Murakaza neza
The English phrase "welcome" is translated into Kinyarwanda as Murakaza neza.
Murakaza neza is used as a greeting when someone arrives.
Meaning: greeting given upon someone's arrival (intj)
Which one should you use?
Murakaza neza is the polite or plural form used when addressing more than one person or when showing respect to a single person. In contrast, Urakaza neza is the singular form used for one person.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form Murakaza neza uses the plural/polite subject prefix mu-, which translates to "You (plural/polite) arrive well".
Did you know?
- Kinyarwanda is a tonal language, meaning the pitch used to say Murakaza neza can change the nuance of the greeting. A slight shift in tone can signal different levels of warmth or urgency.
- The word neza, which means 'well' in Murakaza neza, is used in dozens of other common expressions to denote beauty, correctness or morality. To welcome someone 'well' is to wish them a virtuous and positive arrival.
- While Murakaza neza welcomes a person to a place, the phrase Kaze is a shortened, more casual version. It is frequently used in fast-paced urban environments like Kigali where brevity is preferred.
Examples in context
- Murakaza neza mu rugo rwacu.Welcome to our home.
- Murakaza neza muri iki gihugu.Welcome to this country.
- Murakaza neza mu kigo cyacu.Welcome to our institution.
Example conversation
Beatrice greets Eric at her front door.
- BeatriceMurakaza neza, Eric!Welcome, Eric!
- EricMurakoze, Beatrice.Thank you, Beatrice.
- BeatriceIngira amahoro, ingire amahoro.Peace be with you.
- EricNawe nawe, murakoze.You too, thank you.
