How to Introduce Yourself in Kinyarwanda (Without Sounding Like a Foreigner)
By: Chimdindu Ken-Anaukwu
Every Rwandan knows this moment: someone greets you in Kinyarwanda, “Bite se?”, and your brain freezes. You mumble something like “Nitwa…” but your tone betrays you. They smile politely. You’ve just sounded… well, foreign.
Introducing yourself in Kinyarwanda isn’t hard. But doing it naturally, with the rhythm, warmth, and confidence Rwandans are known for – that’s the art. Whether you’re a diaspora Rwandan reconnecting with your roots or a learner diving into Kinyarwanda for the first time, this guide will help you sound authentic from your very first “Hello.”
Start with the Greeting: Respect Before Words
In Rwanda, greetings carry weight. You don’t jump into introductions without acknowledging the other person first.
Here are your essentials:
“Muraho” – Hello (formal/polite)
“Bite?” – Hi / What’s up? (informal)
“Amakuru?” – How are you?
“Ni meza, murakoze.” – I’m fine, thank you.
💡 Pro tip: Always respond with a smile and a gentle tone. In Kinyarwanda culture, how you say something matters more than the words themselves.
State Your Name the Right Way
The basic form:
“Nitwa [your name].” → My name is [your name].
Example:
“Nitwa Michael.” → My name is Michael.
If you want to sound more fluent, try expanding naturally:
“Nitwa Michael, ndi Umunyarwanda.” → My name is Michael, I’m Rwandan.
“Nitwa Aline, ntuye i London.” → My name is Aline, I live in London.
🔑 Note: Avoid adding English fillers like “uhm” or “like” between words — it breaks the Kinyarwanda rhythm. Practice saying your name smoothly in one breath.
Add a Bit of Background (It’s Polite!)
In Rwanda, introductions often include a hint of who you are or where you’re from; not to boast, but to connect.
Try these:
“Nkomoka i Kigali.” → I’m from Kigali.
“Ntuye i Musanze.” → I live in Musanze.
“Niga i Butare.” → I study in Butare.
“Nkora muri banki.” → I work in a bank.
This helps the listener place you socially and geographically, a key part of Rwandan courtesy.
Match the Tone to the Setting
Rwandans switch between formal and casual tones easily. Use the right version depending on where you are:
Formal setting (e.g., meeting elders or officials)
“Muraho neza, nitwa Eric, nkora muri MINISANTE.”
→ Hello, my name is Eric, I work at the Ministry of Health.
Casual setting (friends, peers, same age)
“Bite se? Nitwa Eric, nkorera muri MINISANTE.”
→ What’s up? I’m Eric, I work at the Ministry of Health.
It’s not just language, it’s respect coded into tone.
Wrap It Up Naturally: Close the Circle
Unlike English, where you might end abruptly, Kinyarwanda favors soft, polite closure:
“Nishimiye kukumenya.” → Nice to meet you.
“Tuzabonana.” → See you.
“Murabeho.” → Goodbye (formal).
💬 Example:
“Muraho neza. Nitwa Diane, nkomoka i Huye, nkora muri banki. Nishimiye kubabona.”
(Hello. My name is Diane, I’m from Huye, I work at a bank. Nice to meet you.)
Now that’s a perfect, non-foreign introduction.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
❌ Translating English directly (e.g., “Myself I am Michael”)
❌ Forgetting greetings before introductions
❌ Using French or English mid-sentence
❌ Speaking too fast without tonal flow
❌ Ignoring cultural politeness markers like “Muraho” and “Murakoze”
Remember: fluency isn’t just grammar; it’s grace.
Practice the Rwandan Way
Practice with intention. Here’s a mini-exercise:
🎯 Say this aloud:
“Muraho neza. Nitwa [your name], nkomoka i [your city], nkora muri [your workplace]. Nishimiye kubabona.”
Repeat it daily until it flows. If you can say it while smiling, congratulations, you already sound less like a foreigner.
FAQs
1. Can I use ‘Ndi’ instead of ‘Nitwa’?
Yes, but only in specific structures like “Ndi umunyeshuri” (I’m a student). Nitwa specifically means “I am called.”
2. How do I introduce myself in a group setting?
Use plural greetings like “Muraho mwese” (Hello everyone).
3. How do I introduce myself to elders respectfully?
Keep your tone low, avoid slang, and start with “Muraho neza” — never “Bite se?”
4. What if my Kinyarwanda accent isn’t perfect?
That’s okay. Rwandans appreciate effort more than perfection — sincerity beats accent.
5. How can I keep improving?
Practice daily on the NKENNE app. Try recording your introductions and comparing with native audio.
Final Thoughts: More Than Words
Introducing yourself in Kinyarwanda is more than a linguistic skill — it’s a bridge. Every “Muraho” is a reminder that language isn’t just about grammar; it’s about belonging.
So next time someone asks “Bite se?”, smile, straighten your shoulders, and answer with pride:
“Nitwa [your name], ndi Umunyarwanda.”
Because at that moment, you’re not just speaking Kinyarwanda.
You’re speaking home.