Language/Kinyarwanda/Grammar/Personal-Pronouns
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Introduction[edit | edit source]
In this lesson, we will dive into the fascinating world of personal pronouns in the Kinyarwanda language. Personal pronouns are an essential part of any language, as they allow us to refer to people and things without constantly repeating their names. In Kinyarwanda, personal pronouns are used extensively in everyday conversations, making it crucial to understand their forms and usage. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently use subject pronouns, object pronouns, and possessive pronouns in Kinyarwanda.
Subject Pronouns[edit | edit source]
Subject pronouns are used to replace the subject of a sentence. They indicate who or what is performing the action of the verb. In Kinyarwanda, subject pronouns vary depending on the noun class and the number (singular or plural) of the subject. Let's take a look at the subject pronouns in Kinyarwanda:
| Noun Class | Pronoun | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Umuntu) | We | We |
| 2 (Abantu) | Mwabuze | You (plural) |
| 3 (Ibi) | Ni | It is |
| 4 (Imyaka) | Uyu | He/She/It |
| 5 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 6 (Ibitabo) | Ubu | The |
| 7 (Inyamaswa) | Uyu | He/She/It |
| 8 (Inzitizi) | Ubu | The |
| 9 (Imyenda) | Uyu | He/She/It |
| 10 (Ibitaro) | Ubu | The |
| 11 (Amasaha) | Uyu | He/She/It |
| 12 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 13 (Inzoga) | Uyu | He/She/It |
| 14 (Inshuro) | Uyu | He/She/It |
| 15 (Amatuba) | Uyu | He/She/It |
| 16 (Ikinwa) | Uku | The |
| 17 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 18 (Indwara) | Uyu | He/She/It |
| 19 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 20 (Amakuru) | Iyi | This |
| 21 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 22 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 23 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 24 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 25 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 26 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 27 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 28 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 29 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 30 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 31 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 32 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 33 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 34 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 35 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 36 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
Object Pronouns[edit | edit source]
Object pronouns are used to replace the object of a sentence. They indicate who or what receives the action of the verb. In Kinyarwanda, object pronouns also vary depending on the noun class and the number (singular or plural) of the object. Let's explore the object pronouns in Kinyarwanda:
| Noun Class | Pronoun | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Umuntu) | Twagize | Us |
| 2 (Abantu) | Mwabuze | You (plural) |
| 3 (Ibi) | Ni | It |
| 4 (Imyaka) | Uyu | Him/Her/It |
| 5 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 6 (Ibitabo) | Ubu | The |
| 7 (Inyamaswa) | Uyu | Him/Her/It |
| 8 (Inzitizi) | Ubu | The |
| 9 (Imyenda) | Uyu | Him/Her/It |
| 10 (Ibitaro) | Ubu | The |
| 11 (Amasaha) | Uyu | Him/Her/It |
| 12 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 13 (Inzoga) | Uyu | Him/Her/It |
| 14 (Inshuro) | Uyu | Him/Her/It |
| 15 (Amatuba) | Uyu | Him/Her/It |
| 16 (Ikinwa) | Uku | The |
| 17 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 18 (Indwara) | Uyu | Him/Her/It |
| 19 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 20 (Amakuru) | Iyi | This |
| 21 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 22 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 23 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 24 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 25 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 26 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 27 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 28 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 29 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 30 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 31 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 32 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 33 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 34 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 35 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
| 36 (Amashuri) | Iyi | This |
Possessive Pronouns[edit | edit source]
Possessive pronouns are used to show ownership or possession. In Kinyarwanda, possessive pronouns agree with the noun they modify in terms of noun class and number. Let's explore the possessive pronouns in Kinyarwanda:
| Noun Class | Pronoun | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Umuntu) | Wacu | Ours |
| 2 (Abantu) | Wanyu | Yours (plural) |
| 3 (Ibi) | Yiwe | Its |
| 4 (Imyaka) | Ye | His/Hers |
| 5 (Amashuri) | Ye | His/Hers |
| 6 (Ibitabo) | Bya | Of the |
| 7 (Inyamaswa) | Ye | His/Hers |
| 8 (Inzitizi) | Bya | Of the |
| 9 (Imyenda) | Ye | His/Hers |
| 10 (Ibitaro) | Bya | Of the |
| 11 (Amasaha) | Ye | His/Hers |
| 12 (Amashuri) | Ye | His/Hers |
| 13 (Inzoga) | Ye | His/Hers |
| 14 (Inshuro) | Ye | His/Hers |
| 15 (Amatuba) | Ye | His/Hers |
| 16 (Ikinwa) | Bya | Of the |
| 17 (Amashuri) | Ye | His/Hers |
| 18 (Indwara) | Ye | His/Hers |
| 19 (Amashuri) | Ye | His/Hers |
| 20 (Amakuru) | Ye | His/Hers |
| 21 (Amashuri) | Ye | His/Hers |
| 22 (Amashuri) | Ye | His/Hers |
| 23 (Amashuri) | Ye | His/Hers |
| 24 (Amashuri) | Ye | His/Hers |
| 25 (Amashuri) | Ye | His/Hers |
| 26 (Amashuri) | Ye | His/Hers |
| 27 (Amashuri) | Ye | His/Hers |
| 28 (Amashuri) | Ye | His/Hers |
| 29 (Amashuri) | Ye | His/Hers |
| 30 (Amashuri) | Ye | His/Hers |
| 31 (Amashuri) | Ye | His/Hers |
| 32 (Amashuri) | Ye | His/Hers |
| 33 (Amashuri) | Ye | His/Hers |
| 34 (Amashuri) | Ye | His/Hers |
| 35 (Amashuri) | Ye | His/Hers |
| 36 (Amashuri) | Ye | His/Hers |
Cultural Insights[edit | edit source]
In Rwanda, personal pronouns play a significant role in daily communication. They reflect the cultural values of respect and hierarchy ingrained in Rwandan society. The use of pronouns is influenced by various factors such as age, gender, social status, and the relationship between the speaker and the listener. For example, younger individuals are expected to address their elders with specific pronouns that denote deference and respect. This cultural nuance is an essential aspect of mastering the Kinyarwanda language and understanding the social dynamics within Rwandan society.
Practice Exercises[edit | edit source]
Now that we have explored personal pronouns in Kinyarwanda, it's time to put your knowledge into practice! Complete the following exercises and check your answers below.
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the appropriate subject pronoun. 1. __________ amahoro? (Are you in peace?) 2. __________ umwana? (Is he a child?) 3. __________ umugore? (Is she a woman?) 4. __________ ibitabo? (Are they books?) 5. __________ amashuri? (Are these schools?)
Exercise 2: Choose the correct object pronoun to complete the sentences. 1. Ninde aba __________? (Who saw them?) 2. Ndabona __________. (I see him.) 3. Wavuze __________. (You told her.) 4. Ndashaka __________. (I want it.) 5. Twumva __________. (We hear them.)
Exercise 3: Replace the underlined words with the appropriate possessive pronoun. 1. Urukundo rwacu ni nk'ibitabo. (Our love is like a book.) 2. Ubugabo banyu ni bwiza. (Your strength is good.) 3. Umugore wanjye ni umutima wanjye. (My wife is my heart.) 4. Uwiteka we ni umugabo wanjye. (Your friend is my husband.) 5. Amashuri yanyu ni byiza. (Your school is good.)
Exercise Solutions[edit | edit source]
Exercise 1: 1. Mwiriwe (You, singular) 2. Uyu (He) 3. Uyu (She) 4. Ni (They) 5. Ni (They)
Exercise 2: 1. Baya (Them) 2. Ye (Him) 3. Yewe (Her) 4. Iyo (It) 5. Zitubabaje (Them)
Exercise 3: 1. Byacu (Ours) 2. Banyu (Yours) 3. Wanjye (Mine) 4. Wanjye (Mine) 5. Yanyu (Yours)
Congratulations! You have successfully completed the exercises.
Videos[edit | edit source]
Personal Pronouns (NGENGA) (English-Kinyarwanda) - YouTube[edit | edit source]
Sources[edit | edit source]
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Noun Classes
- 0 to A1 Course
- Gender
- Asking Questions
- How to Use Have
- Present Tense
- Plurals
- Pronouns
- How to Use Be
- Negating Sentences
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