How to Say “Hot” in Kinyarwanda

By Evie Rosalie • Updated September 30, 2026

gishyushye

The Kinyarwanda word for hot is gishyushye.

gishyushye is an adjective used to describe something that has a high temperature.

Meaning: having a high temperature (adj)

Did you know?

When describing hot weather, Rwandans often refer to the 'sun being strong' using the word izuba, rather than just saying the air is gishyushye.
In Kinyarwanda, the word gishyushye describes both the temperature of a physical object and the 'hot' spice of a chili pepper.
The prefix in gishyushye changes depending on the noun class of the object you are describing, meaning the word for 'hot' is never static.

Examples in context

Iri kintu ni gishyushye cyane.
This thing is very hot.

Example conversation

Beatrice and Eric are having tea together.

Beatrice

Eric, doya iki cyayi.
Eric, taste this tea.
Eric

Ari gishyushye cyane, Beatrice.
It is very hot, Beatrice.
Beatrice

Ese gishyushye cyane?
Is it too hot?
Eric

Yego, ndategereza gacyeya.
Yes, I am waiting for it to cool.

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About The Author

Evie Rosalie

Jambo! I'm Evie. In my leisure time, I bask in travelling, reading African literature, and immersing myself in nature’s orchestra, marvelling at wonderful creatures like Zebras and Gorillas. My work is a fusion of my interests - guiding others to express themselves linguistically, particularly in Swahili. From sharing how to express love, describe animals to conveying common phrases, I am dedicated to helping others navigate this captivating language. My love for Swahili led me to its neighbor Kinyarwanda, and I now write guides on how to say things in Kinyarwanda as well. Kwa heri! That's right - See you later, in Swahili!

Evie RosalieHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

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