murabeho
The English phrase 'bye' is translated into Kinyarwanda as murabeho.
Murabeho is used to say goodbye or to say 'see you'.
Meaning: short for goodbye (intj)
Which one should you use?
While murabeho is used to address a group, urabeho is the specific form used when addressing a single person. Another option is Tuvugane, which is used to mean 'let's talk again' or 'let's keep in touch'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes based on how many people you are addressing. The plural form used for more than one person is murabeho. To address just one person, the prefix changes from mu- (you plural) to u- (you singular), resulting in urabeho.
Did you know?
- The phrase urabeho literally translates to 'may you remain/exist', implying a wish for the person's continued presence or survival.
- Because the prefix mu- is used for both 'you plural' and 'you formal', murabeho is the safe choice when speaking to a superior, even if they are only one person.
- Kinyarwanda is a tonal language, meaning the pitch used when saying murabeho can slightly shift the emotion from a casual 'bye' to a more solemn 'farewell'.
Example conversation
Jean and Claudine are leaving a cafe.
- JeanNagiye none, Claudine. Murabeho!I am going now, Claudine. Bye!
- ClaudineSawa Jean, murabeho!Okay Jean, bye!
- JeanTuguhure ejo kare.Let's meet early tomorrow.
- ClaudineSawa, urabeho!Okay, bye!
