Useful Phrases

1. Ndi umuyapani

   I'm Japanese

   Usage

   To state your nationality; the form is the same for men and women

   Grammar Note

   ndi (I am) + umuyapani (Japanese person); the country appears as in mu Buyapani (in Japan)

2. Kuri jewe nibwo bwa mbere

   It is my first time

   Usage

   To say it is your first time somewhere

   Grammar Note

   kuri jewe means "for me" and bwa mbere means "first"

3. Ndashobora gufata ifoto?

   May I take a photo?

   Usage

   Always ask before photographing a person

   Grammar Note

   n- (I) + -da- (present) + -shobora (can) + gufata (take) + ifoto (photo)

4. Dufate ifoto hamwe

   Let's take a photo together

   Usage

   To invite someone you have befriended

   Grammar Note

   du- (we; tu- becomes du- before a voiceless-consonant stem, as in Dusangire akayoga.) + fate (subjunctive of gufata, "take") means "let us take"; hamwe means "together". Composed from dictionary-verified words with regular grammar

5. Mbabarira, sinumva

   Sorry, I don't understand

   Usage

   Apologise first when you could not follow

   Grammar Note

   mbabarira (sorry) + sinumva (I do not understand)

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