Amakuru?
The English phrase "how are you?" is translated into Kinyarwanda as Amakuru?
Amakuru? is a common greeting used to ask someone how they are doing. In many contexts, it functions as an informal way to say "What's up?" or "How's it going?"
What does it mean word for word?
The word amakuru literally means "news" or "information".
How does it change in a sentence?
Grammatically, Amakuru? is a noun in the plural form, but it functions as a complete interrogative greeting.
When do people say it?
When someone asks you Amakuru?, the standard response is Ni meza, which means "It is good" or "I am well".
Did you know?
- In Rwandan culture, it is common to continue a greeting sequence for several minutes, exchanging multiple variations of Amakuru? and related inquiries before starting the main conversation.
- The root of Amakuru is linked to the verb kumenya, meaning 'to know', suggesting that greeting someone is fundamentally an act of acknowledging shared knowledge.
- While Amakuru? is ubiquitous, using it with an elder or a person of high status may require an even more formal introductory greeting to show proper respect.
Examples in context
- Amakuru?How are you?
Example conversation
Beatrice and Patrick meet on the street.
- BeatriceMuraho Patrick, amakuru?Hello Patrick, how are you?
- PatrickNi meza Beatrice, amakuru yawe?I am well Beatrice, how are you?
- BeatriceNi meza cyane.I am very well.
- PatrickNi byiza cyane.That is very good.
