Muramuke
The English phrase 'good night' is translated into Kinyarwanda as Muramuke.
Muramuke is used as a farewell-style greeting when saying good night to someone.
Meaning: a farewell (phrase)
Did you know?
- The word Muramuke is actually a command or a wish for someone to 'wake up well' or 'awaken well'.
- In Rwanda, greeting people is a social requirement. Skipping a 'good night' or 'good morning' exchange can be perceived as a sign of anger or profound disrespect.
- The phrase Muramuke is used as a farewell, but in many Kinyarwanda contexts, greetings are used both when arriving and when departing, which can confuse English speakers.
Example conversation
Olivier and Claudine are saying goodbye before going to sleep.
- OlivierNgiye gusinzira, Claudine.I am going to sleep, Claudine.
- ClaudineSawa, muramuke Olivier.Okay, good night Olivier.
- OlivierMuramuke nawe.Good night to you too.
- ClaudineTuzabonana ejo.We will see each other tomorrow.
