ah-MAHT-see | Milk |
- Cassava (Ubugari) is a popular staple food in Rwanda. It is often boiled and served with meat or beans.
- Beans (Ibiharage) are a popular food in Rwanda. They are often boiled and served with rice or cassava.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have learned the words for common foods in Kinyarwanda. Remember to practice these words often so that you can use them in conversation. In the next lesson, you will learn how to talk about eating and drinking in Kinyarwanda, including how to order at a restaurant and ask for the bill.
Other Lessons
- How to say Good Bye?
- Family Members
- Colors
- Feelings and Emotions
- Eating and Drinking
- Asking for Directions
- Food
- Drinks
- Animals
- Count to 10