umugore
The Kinyarwanda word for woman is umugore.
The term umugore refers to an adult female person. In many contexts, it can be used to mean either 'woman' or 'wife'.
Meaning: adult female person (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The noun umugore includes the definite article 'um-' (the) as part of its prefix.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of umugore is abagore.
Did you know?
- The root of umugore may be linked to the concept of a 'dung fire', which historically served as the physical and social center of a family group.
- While umugore means 'woman', the Kinyarwanda language uses a complex system of noun classes where the prefix umu- specifically categorizes people.
- While umugore identifies an adult female, it does not traditionally carry a word for 'girl', which requires a different root entirely.
Examples in context
- Nabonye umugore mu muhanda.I saw a woman on the street.
Example conversation
Beatrice and Patrick are talking about a new neighbor.
- BeatriceUmugore utuye hano ni uwo?Who is the woman living here?
- PatrickNtabizi, ariko ashimika cyane.I don't know, but she is very hardworking.
- BeatriceUyu mugore asa n'umutima mwiza.This woman seems kind-hearted.
- PatrickYego, Beatrice, asa n'ugushimishiriza.Yes, Beatrice, she seems friendly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “woman” translations and entries umugore, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries umugore, CC BY-SA 4.0.
