Nestled in the heart of Africa, Burundi is a country where warm smiles, vibrant traditions, and the melodic sounds of Kirundi greet each new day. Whether planning a trip to this beautiful nation or simply curious about its culture, learning a few Kirundi phrases can turn casual encounters into meaningful connections and enrich your experience.

In this guide, we'll introduce you to Kirundi, from friendly greetings that spark conversations to heartfelt expressions that capture the essence of Burundian hospitality.

So grab a cup of aromatic Burundian coffee, settle in, and explore the charm of this captivating language together!

Greetings in Kirundi

English Kirundi
Greetings Amahoro
Good evening Mwiriwe
Good morning Mwaramutse
Good afternoon Mwiriwe
How are you? Muraho?
I am fine N’impore
Have a good day Mugire umusi mwiza
I am doing great Ndakomeye
Hi/Hello Bite
Nice to meet you Ndyohewe no kubamenya
See you soon Tuzoba dusubira
See you later Naho ubutaha

Love Language (Amajambo y’urukundo) in Kirundi

English Kirundi
I love you Ndagukunda
I miss you Ndagukumbuye
Love you so much Ndagukunda cane
I want to see you Nipfuza kukubona
I love you with all my heart Ndagukunda n’umutima wanje wose
I love you too Nanje ndagukunda
I want to see you Nipfuza kukubona
I like you Ndagukunda
You are beautiful Uri mwiza
My love Mukunzi
You look beautiful Usa neza
My beautiful wife Umugore wanje mwiza
I miss you so much, darling Ndagukumbuye cane, mukunzi
I need you Niwe nkeneye
You will miss me Uzokumbura
Goodbye, my love Tuzosubira, mukunzi
See you tomorrow Ni ahejo
I will marry you Nzogutwara
I want some space Banze umpe akanya
I need your love Nkenye urukundo rwawe
You are mine Uri uwanje

Directions in Kirundi

English Kirundi
Where are you? Uri hehe?
Where did you go? Wagiye hehe?
Where do you live? Uba hehe?
Where are you going? Ugiye hehe?
Where were you? Wari uri he?

Common Questions in Kirundi

English Kirundi
How much? Angahe?
How are you feeling? Wiyumva gute?
How have you been? Amakuru y’iminsi?
What is your name? Witwa gute?
What are you doing? Uriko ukora iki?
What are you cooking/eating? Uriko uteka/urya iki?
Are you okay, dear? Umuze neza, ga mwiza?
When are you coming? Uzoza ryari?
How was your night/day? Waraye gute?
How are you doing? Umeze gute?
How is your family? Umuryango wawe umeze gute?
How was your day? Wiriwe gute?
What is wrong? N’ibiki?
What do you mean? Ushatse kuvuga iki?
How’s the weather over there? Ikirere cifashe gute hiyo?
Have you gone to church? Wagiye gusenga?
What is this? Ico n’igiki?
What’s going on? Habaye iki?
Are you listening? Uriko urumviriza?
Have you heard? Wumvise?
Can I go home? Ndashobora kuja muhira?
Can I ask something? Ndashobora kukubaza ikintu?
How is everything? Vyose n’amahoro?
What’s your phone number? Wompa numero yawe ya terefone?

Everyday Conversations

English Kirundi
Happy birthday Isabukuru ryiza
Thank you Urakoze
I am sorry Mpore
You are welcome Sawa ntaco
Me too! Najewe!
God bless you Imana iguhezagire
May God protect you Imana ikurinde
She is happy Araryohewe
Please help me Mfasha
I don’t know Sinzi
I will come tomorrow Nzoza ejo
Come here! Ingo hano!
Feel at home Niwisanzure
Be blessed Uhezagirwe
I am coming soon Vuba ndaza
Excuse me Mbararira
Leave me alone Singushaka
It is okay Sawa
I am going home Ngiye muhira
I don’t want Sinshaka
Love is a beautiful thing Urukundo n’ikintu kiryoshe
Let me try Reka ngerageze
Welcome home Kaze I muhira
I reached home safely Nageze I muhira amahoro
God is good Imana ni nziza
I don’t understand Sintahuye
We are happy to see you Turanezerewe no kukubona
I have it Ndagifise
Rest in peace Ruhuka amahoro
I don’t have money Nta mahera mfise
I am done Nahejeje
I am going to the shop Ngiye gusuma
Happy New Year Umwaka mwiza
Bad manners Imico mibi
Stop using your phone Hagarika gukoresha terefone
I need a favour, please Ndakaneye ko umfasha
I haven’t seen you for ages Naguheruka kera cane
Great to see you again Nezerewe no kukubona kandi
I really appreciate it Birampimbaye
You made my day Wankoreye umusi
No problem Ntakibazo
Where are you? Uri hehe?
Where were you? Wari hehe?
Where did you go? Wari wagiye he?
Where do you live? Uba hehe?
Have you eaten it yet? Wari umaze kukirya?
Come let me take you home Ingo ngutware muhira
You are very drunk Waborewe
Can we have the meeting today? Turashobora gukora inama uno musi?
Clean my shoes please Woshobora kumpanagurira ibirato?
The sun is scorching Izuba riraturira
I am going Ndagiye

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