Category: Runyankore to English Dictionary

Runyankore to English Dictionary – N

n n. one of the letters of the Roman Alphabet.
na conj. and: used to connect characters, symbols, words, clauses or sentences that are to be taken jointly. Naayeta omwana na nyina. I have called the child and her mother.
nabi n. a prophet: a person who foretells, forecasts or predicts what is going to happen. Banabi bakaranga okwija kwa Yesu Kristo. The prophets announced the coming of Jesus Christ. See: OMURANGI. Pl: baanabi.
nabwo conj. even though. Nabwo ninza kwija n’obu otaanyeta. Even though you did not call me, I will come.
n’ahabw’ekyo conj. therefore: a logical way to introduce something that has just been mentioned. Akagira ngu naaba atariyo n’ahabw’ekyo tindikuzayo. She told me she will not be there, therefore I am not going there.
naikondo n. borehole: a deep narrow hole in the ground made mainly to get water. Bakashashura esente nyingi z’okwombeka naikondo. They paid a lot of money for the construction of the bore hole.
nainga conj. or: used to link alternatives. Nyekyakare nimbaasa kwija nainga ntaija. Tomorrow I might come or not.
nairooni n. cloth: nylon. Etym: []. naiwe pron. you too. Ija naiwe. You too come. nangwa conj. not even.
ndagara int. an exclamatory expression.
nda-nda-nda adj. extremely hard.
nderera n. a variety of sweet potatoes with sticky sap and yields well within three months and after that period, it begins to rot.
ndi phr. I am.
-ndi adj. the reference to the rest of the things.
ndikaitwa int. a word used to show affection and love.
ndori int. the sound made by a stone when it falls in water.
nende n. a brown cow.
n’enki pron. what is it? used to indicate thatsomething is quite the opposite of what is being specified.; Used to indicate that something hs quite tha opposite of what is being specified. Omrishi akamureeba. Ngaaha! Did you see the lady? No! Tlt Var: Tbw. Etym: Xsc. Ahimbisibwe Daisy
nfundo n. a person who has short and fat legs.
nfuruuto n. a pet name for women with stretch marks as a sign of beauty.
nga maawe int. an expression used to say no in a polite way.
ngabira-abanyaata n. large pockets on a man’s trousers. Usage: slang.
ngabo n. a cow with large white and black or white and brown patches all over the body.
ngabusha int. no.
-ngahe suffix. how many. e.g. bangahe(people), bingahe (things), etc.
ngambanyenka n. dictator: a person who does things alone and rejects other people’s advice.
ngarama n. a potatoe variety that grows in swamps and is very big.
ngaro z’abakama phr. fungi: a poisonous mushroom.
ngino y’abahima n. a type of maizi where the cob is purplish close to black and it lookes like black gums.
ngoobe n. brown cow with white patches on the neck. Var: engoobe.
ngu conj. that.
ngugu adj. here he or she is.
ngugwo adj. there he is.
nguri adj. he or she is over there. nguriya adj. that one over there. ngurorushwero n. bean variety. nibwo pron. that is when.
nibyo pron. they are the ones. niinye pron. I am the one. nikwo pron. in that way. nikyo adj. that is the one.
nimarungi int. (greeting) I am fine, or we are alright.
nimwo pron. that is where (referring to inside aninkahoorwe nyabo place).
ninkahoorwe phr. a statement or a word of swearing. Usage: Kiga.
nitwo pron. diminutive: referring to things which are small in size or quantity.
niwe pron. it is him.
niyo pron. it is the one. niyo pron. that is the place. njagu n. a cow with cut ears.
njeru n. a cow which is grey in colour.
njeru ya buremba n. one of king’s drums in Ankole.
njeru-eyera adj. a grey and white cow.
njororo adj. a sound produced when pouring liquids down especially when urinating.
njumba n. a grey-black nanny.
nkaija-na-mbaguta n. a type of eucalyptus tree that is hard.
nkana adv. doing something deliberately. Naamutuma kutaha amaizi yaayanga nkana. I have sent him to fetch water but he has deliberately refused.
nkara n. a cow with a black and brown colour.
nkira-zoona n. tall fingure: the middle finger out of the five fingers of the hand which is longer than the rest.
nkome n. a cow with horns facing forward. nkondo n. a cow with short horns facing forwards. Nkore n. a name that combined the counties of
Kashaari, Isingiro, Nyabushozi and Rwampara.
nkorongo n. a cow with twisted horns.
nkumbi n. a black goat.
nkumuunye n. chancroid: a human infection that is sexually transimitted and attacks the sexual organs. If not treated early, the parts affected fall off.
nkungu n. a hornless animals especially cows and goats. Pl: nkungu.
nkurugutu n. a sheep with no or very small ears.
nkwerere n. off white: a colour that is not exactly white.
nkweshumbire int. go away!
nkyerengye n. a black and brown coloured cow.
nobu conj. even if.
nohiri n. Noel or christmas: a holiday celebrated by Christians as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus on December 25 every year.
nooti n. zero. a numerical number which when added to any number, you remain with the same number.
nseeri n. across from one side to another or the other side. Var: seeri.
nseeri-mayanja n. Var: seeri-mayanja.
nsha adj. the act of being empty handed or not possessing anything.
nshaiga n. a cow with a very big patch from the neck to the tail and the legs, and brown patch from the back to the face and front legs.
nshakama n. a cow with a white patch on the back.
nshamaitu n. a female cow with white spots on both sides of the waist, or neck. Var: kashamaitu, rushamaitu.
nshanju n. seventy: the cardinal number that is the product of ten and seven and written as 70.
nshara n. a cow with small and short loose horns falling downwards.
nsheshera n. a sweet potato variety.
nta adj. how: used as an interrogative word to mean in what way or manner or by what means; used to ask about the extent or degree of something. Ekyoma eki nkitemu nta? How should I insert this metal?
ntaara n. a female cow with horns set apart at a wide angle.
ntabangi n. a cow with mixed spots of white and black colour.
ntabo-yaago n. alcoholic: a person who drinks too much alcohol and is addicted to it. Pl: ntabo-yaago.
ntahi adj. an expression used to show that one does not approve of something.
Ntare n. a name given to one of the kings in Ankole.
ntega-akagyega n. a sweet potato variety with high yields.
nti adv. like this: a word used to demostrate the way something was done.
nturubure n. someone with no ears.
ntyo conj. then: used as a filler.
ntyo conj. empty handed: like that. Nkaija ntyo ntaine sente. I just came like that, without any money.
nurinuri adv. very delicious: tasty food.
nyaabura we phr. please: an expression used in polite request. Nyaabura oteebwa eki naakugambira. Please do not forget what I have told you.
nyabayangwe n. velvet monkey: a primate that lives in trees and is a taboo to some tribes.
nyabeene n. others like these: such people of that calibre.
Nyabihekye n. April: the fourth month of the year.
nyabingi n. a supernatural being who is worshipped by people, particularly a deity thought to control some part of nature.
nyabitote n. a heavy downpour that leaves the place very wet.
nyabo n. madam: a form of address to show respect to a female person.
nyabucureera n. a humble person.
nyabukye adj. someone or something that is very small.
nyaburezi n. one of the traditional small gods or idols invoked in retribution.
nyabwangu adj. a person who works or acts in an excessively hasty manner.
nyabwekonora n. an edible banana variety.
nyabwerundarunda n. a plant whose leaves fold when touched and after a few minutes it turns back to is original form or shape.
nyaigyendwa adj. a highly traversed road. Nyaikoma n. April: the fourth month of the year. Nyairurwe n. July: the seventh month of the year. nyaishaija adj. a male person who possesses or has the qualities.
nyakabara adj. proper: typical of something of or a true replica of something.
nyakaju n. a chief’s small house: a guest room. Nyakanga n. August: the eighth month of the year. nyakashaija n. one of the traditional drums in the
palace of the kingdom of Ankole.
nyakatagara n. a tittle of the traditional doctor among the Banyoro. Pl: banyakatagara.
nyakazaana n. name referring to a female slave.
Nyakazaana ayerinza ogu araakore. A female slave procrastinates over chores she knows she must do.
Nyakazigye n. a person born during the time of locusts.
nyakibaka n. a weather condition where the sun has been hot and very bright.
nyakibazi n. a tree whose bark is chewed to treat cough in human beings.
nyakiinika n. a type of banana plant grown for food.
nyakikoko n. a tree with an outer hard cover that is used to heal stomachache.
nyakimwe n. the head of a colony of monkeys.
nyakinyonyoozo n. Venus: the brightest celestial object after the sun and moon; morning star.
nyakizooba n. name of historical famine.
Nyakubaho n. Lord: the Almighty God.
nyakufa n. the late: the deceased. See:OMUGYENZI; KARIBUTI. Pl: banyakufa.
nyakumirwa n. a word used to curse enemies that they cease to exist in their midst.
Nyakusinga n. See: NYAKUBAHO. nyakwegyendera n. See: NYAKUFA. nyakwenkuru n. See: NYOKWENKURU. nyakwera n. See: KYAKWERA.
nyakwesikurira n. a person who does things andthey backfire.
nyakwetakuriza n. See: NYAKWESIKURIRA.
nyakyetengwa n. a very short banana type.
nyamaarwa n. a tree with succulent fruits. Pl: nyamaarwa.
nyamabondo n. a toad with a big stomach.
nyamagoye n. albino: person with congenital white hair and pink skin.
nyamashore n. (used in Buganda) Queen’s mother. nyamateeka n. fact: something that actually exists. nyamazima adj. a truthful person who says what is true and does not lie.
nyambata adj. something extreme.
nyampara n. foreman: a person who exercises control over laboures. Pl: banyampara. nyamugyendanootwe n. a snail that moves with its shell.
nyamuhaibona n. shooting star: star that disappears as soon as it appears. See: EKIBONWOMWE.
nyamuhanga n. the Creator.
nyamujuni n. a sweet potato variety.
nyamukangayo n. a person who returns promptly when sent on an errand.
nyamukwikwi n. a tiny black insect that is normally found in gardens during evening hours especially in rainy seasons.
nyamunegyere n. only one and nothing more. Ruhanga akoohereza omwana we omwe nyamunegyere kufeera abasiisi. God sent his only begotten son to die for sinners.
nyamunjuuri n. wax bill: a grain eating bird.
nyamuraingwa adj. a tall person in a specified group of people.
nyamurunga n. bishop bird: a white bird with a black patch around its neck.
nyamurungi n. a beautiful person (especially a woman).
nyamutahatwa n. a calabash: a name given to a calabash that is small enough to be carried under the arm.
nyamuteza n. a grave.
nyamwari n. a small round insect that lives in dust.
nyamwegyendaho n. a person who fends for himself with no one else to help him.
nyamwenga n. See: EMPARAATA.
nyamwingi adj. plenty, much, many. Akatunga ente nyamwingi aha bugyenyi bwe bw’okugaitwa. He got many cows on his wedding.
nyang’abaribatyo n. a finger millet species.
nyanga-ente n. a type of panga which has a pointed end.
nyangye n. a locally made carpet on which witchdoctors treat their patients or the mat on which witch doctors practice their magic powers while offering services to their clients.
nyankokora-itahigwa n. an obstinate person.
nyankurukurumbi n. a star that shines 2 hours.
nyantagambirwa n. ill-behaved or stubborn person who cannot heed to people’s advice.
nyantahurira n. See: NYANTAGAMBIRWA.
nyanzika adj. revengeful: keeping a grudge with an intention to hurt someone.
nyarubombwa n. a grass species that grows in forests.
nyaruju n. a big establishment or building e.g a church.
nyarumaga n. a King’s drum.
nyarumaga adj. a word used to refer to someone who cannot keep his/her word, and who is not consistent.
nyaruntu n. a kind of rat that usually lives in potate gardens.
nyarwefoora n. a plant that grows in swampy areas and is reddish-pink in colour. Erangi ei baasiiga enju baagiiha omuri nyarwefoora ei baajunga. The paint they put on the house was got from squeezing the reddish-pink plant got from the swamp.
nyarwegye n. a mature pregnancy between seven and eight months, and about to be born.
nyarwehindura n. a plant which, when cooked, its water turns red.
nyarwehumbarika n. someone who pretends to behave in a particular way.
nyarwehungura n. a plant species which is thorny.
nyarwezambiza n. one who invites trouble to himself or herself.
nyarwino n. a red ant: a mature red ant with a very big head.
Nyeikoma n. See: NYABIHEKYE.
nyekiro adv. night: the time between sunset and sunrise. Ti kirungi kutambura nyekiro. It is not good to move at night.
nyenka adv. me alone: refering to myself. Omu bugyenyi nkazayo nyenka. I went to the party alone.
nyenkyakare adv. tomorrow: the day that follows or that is after today. Usage: Kiga.
nyensya adv. Var: nyentsya. 1) far future: a period of time that is far from the day one is talking about. **2) the day after tomorrow.
nyentsya adv. See: NYENSYA.
nyina n. his or her mother: someone’s female parent. Nyinabo; nyinakyo; nyinago. Their mother; the owner of (a particular thing); the owner (of rice).
nyina n. owner. Nyina n’omushaho. His mother is a nurse.
nyinabangye n. my wife: a word used by someone to refer to his wife.
nyin’abangye n. the mother of my children. See: MUK’ABANGYE.
nyinabwengye n. 1) a woman who exhibits unique and extraordinary characteristics in what she does. **2) (usually used in Mothers’ Union) to refer to mothers.
nyina-iguru n. God: the mother of heaven. See: RUHANGA.
nyinakamanzi n. a sweat potato species. nyinamaka n. mother in the home. nyinamaniina n. a stingy person; not generous. See: MUKONOGAAMU.
nyinamuku n. a grass species.
nyinamwiru n. a legend about a woman with extraordinally features.
nyinarumi n. See: NYOKOROMI. nyinazaara n. his or her mother-in-law. nyindo z’abaraaro n. a sweet potato species.
nyine adv. 1) (used to indicate possession) I have. Nyine abaana bataano abaoojo babiri n’abaishiki bashatu. I have five children, two boys and three girls. **2) an expression used to mean “yes, I agree with you”.
nyineeka n. master of the house or head of the family.
nyinekiriga n. the rightful owner; the one who is in the know.
nyinenda n. womb or uterus: a hollow muscular organ in the pelvic cavity of females in which babies develop before they are born.
nyinenkuru n. his or her grandmother. See: NYOKWENKURU.
nyinento n. maternal aunt: his/her mother’s sister.
nyinesaasi n. a type of sweet potato.
-nyini adj. exactly: typical of something.
nyoko n. your mother.
nyokoromi n. your maternal uncle. See: MAARUMI. nyokozaara n. your mother-on-law. nyokwenkuru n. your grandmother. See: KAAKA. Var: nyakwenkuru, mawenkuru.
nyokwenkuruza n. the mother of your grandmother.
nyokwento n. See: MAAWENTO.
nyomushana adv. the time when there is natural light between dawn and dusk.
nyomwebazyo adv. yesterday: the day before today.
nyonga n. cow that is black. See: KYOZI.
nyowe pron. 1) me: first person singular pronoun. **2) I: pronoun used to refer to yourself.

Runyankore to English Dictionary – M

maama n. mummy: a child’s word for a mother. Maama otantsigaho. Mummy dont leave me alone.
maapu n. map: a representation of the earth’s surface on a flat sheet of paper. Abeegi bashabirwe kuteera maapu y’eishomero. Students were asked to draw a map of the school.
maarimi n. my maternal uncle: a brother to one’s mother. Maarimi akataaha embaga yangye. My maternal uncle attended my party. Var: maarume.
maarwa n. plant: a type of sweet fruity plant.
maawe n. my mother.
maawenkuru n. my grandmother: one’s mother to his father or mother; usually used when one is refering to his or her grand mother. Obu naaza omu kyaro tindareebire maawenkuru. When I went to the village I did not see my grandmother.
maawento n. my maternal aunt: a sister to one’s mother. used when one is refering to his or her aunt.
maaya n. ostrich: the largest African bird with a long neck and long legs that cannot fly but runs fast.
maazaara n. my mother-in-law: the mother to one’s wife or husband.
mabaati n. See: KANYOOBWA. mabeere n. a type of banana. mabuushu n. See: EKIHOME.
mabuzi adv. doing things in a foolish way like a goat.
macura n. See: BUCURA. madabada adj. See: WANDANDARA. madigadi n. See: MANDIGADI. mafeera adv. behaving like a coward.
mafuka n. the boy who goes with the groom to the bride’s parents home after the honey moon.
magabari n. a sweet potatoe specie which is yellow, and very sweet. Nyekiro turiire ebitakuri bya magabari. Last night we ate potatoes that were very sweet and yellow.
magana abiri n. two hundred: a number written as 200 in Roman numerals. Ekibiina kyabo kirimu abeegi magana-abiri. Their class has two hundred students. Var: bibiri.
magana ana n. four hundred: a number written as 400 in Roman numerals. Var: bina.
magana ashatu n. three hundred: a number written as 300 in Roman numerals. Var: bishatu.
magana ataano n. five hundred: a number written as 500 in Roman numerals. Var: bitaano.
magaro n. pair of pliers: a metal tool with handle used for holding things firmly, twisting and cutting them especially wires. Yanshaba magaro kukomoorora enati. He asked me for a pair of pliers to untie a nut.
maguru-ana phr. Enyamaishwa za maguru-ana zoona zikeeta orukiiko zaateisa okuza kurwanisa ba maguru-abiri. All four-legged animals convened a meeting in which they discussed how they can fight the twoo-legged creatures. Usage: four-legged: It is used in story telling to refer to four legged creatures.
maguru-gantuuha phr. mushroom: a variety of fungusplant with a round flat head and a long stem commonly called mushroom.
magyendo n. illicit trade: a crime of taking, sending or bringing goods secretly and illegally into or out of a country. Uganda eteire abaporiisi aha nyatano yaayo na Kenya kwenda kurwanisa magyendo. Uganda has stationed policemen at her boarder with Kenya to fight smuggling.
mahega n. a finger millet variety. Muhingye oburo bwa mahega bunuzire. Sow that type of millet, it is very taste.
mahinda n. maize variety: maize with coloured grains. Ebicoori bye ebingi nibya mahinda. Most of his maize is coloured.
mahogane n. mahogany: a tropical tree that produces hard timber. Etym: [].
mahonde n. salt: rock salt. Var: kihonde, ekihonde.
mahugye adv. a situation where one behaves in a confused manner. Naahandiika mahugye. He writes in a confused way.
mahumahu n. a type of chicken without feathers on the neck.
mahumpu adv. extravaganttly watsteful use of things, e.g. money. Ishe akamutwarira esente aha ishomero yaazirya mahumpu. His father gave him money at school but he used it extravagantly.
mahwehwe n. a perpetual liar.
maino-mpango adj. a person with very big teeth. Usage: disapproving.
maisho n. a variety of peas.
maisho-ana n. a small conical pot with four side openings among the Banyankore marriages for perfumery. See: pukonyo.
maisho-na-maisho adv. face to face. Akamureeba
maisho-na-maisho. He saw him face to face. majuta n. a bean variety with big seeds. majuuju n. See: MAHUMPU.
maka n. offal: an internal organ of an animal that is red in colour, and is not edible.
makaasi n. See: MAKANSI.
maka-marungi n. an aphrodisiac plant. makamba n. cereal plant: a type of finger millet. makanika n. mechanic: a person who repairs
machines. Makanika yaatwara emotoka yangye kugikora. The mechanic has taken my car for repair. Etym: [].
makansi n. a pair of scissors. Var: makaasi.
makara n. cereal: a type of finger millet.
makatara n. marked line: an activity or task aportioned to an individual to do it and finish it in a specified time. Yaakora makatara. Etym: [].
makeba n. cloth: a type of dress that is long. Naakunda kujwara makeba. She likes putting on long dresses.
makeke n. something that is extra ordinally in nature. makoma n. a round fruit with a thick skin. makorogo n. See: MAHONDE.
makunku n. bananas: a banana variety that has small fingers. Ref: BUKUMU Var: bukunku, enyabukumu, bukumu.
makyere adv. a way of jumping like a frog. Akaguruka makyere. He jumped like a frog.
mandigadi n. mudguard: a part of a bicycle closer to the tyre that guards it against mud. Var: madigadi. Etym: [].
mangada n. tangerine: a fruit of the orange family
with a soft outer layer and usually smaller and sweater than oranges. Mutumire omu katare kugura mangada yaareeta emicungwa. I sent her to market to buy tangerine but she brought oranges.
manya phr. by the way.
maraaya n. a prostitute who indulges in sex for money:.
maraika n. angel: a spirit who is believed to be a servant of God and is sent by God to deliver message or perform a task. Pl: baamaraika.
mareeto n. mulatto or half cast: a person whose parents are from different races with one a black and another a white.
marekaane adj. Americn calico heavy white cloth. A kakhi cotton material. Omwenda gwa marekaane nimurungi. Heavy white cloth.
maridaadi adj. stylish: someone who is very smart and fashionable. Naakunda ebintu bya maridaadi. He likes stylish things. Etym: [].
mashaaba n. dress: a big long round dress usually worn by pregnant women.
mashurubu n. a hen with big glands below the ears.
masyoro n. a steep part of a course.
Mataagi n. Palm Sunday: the sunday before Easter. Usage: CHRISTIANS.
matarisi1 n. advertiser: a person who informs people about something through oral communication (especially on the radio). Var: matarizi.
matarisi n. game: relay. Var: matarizi. matarizi n. See: MATARISI. mawenkuru n. See: NYOKWENKURU.
mayenje n. a cow with white and black spots. Twine ente ya mayenje. We have a white and black spoted cow.
mayiro n. mile: a unit of measuring distance equal to 1600 metres. Kuruga omuka kuhika omu tauni hariho mahiro ibiri. There are two miles between home and town. Etym: [].
mayongo n. a type of finger millet with creamish or yellowish seeds.
mayonja n. a type of a beans.
mayumbu1 n. royal drum: a drum that would allegedly play itself to determine who should be the next king in Ankole and this was an instrument of power. See: BAGYENDANWA, KABEMBURA.
mayumbu n. a goat that gives birth to twins all the time.
mazima adv. really: a way of emphasising that something is true. Hoona mazima wantsiga? Are you really leaving me?
mbaare n. a type of fingure millet that originated from Mbale (one of the districts in the eastern part of Uganda).
mbaaya n. a cow with mottled cloudy white patches everywhere on the body.
mbaba phr. they (people) are here. Aba mbaba bakaija.
mbaganire phr. (used in storytelling): an opening remark or introduction to storytelling that draws the attention of the people to whom the story is being told. The audience’s response is ‘tebere’. Mbaganire, mbaganire! Let me tell you a story, let me tell you a story!
mbaguta n. a name of one of the former kings of Ankole.
mbahi int. a way of greeting by children to show politeness and respect. Usage: BAHIMA.
mbamba n. a cow with white and grey patches.
mbari phr. there they are; referring to people. Abantu abu waaba nooronda mbari. The people you were looking for are over there.
mbarwa adj. very few things or or people in number. Abahekyera bakaita abantu haatsigara mbarwa. The rebels killed people and very few remained.
mbazi n. fawn grey brindle.
mbega n. a spy: a person who tries to get secret information about another country, organisation, person especially somebody who is employed by a government, or police. Ab’eby’okwerinda bakoohereza mbega aha ishomero ryaitu. The defence committe sent a spy to our school.
mbindi n. a black cow.
mbwenu shi phr. now what? Mbwenu shi ngire nta? Now, what should I do?
me! int. finished. Ku baamushabire amaizi yaabagambira ngu me! When they asked him for water he told them that it is finished. Var: mehe. mehe int. See: ME!
mememe int. taking something carefully. Idiom: Mememe tezaaza mwojo. Handling with kid gloves does not always yield the best results. Var: meme.
mhu int. an expression to show surprise, fear, excitement, sarcasm, exclamation, etc.
mihi adv. really. Mihi baija? Have they really come? Usage: KG.
minzaani n. weighing scale. Var: omunzaani.
mirankwongyere n. a type of calabash, big with a long neck. Obushera bu baamuteereire omuri mirankwongyere akaba atarikubasa kubuheza. He could not finish the porridge they had put for him in the big calabash.
miru1 int. keep silence, keep a secret. Gira oti ‘miru’. Keep silence.
miru int. to swallow: to gallop at once. Akakwata ekikopo kya caai at miru.
mirundi n. one with long legs.
Misa n. mass: a church service especially for the Roman Catholics. Misa y’okubanza neetandika shaaha ina z’akasheeshe. The first mass starts at 10.00am. Usage: Catholics.
misingiriro n. beans: type of beans with mixed colours normally with white and brown.
mita n. metre. Etym: [].
mpaha adv. here: usually used as ‘aha mpaha’.
Mushangire aha mpaha. I found him here.
mpaho conj. then: a word used in conversations to urge someone to continue with the story.
mpaka prep. time lag: until. Toraarye egi nyama mpaka omazire ogu murimo. You are not going to eat this meat until you finish this job. Etym: [].
mpango adj. size: big or large in size. Egi mpare ni mpango. This pair of trousers is big.
mpara n. cattle: a cow that is light brown in colour.
mpariya adv. over there. Mpariya ahu twabaire nitutuura. We used to stay over there.
mpenwaki int. I wish. Mpenwaki enjura egwa tutunga amaizi. I wish it could rain and we get water.
mpirima n. a bean variety with round cotyledons and a brownish coat and sometimes mixed colours.
mpora adv. slowly. Yetware, ngyenda mpora.; Naatwaza mpora. Please walk slowly. H is a soft spoken person.
mpungira n. sleeping sickness: a disease transmitted by tsetse flies.
mpuuga n. the name of a cow with a single white patch on the udder, sometimes extending on both sides of the abdomen, chest, flanks.
mpuura n. a cow with grey skin.
-mu adv. suffix meaning ‘in’.
-mu- n. singular class marker for nouns in class 1 and 3. e.g. o-mu-ntu(class 1) and o-mu-ti (class ** ** **3).
mucomo n. meat: roasted meat. Var: omucomo. Etym: [].
mugore n. name normally given to a newly wedded woman by her in-laws.
muguma n. potato: type of irish potato.
mugurusi-rya-kimwe n. a type of sweet potato that is white outside and yellow inside.
muha n. fox: one of the carnivorous mammals that has straight ears with a long tail with fur, that looks like a wolf.
muhabo n. a strange place. Enjura egwire naaraara muhabo. It rained and made me sleep in a strange place.
muhago n. See: MUTUKU.
muhago n. a disease usually in young children who lack some food nutrients. Omwana we arwaire muhago ahabw’obutarya gye. Her child is sick because she does not eat a balanced meal. Ref: MUTUKU
muhanami n. See: ENTUMBWE.
muhancuju n. See: ORUTANGURA.
muhara n. daughter. Muhara wa Baguma aine emicwe mirungi. Baguma’s daughter is well behaved.
muheru n. end result. Akagira muheru nungi. He had a good end result.
muhikirwa n. an opinion leader: a person who is believed and respected by many people within a locality. Bamwemekire nka muhikirwa w’ekyaro. He has been elected an opinion leader in the village.
muhinya n. Polio: an infectious disease that affects the central nervous system and can cause temporary or permanent paralysis.
muhogo n. cassava. Manihot Esculenta.
muhomberwa n. fire: a weak burning fire. Ogu muriro ni muhomberwa tigurikuza kuhiisa byokurya. This fire is too weak to cook food.
muhurubu n. a banana with big fingers.
mujuba n. a banana variety that has long fingers which are scattered on the cluster.
mujuuju adj. extravagant, wasteful: eating or using something without sparing anything for the future. Omushaija ebintu bye akabirya mujuuju. The man used all his things unsparingly.
mujwago n. a shabby person. Oyehindwire mujwago ebire ebi. These days you are very shabby.
muka n. wife of. Kyakwera ni muka Katarihwa. Kyakwera is Katarihwa’s wife.
mukaabaro n. your co-wife: a woman with whom you share a husband in marriage.
mukaaga n. six: the cardinal number after five and before seven.
mukaaka n. grandmother: the mother of one’s father or mother. Mukaaka nankunda ahabw’emicwe mirungi. My grand mother loves me because of my good behaviour.
mukaasho n. your stepmother. Mukaasho aine abaana bangahi?; Your step mother cannot be your mother. How many children does your stepmother have?
mukaatata n. my stepmother: the wife of one’s father. Mukaatata azaire omwana w’omwishiki. My stepmother gave birth to a baby girl.
muk’abangye n. See: NYIN’ABANGYE.
mukaiba n. her co-wife. Kentaro naakunda mukaiba. Kentaro likes her co-wife.
Mukama1 n. Lord: the supreme being or the creator of the world. Usage: Religion. See: RUHANGA. mukama n. owner: a person who has or owns something. Mukama w’ente ezaayona emisiri yaaruga aha. The owner of the cows that destroyed the garden has been here.
mukana n. sweet potato that is not sweet and it is very hard with leaves which are purplelish.
mukazi-murofa n. a plant variety which has a bad smell.
mukira n. a variety of peas.
mukomanshaija n. a shrub used for making grazing sticks.
mukonogaamu n. a miser: a person who loves money and hates spending it. Aine esente kwonka ni mukonogaamu. He has money but he is a miser. Var: mukonogaama. mukoona n. See: EKIKOONA.
mukundante n. a bird species that is normally found where cows graze.
mukuru w’eishomero n. headteacher: the person who heads a school. Mukuru w’eishomero abingire abeegi abatakahaire bishare by’eishomero. The headmaster dismissed students who had not yet paid school fees.
mukuru w’eitware n. bishop: the highest ranking catholic clergyman at the diocese. Usage: Catholism.
mukuru w’entebe n. 1) chairperson: a person who presides over a meeting. **2) a person who heads a committee.
mukuru w’omugongo n. an elder in society especially at village level. Bakeebuuza obwengye ahari mukuru w’omugongo. They sought wisdom from an elder in society.
mukuru-otaitwa-ebye n. a plant species. mukwe otajugire n. a traditional wooden stool. mukwe yebumbe n. a small plant, when one touches it, it comes together and after a while it spreads out again.
mukwe-wa-mwanure n. dragon fly: a large insect that has long and slender body that looks like a dragon fly.
mukyara n. my wife; title or honour given by a husband to his wife.
munaana n. eight: one of the cardinal numbers which comes after seven and before nin, normally writen as 8.
muneti n. a plant species.
munomuno adv. especially. Mureete abaana omu mushomo gwa siriimu na munomuno eminyeeto. Bring children to the seminar on HIV/AIDS, especially the youths.
munonga adv. very. Naamukunda munonga. He loves her very much.
muntu ‘we int. my dear.
munu adv. See: OMU.
munyaanya n. his sister or brother. Munyaanya n’omushomesa. Her brother/sister is a teacher.
munyaanyoko n. your brother (if you are a female) or your sister (if you are a male).
munyampa n. the flowers of a spear grass.
munywengye n. disease; AIDS: Acquired Immune Deficiency Sydrome. A serious disease that destroys the human immune system. It is caused by HIV.
muramba adj. full; whole. Akabagurira akashaho ka shukaari muramba. He bought a whole sack of sugar for them.
muranga n. the public. Yaakikora muranga neereeba. He did it openly as the public method.
murangaaro n. coccidiosis: a disease of birds and mammals that greatly affects the intestines, caused by coccidia.
mureefu n. a tall person. Muhara wangye akashwerwa mureefu. My daughter got married to a tall man. Usage: slang. Etym: [].
murenzi n. a bean variety.
muriyo int. a form of greeting; literally meaning ‘are you there?’.
murokore n. a nick name given to a christian who is born again.
murungi we! phr. dearest.
muryangombe n. soap: a type of washing soap that is blue in colour.
musa n. a whitish green banana used for brewing local beer.
Musenene n. November: the eleventh month of the year. Enseenene zikira kugwa omu kwezi kwa Musenene. Grasshoppers normally appear in November. See: OKWIKUMI NA KUMWE.
mushaija-aranda n. banana species.
mushanju n. seven: one of the cardinal numbers written as 7. It comes after 6 and is before 8.
mushare n. the sister-in-law who goes with the bride to her home after her honeymoon. Nkaba mushare wa muka munyaanyazi twamarayo ebiro bishatu. I went with my brother’s wife to her parents home and we spent there three days. Var: mashare.
mushinja n. witness: a person who sees something happen and can tell other people about it later. Akareeta nyina kuba mushinja we. He brought his mother to be his witness.
mushorongo n. severe famine. Ref: AMAFA
mushunju n. a hen with few short feathers on its head. Mushunju yangye bagiibire. My hen with a few feathers on the head was stolen.
mushushu n. shrew: a small rodent with a long pointed nose, mouth and small eyes. Mushushu esiisire omusiri gw’ebitakuri gwona. A shrew destroyed the whole garden of sweet potatoes.
musimbiriro n. a bed whose legs are fixed in the floor. Omutsigazi ku yaagiire kushwera yaakora ekitanda ky’omusimbiriro omu kishengye kye. When a boy was going to marry, he made a bed fixed in the ground in his bedroom.
mutaahi n. 1) neighbour: a person who lives near another. **2) a friend or colleague.
mutabani n. boy or man: one’s son. Mutabani w’Omugabe. The king’s son. Pl: batabani.
mutare1 n. white colour: a light colour e.g. of fresh snow or milk. Yaija ajwaire akafuuraano ka mutare. He came putting on a white pull neck.
mutare n. cereal: a type of finger millet.
mutemante n. machete: a sharp and straight tool made of metal with a curved edge used for cutting. Omuhoro gwangye gwa mutemante gubuzire. My sharp curved machettes is lost.
mutiikye n. surcharge: an extra amount of money that one must pay in addition to the usual charge as a penalty for not paying in time.
mutiki n. a bean variety with compound leaves, white, purple or yellow flowers and bearing pods with red seeds. Embibo ya mutiki neeyera munonga. Beans with red seeds do well when grown.
Mutima-Orikwera n. See: MWOY O-ORIKWERA. mutinzi n. 1) scorn contempt: to raise a thumb as a result of contempt. **2) a feeling that one is inferior and undesirable.
mutuku n. kwashiorkor: a disease of infants normally caused by protein deficiency. Ref: EIYOSHE, MUHAGO
mutunda n. used clothes: second-hand clothes and shoes that are available for sale.
muyegu n. See: SENYIGA.
muzaanira n. a person who plays lullabies for the young children so as to intertain them.
muzeeyi n. old person, elder: a person who has lived for a long time. Baamuzeeyi nibaheebwa ekitiinisa. Elders are respected. Etym:]].
muziiki n. wisdom tooth: the last tooth on each side of both jaws in human beings. Muziiki niryo riino eririkuhererukayo. Wisdom tooth is the latest tooth.
muzima adj. a strong and bold person. N’omushaija
muzima. He is a strong and bold man.
Muzimbeezi n. December: the 12th and last month of the year. See: OKWIKUMU N’EBIRI.
mwamba n. house: a brick, square or rectangular house usually roofed with iron sheets.
mwami n. a wife’s title of endearment for her husband equivalent to darling. Mwami agiire Buraaya. My husband went to Europe.
mwayaya adv. the remains of something in a scattered and unsorted manner.
mwena pron. all of you. Mwena mwije. All of you come.
mwenda n. nine: one of the cardinal numbers, written as 9. It comes after 8 and is before 10.
mwene maawe n. sister or brother refering to one’s sister or brother. Pl: beene maawe.
mwene-ishe n. sister or brother refering to someone else’s sister or brother.
mwene-waitu n. belonging to the same family or clan group. Nkaba ntarikumanya ngu ogu ni
mwene-waitu. I did not know that this was my relative.
mwengye-bigyere n. local beer made out of ripe bananas. See: TONTO.
mwere adv. empty handed: having failed to obtain or achieve what one wanted. Akaaza kukora yaagaruka ari mwere. He went to work and came back empty handed.
mwirima n. related to darkness.
Mwisyo-Orikwera n. See: MWOYO-ORIKWERA.
Mwoyo-Orikwera n. Holy Spirit: the third person of the Trinity. Var: mwisyo-orikwera.
mya-mya-mya int. light coming on and off, as that by lightening.

Runyankore to English Dictionary – L

lita n. measurement: litre; a unit of measuring volume or liquids. Nimbaha lita itaano z’amate buri izooba. I give them five litres of milk

Runyankore to English Dictionary – K

k n. the eleventh letter of the English alphabet.
ka v. let, short form of reka.
kaabandize n. the first born child: name usually given to the first born twin.
kaabutumbiguru adv. sky wards. kaahakaira n. a person that is a native of a place. kaahereera n. the last born child. See: BUCURA. kaaka n. grandmother.
kaaki n. 1) cloth: cotton fabric of a dull brownish-yellow colour. **2) a dull brownish colour. Ajwaire empare ya kaaki. He is putting on khaki.
kaamugye n. squirrel: an animal with a long tail in the class of rats.
kaamunywamaizi n. curlew large wading bird of the sand piper family with a long curved bill brown streaked plumage and frequently a distinctive ascending two-note call.
kaamurari n. See: ESHENDA.
kaamuruguya n. a very small portion of food.
kaamushungushungu n. crested eagle: a bird seen with a group of feathers standing on its head.
kaamuterengye n. bird: any of several African birds with predominantly black plumage and a long tail feathers. It is also called window bird.
kaanyonza n. robin: a bird that is orange at the chest and grey at the top.
kaaririirwe n. a girl with attractive qualities that every man wishes to marry.
kaarureeta n. rogue: a person who habitually causes trouble to others.
kaaruziika n. the official residential house of the king of Bunyoro and Tooro.
kaarwenda n. an evergreen caniferous tree with small rounded woody cones and flattened shoots bearing small scale-like leaves.
kaaryasha n. a plant which grows in hilly places.
kaasha n. a heifer which has small white spots on the forehead.
kaasha-k’abakwe n. a good looking heifer fit for offering as a prime gift in the process of securing a bride.
kaashangirwe n. a person who has lived many years in an area compared to other people .
kaashwa conj. how much easier.
kaatambuga n. February: the second month of the year.
kaatankoro n. style of tying a person with arms behind him or her. See: KAFUBA 2.
kaaturi n. catapult: a Y shaped stick with a piece of elastic rubber for shooting stones.
kaawa n. coffee: roasted and grounded coffee used as a bevarage.
Kabakangyagara n. a tree specie that is normally planted in compounds.
kabakura n. a medicinal plant that is given to children to cure stomachache.
kabamba n. cattle: a heifer with grey and white patches.
kabambura n. drum: Ankole regalia drum.
kabamugobe n. a type of grass that looks like emburara.
kabango n. a heifer with a prominent hump.
kabara adj. typical.
kabaragara n. yellow bananas.
kabeera n. a type of irish potatoes.
kabeerera n. an old cow that has been in calf.
kabegi n. cabbage: any of various types of cabbage.Etym: [].
Kabembura n. a name to one of the royal drums of Ankole kingdom. See: BAGYENDANWA, MAYUMBU 1.
kabiiko n. a chamber below the fire place to catch charcoal embers.
kabiri adv. twice: two times.
kabogo n. a name fora claf or heifer with wide head like that of a buffalo.
kabohe n. fox: a carnivorous mammal of the dog family, with a pointed muzzle and bushy tail.
kabohe n. nagana: a cattle disease where a cow makes a sound like that of a fox and sleeps all the time. See: OMUBYAMO.
kabujeeme n. a certain design of a mat. kabukunyukye adv. speaking of yourself. kabumba n. anus: the excretory opening of the elementary canal.
kabunu-mpamaguru adv. very fast.
kaburamuriro n. prison: a place where people are kept as a punishment for crime.
kabuuti n. raincoat: a long big coat used to proect one from rain.
kabwanjare n. traditional beer: a liquid with high alcoholic content especially the local brew. Usage: slang.
kabweseeri n. a variety of beans with red seeds.
kabwondera n. a type of rat.
kacu-kakye adv. a short while.
kacweka n. name of a cow with horns broken or cut at the tips.
kafaana n. nut grass: a weed that has long leaves, brown flowers.
kafiifi adj. something that is small and ugly.
kafoora n. sore throat: an infectious disease of the throat, causing difficulty in breathing.
kafuba n. tuberclosis: a seriuos infectious transmitted by air which causes swellings on the body tissues, especially the lungs.
kafuba n. See: KAATANKORO.
kafumba n. macdonald eye weed: a flowering weed with medium size leaves and a weak stem. It is eaten by rabbits.
kagaaju n. name of a brown heifer.
kagaaju n. a brown heifer. See: gaaju.
kagaama n. a type of lice that is found in pubic hair of unclean people.
kagaaza n. someone who causes confusion. kagambigambi n. See: KAGAMBIRIZI. kagambirizi n. commentetor: a person who
comments on a game or an activity e.g. on a radio or television.
kaganga adj. gigantic: exceedingly large or
extensive as to suggest a giant or mammoth (usually to do with human beings).
kagarura n. See: KABOHE.
kagire-enkuru n. stock phrase used by a listener to express his/her interest in the story.
kagodo n. a domestic or wild animal with different skin colours, short legs, a broad nose and a short tail. See: EMPUNU.
kagoma n. bateleur eagle: a short tailed African eagle with mainly black plumage and a bare red face.
kagondo n. a spotted snake.
kagondo n. a type of cow with small white spots.
kagoobe n. grey and white brown cow.
kaguma n. a type of finger millet.
kagyampunu n. a low growing plant that produces many underground bulbs. Oxalis latifolia.
kagyega n. root tuber: a specie of potatoes. kagyenza-nda n. a thorny plant with small leaves. kahangaare int. benediction: a word used to show
appreciation to someone who has given you something and you bless him or her.
kahara-karwegiriire n. a purple orchid.
kahaya n. name of the king of Nkole who welcomed colonialists to the kingdom.
kahaya-ka-ruguru int. a way of showing surprise.
kahaya-ori int. exclamation used when something happens suddenly or un expectedly.
kahega n. desire for food.
kahembe n. a girl who is playful or cunning and does not respect people.
kahembura n. a variety of sorghum.
kahembwe n. a type of locust.
kahendarwiko n. a variety of finger millet that is sticky when it is being baked.
kahindurabisya n. a goat that is given to the bride’s family by the bridegroom’s family as a fine for taking their daughter at night.
Kahingo n. June: the sixth month of the year.
kahonaho n. survivor: one who lives through affliction.
kahoora n. a certain specie of grass.
kahumpuri n. plague: an infection mostly transmitted by the rat flea.
kahunda n. 1) safari suit: a set of outer clothes made of the same fabric and design to be worn together. **2) a short sleeve suit.
kahungyezi n. a type of sweet potatoe with a pink colour.
kahurire n. a type of irish potatoe that is round and has a white colour.
kahuruga n. yellow bananas which are small in size.
kahuuba n. wheel barrow: a large open cart with one wheel and two handles that is used for moving loads.
kahuura n. a name of a female calf or a young heifer with mottled white and brown colour.
kaicokomba n. hopping on one leg.
kaije adj. a word used when people are greeting; usually said when one is holding another one’s hand or hugging and used mostly if people’s have spent a long time without meeting.
kaikorokonyo adv. See: EIKOROKONYO.
kaimire n. an insect usually found in coffee plantations.
kainganabusha n. something very small or little in quantity.
kaingi adv. often doing something many times.
kaisho-mpande v. look with an intention of doing something wrong and serves as a warning. kaishondeeba-nyenka n. an expression meaning “if the eye was to say whatever it see…”.
kajagaata n. a name of a female goat with long fur.
kajanja n. a type of edible banana plant.
kajeregye n. a variety of beans with small seeds and usually black and white in colour.
kajugujugu n. helicopter: a type of aircraft with large revolving blades but no wings.
kajukaanyima n. the place behind the house. kajumba n. a goat with a grey-black colour. kajunde n. a banana disease that darkens a banana
fruit and causes it to ripen premarurely.
kajurujuru n. a name of a female kid brown in colour.
kajwengye n. with much hair, like a lion.
kajwiga n. something small and ugly.
kakari n. a sickness in human beings that makes someone urinate frequently.
kakire int. a word said when someone sneezes or stumbles on something.
kakoba n. a certain variety of potatoe or cassava; they originated from Kakoba in Mbarara.
kakobe n. purple: the colour of red and blue mixed together.
kakome adv. (of horns of cattle) that are facing each other. See: KAKONDO 2.
kakome n. (of contestants) to end in a draw. kakondo adj. shoes: high heeled shoes. kakondo n. a cow with inward and upward shaped
horns. See: KAKOME 2.
kakooto n. anthrax: a skin disease in animals.
kakunga n. fox: a name given to a carnivous mammal of the dog family with a pointed muzzle and bushy tail, for its cunningness. Usage: slang.
kakuyege n. campaign: house to house or person to person campaign: a serries of planned activities that are inteded to achieve a social or political aim. Abantu bari omu kakuyege k’oburuuru. People are in election campaign. Etym: [].
kakwisi n. dog: one of the names given to a dog. kakyakyanyi n. a variety of cassava. kakyerengye n. name of a grey female calf or young heifer.
kamaramahano n. a medicinal plant given to people to protect them from the effects of a bad omen.
kamba n. sisal.
Kamena n. September: The nineth month of the year, after August.
kamera n. camera: an apparatus for taking photographs, moving pictures or television pictures.
kamereere int. a word used to wish someone an everlasting li ‘may you live longer’.
kameshu n. a wooden chair that can be folded common among Banyankore.
kamina n. pit latrine: a place or lavatory where someone can go for convenience usually dug in the ground. Usage: euphemism.
kamosho n. cattle: a cow with horns that are facing in front or foward and not matching.
kampeyini n. an organised course of action aimed at achieving something either social, political or commercial. Etym: [].
kampu n. camp: a place for temporary accomodation usually made of tents or grass thatched houses. Etym: [].
kampu n. a group of people with the same ideas. Etym: [].
kampuni n. company: people working together or united for business purposes. Etym: [].
kamutungutungu n. the top or apex of something.
kamuzinzi n. bird: a brown African marsh bird related to the storks, which has a crest that looks like a backward projection of the head.
kana adv. four times or four days.
kanaaba n. a name of a cow with a white patch on the face going around the head.
kandi conj. and: a word used to bring together two sentences, phrases, clauses, etc.
kanduro n. candle: a stick of wax, enclosing a wick or string which is burnt to give light. Etym: English.
kanena n. a round white vegetable with brown or red skin.
kankomangwa n. woodpecker: a bird with a long beak which it uses to make holes in dry trees when it is looking for insects to eat and for breeding.
kankurye-mbarukye n. a variety of beans small, round and brown in colour that enlarges after it has been cooked.
kanuuka n. a plant used to chase away bees and red safari ants because of its strong smell. See: MUKAZI-MUROFA.
kanwakagamba n. the person speaking.
kanyaamunyu n. a bird of a black-and white variety of the white wagtail.
kanyaananga n. caterpillar: a small worm that feeds on leaves and developes into a butterfly.
kanyaanya n. (used to refer to a young brother or sister) a daughter or son of the same parents as oneself or the person mentioned.
kanyaasi n. potatoes: a variety of potatoes with long divided leaves and a long tuber whose outer part is red. Var: kanyansi.
kanyabibaya n. a type of tree whose stem is used for making baking sticks.
kanyabwengye n. encyclopaedia: a book or set of books giving information on many subjects or on many aspects of one subject arranged alphabetically.
kanyamuhebe n. See: AKANYAMUHEBE. kanyamushungushungu n. secretary bird. kanyansi n. See: KANYAASI. Etym: kanyaasi. kanyantwarire n. a big basket usually made by the bride when she is going to get married.
kanyarurimi n. linguist: a person who studies and writes about the whole system and structure of a langauge.
kanyeenye n. type of fine salt that is added into food.
kanyogombwa n. a worm that feeds on maize stalks or cobs.
kanyogombwa n. See: ESHOKONDWA. kanyoobwa n. plant: a type of weed. kanywataabe n. a small bird with a thin long beak
that feeds on honey and juice from flowers.
kapere adj. checked design: a design of strips at right angles to each other.
kapuripwisi n. cypress tree: a type of tall thin tree that is ever green.
Karaca n. favour seeker.
karadaari n. mustard seed: a small plant with yellow flowers grown for its seeds that are crushed to make mustard.
karakita n. tractor: a motor vehicle with large back wheels and thick tyres used on farms for pulling machinery and for ploughing fields. Etym: [].
karamaare int. a word used to wish someone long life. See: KAHANGAARE.
karanda n. a wondering shrub which produces foam when squeezed and was used for washing clothes in ancient days.
kare adj. adjectival phrase: belonging to ancient days. Omu biro bya kare abantu bakaba bataine nkaito. Long ago people did not have shoes.
kare adj. alright: a word used to express assent, agreement or acceptance. Kare nitwija
kukumanyisa. Alright we shall inform you.
kare adj. goodbye.
kareebi n. witness: a person who sees an event take place and is therefore able to describe it to others. Omushaija ogu ni kareebi w’omushango gwangye. This man is my courtcase witness.
karema n. lent: the month or period of fasting for christians. Omu bwire bwa karema abantu nibaza munonga omu Kerezia. During the period of lent people regularly go to church.
kaributi n. deceased: a polite way of referring to the dead. See: OMUGYENZI, NYAKUFA.
karicumu n. a horny plant that produces fruits with thorns around them and is used to clean baby’s eyes when they have a lot of secretion.
kariigobe adv. a sitting posture where one puts a leg on top of the other.
kariishoriisho n. Inspector of Governmen; Ombudsman: a governmemnt official whose work is to recieve reports and complaints made by ordinary citizens, investigate them and make recommendations to government or public authorities.
karimi-kagamba n. See: KANWAKAGAMBA.
karindagire int. an abusive word used when wishing someone to become mentally deriled.
karituusi n. eucalyptus: a fast-growing evergreen soft tree commonly used for firewood and building.
karondoozi n. researcher: a person who does systematic investigations into something in order to establish facts and conclusions. Owaahandiikire katondoozi egi akaba ari karondoozi murungi. The person who wrote this dictionary was a good researcher.
karongyero n. See: AKARONGYERO.
karonkwa n. thief: a person with a natural habit of stealing other people’s things. Ogwo mushaija n’omushuma karonkwa. That man is a habitual thief.
karoori n. marabou stock: a scavenger bird.
karoti n. carrot: a tapering orange coloured root eaten as a vegetable.
karukaata n. compacter: a machine that compacts soil and makes the place very smooth. It is usually used in road making and compound levelling.
karwenda n. a cypress-like evergreen tree that grows in warm climate with needle like leaves.
karyabusaire n. a person who does not want to be involved in preparing food but wants to eat.
karye-okahurire n. a charm that is put in food with an ill intention. Omushaija ariire karye- okahurire omu byokurya atyo yaaba omugweiraro. The man ate a charm in food and became mad.
kasaano n. a type of banana that is very white.
kaseeri n. a game of wrestling. Akoojo kakye kaateera omwojo muhango kaseeri. The small boy wrestled one big boy to the ground.
kasesa n. skin rash. Akarwaa kasesa yaateekateeka ngu n’obusheru. He suffered from skin rash and thought it was measles.
kashaato n. a woman with small breasts that do not contain enough milk to breast feed by a child.
kashagama n. a varety of maize with red seeds.
kashaho n. a variety of tree that has small leaves and fruits; it is usually found on anthills.
kashamaitu n. a dark brown heifer with white spots between the legs and the abdomen.
kashatu adj. three times; thrice.
kasheenyanku n. fern caterpillar.
kashenda n. ash that remains after something especially tobacco or firewood has burnt. Iju rya kashenda. White ash.
kashinya n. a type of salt mined from lake Kashenyi.
kashoboorozi n. dictionary: a book in which words are listed alphabetically with their meanings.
Kashwa n. October: the tenth month of the year. Naateekateeka kwija kushwerwa omukwezi kwa kashwa. she is planning to get married in the month of october.
kasiina n. a brown heifer. Enyana yaitu kasiina neeyenda kwema. Our brown heifer is on heat.
kasiitagirizi n. See: KARUKAATA.
kasimba-bwara n. See: KAHUUBA. kasinga n. an old person who is not yet married. kasingye int. a word expressing praise. kasuku n. African grey parrot.
kasurubana n. a fish variety which is bonny and with a long and sharp mouth.
kasyosyo n. the hottest part of a hot spring.
kataano adv. five times. Akamaara kataano owa mukuru we. She spent five days at her sister’s place.
kataara n. a cow with small horns facing backwards. Var: rutaara.
katacweka adj. something that cannot break or tear however much one pulls.
katagyeshwa n. a variety of finger millet with hard stems which are hard to harvest.
kataitwa-munigo n. a person with very short neck. katamba-mahano n. a shrub that grows in short bushes and is believed to prevent bad omen. Obu yaareeba enju neesya, bakamugira ngu arye katamba-mahano. When she saw the house burning, she was avised to eat a weed that grows in short bushes to prevent bad omen.
katanga n. it is a white spotted young she-goat which has not yet given birth.
katara n. local beer that has been brewed with insufficient sorghum. See: OMUCEERI.
kataranga n. branded item. empare yangye nkagitaho kataranga obunagigura. I labelled my trouser when I bought it.
kataza n. a small tree that has thorns and normally grows in savana land.
kateerana-nganda n. trouble causer: someone who causes conflicts among people.
kateera-rume n. go between: a person who represents a bridegroom in the girl’s home to ask the girl’s parent for their daughter’s hand in marriage.
kateerweiju n. a type of banana that has a greyish colour.
kateete n. a name given to a person born near lemon grass.
kateeyamba n. a disabled person. Mukuru w’eihanga akaragaanisa baakateeyamba ebyokurya bya busha kumara omwaka. The president promised the disabled people free food for one year.
katema-mbiire n. a pair of trousers that is not too long to reach the feet and not short to be called shorts.
katembwe n. tallish and small person. ogu omwojo nikatembwe. this boy is tall and small.
katendeere n. a type of fish.
kateta n. a dumb person. See: EKITETA.
katiina-bakwe n. a small plant that opens and closes the leaves when it is touched. See: SHEREKA.
katika v. to overwork. Eriizooba waakatika kuhinga aha hoona. Today you have worked beyond your capacity to dig the whole of this.
katobo n. a female goat that has spots. See: KATANGA.
katondoozi n. See: KASHOBOOROZI.
katongana n. index finger: a finger next to the thumb. Akarabura omutabani arikumworekyereza akakumu ka katongana. He cautioned his son pointing at him with his index finger.
katu-katu adv. a sound made by moving animals. katuku n. a skin disease common among children. Katumba n. March: the third month of the year.
Hakabaho enjara omu kwezi kwa Katumba.
There was famine in the month of March.
katungurucumu n. garlic: a vegetable of the onion family with very strong smell and taste used for cooking to give flavuor to food. Katunguru- cumu neeyamba abarwaire b’omutima. Garlic helps high blood pressure patients.
katungye int. an expression used to wish someone prosperity.
katunkuma n. a variety of eggplants that produces small sour berries.
katwara-mafuuni n. a type of rat that collects things and takes them to its dwelling place.
katwara-maju n. a heavy storm which takes away houses. See: EIHUNGA.
kavuuvu adj. very black.
kayenje n. a black heifer with white patches. kayongo adj. (of complexion) a very dark person. kazengyerera n. a game played by children by
rotating in the same position.
kazinio n. a style of wrestling. Pl: kazinio.
kaziriikwe n. a type of banana.
kazooba n. one of the names of God who is believed to have created the universe. Kazooba niwe yaahangire abantu boona. All people were created by God.
keenyini adj. exact. ninyenda ongurire akateteeyi nk’akaawe keenyini. I want you to buy me a dress like yours exactly.
keera a white goat.
ki int. what: an interrogative adjective asking for information. Yaija nairuka naamubuuza ngu haabaho ki? He came running and I asked him what happened.
kibaako n. a kind of local brew that is a result of double distillation.
kibabi n. green colour. John aguzire esaati ya kibabi. John bought a green shirt.
kibenyi adv. illegally: doing something in an illegal way.
kibibi n. a cow with a patch on any part of the body.
kibikindi n. a person being talked about spitefully in his presence. See: RWAKIBIKINDI.
kibirikibi adj. an ugly person.
kibooko n. 1) coffee beans which still have their husks. **2) whip: a thin stick used for caning people.
kibuzi n. a banana tree that has long and curved fruits.
kibwankurata n. a charm allegedly used by women to make their husbands love them.
Kicuransi n. August: the eighth month of the year.
kifaaru n. a devil that some people worship and is believed to have power over nature and control over human affairs and is owned by individuals.
kifeerwa n. a person who has lost a family member, friend, relative, etc. Kifeerwa agarukire. The person who lost someone has come back.
kifuba adv. forcefully: the act of getting an activity done by means of force. Akataaha omu nju kifuba. He entered the house forceully.
kigabo n. something with spots.
kigamba n. a person who is talking or who talked. Kigamba byona ashutami aha naitwe. The person who said everything is seated with us here.
kigamba-obugyenyi n. See: KATEERA-RUME.
kigambo-kya-diisi n. a delegate with high authority. Kigambo-kya-diisi yaashoma aha rupapura ebi atumirwe byonka. The delegate only read what he was asked to deliver.
kigingi n. turnboy: someone who loads and off loads luggage on the vehicle and keeps an eye on the load as the vehicle moves especially lorries.
kigufa n. a type of sorghum.
kigutiya n. an infection in form of skin rush.
kihababirwa n. a defendant: a person or authority in a trial who is accused of committing a crime or who is being sued by another.
kihaha n. a disease in cows that affects the lungs.
kihana n. a person who counsels or gives advice to others.
kihendwangisha n. a person who is most favoured. Pl: baakihendwangisha.
Kihimba n. title of a district administrative officer in the former Ankole kingdom.
kihongwa adj. yellow colour. Ajwaire esaati ya kihongwa. He is putting on a purple colour.
kihooza n. tax collector: a person who collects money on behalf of government.
kihuguura adj. a person who advises other people and brings them to the correct path. Akabona kihuguura yaamuhuguura. He got someone to guide him.
kihuura adj. colour of white and red mottled streaks.
kihwehwe n. someone who talks a lot and usually tells lies.
kiihuza n. a creditor. Kiihuza akaba naatwihuza esente zirikuhika akakaikuru. The creditor was demanding for money worth one million.
Kiiza n. a name given to a person who is born after the twins.
kijubwe adj. green: having the colour that resembles grass.
kijurijuri adj. a very dark colour.
kikanda-ky’omurofa adj. a dirty person.
kikara adj. black: the dark colour that resembles charcoal. Akaija ajwaire empare ya kikara. He came putting on a black pair of trousers.
kikazi adj. it is used to refer to a girl or woman with affectionate passion. Webare kikazi. Thank you my dear.
kikora n. workman.
kikumi n. one hundred.
kikwaya adj. a person who lacks courage to face a dangerous or tough situations. Ogwo mushaija ni kikwaya, ku arikuhika aha barwaire. He is a terrible corward when it comes to dealing with sick people.
kimbo n. cooking fat. Etym: [].
kimere n. a rough skin caused by foot and mouth disease and similar ailments.
kimwe adj. completely. Akeyererera kimwe byona byahwamu. He swept everything completely.
kinganente n. a variety of beans with seeds which are big and dark in colour.
kinyoozi n. barber: a person whose job is to shave or cut people’s hair. Ninza owa kinyoozi kushara eishokye. I am going to the barbers shop to have my hair cut.
kinyubure n. a cow whose end position of its tail is white.
kinywani kya-bwita n. food in combinination of baked cassava and fish sauce.
kinzaari n. orange.
kiraarira-oseire n. one who is lazy and detests work and wants to be in company of those who can offer him something, especially food.
kirahura n. a person who commits an offence or causes a fight. N’obu araabe yaasingire omushango niwe yaabaire ari kirahura. Although he won the case, he was the offender.
kireereetsi n. vagabond: a person who is lazy and does not work but moves aimlessly. Omwana yaaba atakuziibwe kurungi, naaba kireereetsi. When a child is not brought up well he/she becomes an idler.
kiremba n. a brown or black cow with white patches covering both sides of the hind body.
kiriibwa-mbeba n. root-tuber: a variety of sweet potato.
kiriibwa-ogwejegyeire n. a type of beans. kiriro v. a type of bananas grown for sweet bananas. kiriya adj. that (thing) over there. Ndeetera kiri kintu. Bring me that thing over there.
kiruuku n. type of plant that is very bitter but used as a vegetable. See: ESHWIGA.
kishaayuura n. a wild and medicinal plant that bears orange flowers.
kishoga n. type of beans. Kishonga enuzire. This kind of beans is very nice.
kishurira adj. a situation where one is among strangers. Akafa kishurira. He died among strangers.
kitaara n. a cow with big horns spreading sideways.
Kitami n. legendary: a woman who is believed to have founded the kingdom of Mpororo. She is believed to have become a god.
kitanga-kya-mbaare n. a big goat.
kitapo n. game: a hide and seek game.
Kitara n. The ancient Bunyoro kitara kingdom, which originally covered present day Bunyoro, Toro Ankore and Karagwe.
kitiini n. coward: a person who cannot control his fear and who runs away from danger.
kitiiri n. a large intestine. Bakamushemeza orura rwa kitiri. Her large intestine was operated upon.
kitika n. a banana plant type.
kiziriziri adj. extremely black. Munywani wangye ajweire empare ya kiziriziri. My friend is wearing a black pair of trousers.
kondakita n. bus or taxi conductor. Etym: [].
konsityushoni n. constitution: a system of laws and principles according to which a state or other organisation is governed. Mukuru w’eihanga ahindwire konsityushoni. The president has changed the constitution. See: ENGYENDERWAHO. Etym: [].
koona n. Football: corner-kick. Etym: English.
kooro n. admission letter: a written statement accepting a person into an institution of learning. Kooro za siniya zaashohora. Admission letters for senior one are out. Etym: []. kooyakooya adj. lukewarm: moderately warm.
Amaizi gaaba kooyakooya. The water is getting luke warm.
kopi n. copy: something made to look like somethingelse. Egi niyo kopi ei nyine. This is the only copy I have. Etym: [].
Kristu n. Christ.
ku conj. if or when. Ku oraazeyo, omugambire aije. When you go there, tell him to come.
kuba akaramata phr. to become attached to someone or something.
kubi adv. badly: a word used to express how serious a situation or an event was. Akafa kubi. He died badly.
kunu conj. while. Naaba niimugambira kunu we ari omu bye. I was talking to him while he was doing other things.
kunu adv. this side, this way. Ija kunu. Come this side/this way.
kureka conj. except. Boona bakahikira omu idaara ry’okubanza kureka omwegi omwe. They all passed in first grade except one student. See: KWIHAHO.
kuri adv. if. Tukaba nitwija kuheza ogu murimo kuri twabaire twine okukwatanisa. If twe were united, we would have finished this task. See: KURIIYA.
kuriiya adv. there. Tihaine eki naareebire obu naaza kuri. There is nothing I saw when I went there.
kurungi See: GYE.
kuruza n. Irish potatoes: a type of irish potatoes.
kushi int. a sound used while scaring a way things like birds.
kusukusu int. See: ESI.
kuteerwa amahungu phr. See: AMAHUNGU. kutu-kumwe v. a type of grass with one leaf. kutwaza maguru-makye phr. the situation where rain has started to rain slowly at the end. Enjura yaija neetwaza maguru-makye. The rain is almost stopping to fall.
kwekwekwe adv. a way of laughing: to laugh heartly.
kwete n. local brew: a local brew made out of maize flour.
kweteera-eishaija v. self-made: to be brave and courageous. See: EIBOROBORO.
kwezi-kumwe n. potatoes. a variety of potatoes that grow quickly.
kwoga v. to bathe. Ninyenda Kwoga. I want to bathe.
kwokwo int. existing or occuring as a fact. Kwokwo aboneire. She is really beautuful.
kwombeka v. to build: to put up a structure or to make a building. Ku araakure naaza kwombeka eirwariro.. When he grows up, he will build a hospital.
kwonka conj. but. Noobaasa kumweta aha bugyenyi kwonka otagambira munywani munywani. You can invite him to the party but please don’t tell his friend.
kwonka conj. just/only. Noobaasa kumweta aha bugyenyi kwonka otagambira munywani munywani. You can invite him to the party but please don’t tell his friend.
kya adv. refering to a specific person or things especially when he or she is not near the speaker. Kya kintu. That thing.
kya pron. derogative prefix.
kyabahezi n. May: the fifth month of the year.
kyakahiire adv. fortunately; by good luck. Akaba yaaza kuhambira omwana omu nju kyakahiire omuntu yaateera kodi. He was about to defile anyoung girl in the house but fortunately someone knocked at the door.
kyakasaana n. finger millet: one of the types of finger millet.
kyakiro n. supper: the last meal of the day eaten before going to bed. Tuze ahari kyakiro. Let us go for supper.
kyakutema n. meningitis: a disease which affects the neck and makes it stiff. See: OMURARAMO.
kyakwera n. a light skinned woman. Omugore ni kyakwera. The bride has a light complexion. See: NYAKWERA.
kyamubambaigwa n. gleeful play of children.
Kuteera kyamubambaigwa. To gamble.
kyamukwikwi n. a coffee brown caterpillar with a sharp head.
kyamushana n. lunch: a meal eaten in the middle of the day. Niturya kyamushana shaaha mushanju z’eihangwe. We eat lunch at 1.00Pm.
kyamutabura n. a bean type.
kyamutwara-bwaseesire n. a type of hut: a very small temporary hut where the occupants do not fit with ease.
kyangwe n. a reddish vegetable type.
kyankaraata n. sorghum bread. Nkarya kyankaraata nteine mboga nyingi. I ate sorghum bread without sauce and it chocked me.
kyankoote n. millet type.
kyantsya n. breakfast: the first meal of the day. Erizooba tinaatunga kyansya. I did not have breakfast today.
kyanyeherere n. a type of sorghum.
kyapa-mbaraasi n. a brand of oil which is used to massage the body to reduce pain. Etym: [< Luganda. kyapambaraasi>].
kyarimwe adv. completely: for good. Omukazi we akagyendera kyarimwe. His wife went away for good.
kyasha n. KYASHA-KYEBEMBERA
kyasha-kyebembera n. a cow with awhite spot on its forhead which normally moves infron of the rest.
kyasha-rukamwa n. a cow with a white spot on the forehead.
kyasooka n. cigar: tobbacco which is rolled in a piece of paper or a dry banana leaf.
kyata-nombe n. a type of Irish potatoes.
kyatootera int. used to refer to something that has become a routine and is irritating. Yashabiriza kyarugaho kyatootera. His begging has become a daily routine and it is beginning to irritate.
kyatwa n. spear: name given to a spear with broad, short blade. Akamucumitisa kyatwa. He pierced him using a spear with broad, short brade.
-kye adj. (dimunitive) an adjectival stem for small in size or quantity. Omwana akateema obutokye bukye munonga bwonka. The child harvested only small-sized banana bunches.
kyebembera n. See: KATEERA-RUME.
kyegarikye n. a person who is too stubborn, bigheaded and strong and does not take advice from others. Omuhara ni kyegarikye nikyo kyatumire yaatwara. His daughter is stuborn that is why she became pregnant.
kyegoya adj. a way of walking, slowly and graceful. Omwishiki ogu naatambura kyegoya. This girl walks so slowly and gracefully.
kyenda n. ninety: written in Roman as 90.
kyereeta n. drum: one of the royal drums of the Ankole kings which is of a medium size.
kyetutumura n. a type of sweet potatoes.
kyeyagarire adv. an ‘I dont care’ attitude. Ogu mukozi naakora kyeyagarire. This employee does th

Runyankore to English Dictionary – J

juba adv. hastly, quickly or in a short time

Runyankore to English Dictionary – I

ibiri n. two: a cardinal number equivalent to the sum of one and one.
igana n. one hundred, ten ten times.
ihinda n. a cow with large white patches on the face.
ijo adv. the day before yesterday.
ijweri adv. three days ago.
ijweriho adv. two days before yesterday. ikumi1 n. ten: the tenth numeral . ikumi2 n. to catch or to arrest.
ikuura n. exaggeration. Aine nyinazaara n’omurogi ikuura. She has a mother-in-law who is an outstanding witch.
imwe pron. you: used to refer to people that the speaker is addressing.
ina n. four: equivalent to the product of two and two, one more than three.
-ingi adj. an adjectivial root for many.
ira adv. formerly: long time ago.
-ire perfective aspect or the present perfect tense. twiz-ire, twari-ire. we have come, we eaten.
irooko v. go: move from one place or point to another.
Irooko oze aha ishomero. Go to shool.
ishabareeberezi n. archbishop: a bishop of the highest rank, responsible for all the churches belonging to a religious group in particular.Usage: Anglican Church.
ishatu n. three: equivalent to the sum of one and two, one more than two.
ishe n. his or her father.
ishe-abaramuzi n. chief justice: a public officer who heads those appointed to decide cases in law court.
ishebo n. their father.
ishe-butaka phr. a phrase used to mean down on the ground..
ishenkuru n. his or her grandfather.
ishento n. his her paternal uncle: a brother to one’s father. Akeeta ishento tareetsire nyinarumi. He invited his paternal uncle and did not invite his maternal uncle.
ishezaara n. father-in-law: the father of one’s husband or wife.
itaano n. five: equivalent to the sum of two and three, one more than four or half of ten.
itwe pron. we or us: the first person plural:.
iwe pron. you: second person pronoun singular.

Runyankore to English Dictionary – K

ha! int. often used to show annoyance.
ha! int. a word often used to express surprise.

Runyankore to English Dictionary – Z

zaabu n. gold: a yellow precious metal, chemical, element of atomic number 79 valued especially for use in jewellery and decoration and to guarantee the value of currencies.
zibure-nkurye n. a leather bag.
zigi-zigi adj. black: something that is very black.
zo adj. them, they.

Runyankore to English Dictionary – G

g n. the seventh letter of the Roman alphabet.
ga n. a possessive adjective.
gaaju n. a brown cow. Var: kagaaju, rugaaju, egaaju.
gandangire n. a person who goes throughout the whole village looking for alcohol even if it is at the burial.
garagi n. Etym: []. 1) garage: a place where cars are parked on a building. **2) a place where motor vehicles are repaired from.
gata n. a rubber used in repairing inner tubing of bicycle or motor vehicle tyre.
gavana n. Etym: [].1) governor: a person who governs.** 2) administrative head of an organisation. **3) a miltary commandant.
gavana n. a device that regulates the operation of a
machine. Etym: [].
gavumenti n. Etym: [].1) government: governing body or organisation.** 2) the political administration of an area.** 3) a system of a political unit.
geheena n. hell: a place of condemned souls; the
place of punishment of the wicked after death. A place of evil, misery. Usage: religion.
gogori n. a toy vehicle made out of a banana stem.
gomesi n. a traditional dress of the Baganda women.g. Etym: []. gongo1 n. floods. See: OMUTUNGA. gongo2 n. a supernatural being like god.
gonja n. plantain: a type of banana eaten cooked or roasted.
goonya n. crocodile: a large reptile that lives especially in rivers and lakes in the tropical areas.
gotogoto adv. the sound made on the throat when one is gulping something quickly.
gudiiri adj. shoes: a high heeled shoe for men. Usage: obsolete.
gufu adj. adjectival stem for short or brief.
gunyweka n. a drunkard: a person who drinks a lot of alcohol.
guriini n. See: KIBABI. Etym: [].
guroofa n. a storied house.
gyambura n. plant: a tree with large leaves that produces fruits which turn purple when ripe. Pl: gyambura.
gye adv. well: to act in a satisfactory way. Nimukundira okugamba gye. I like her because she speaks well. See: KURUNGI.
gyenereta n. a machine that converts mechanical energy into electric energy. Etym: [].

Runyankore to English Dictionary – Y

yaaya n. baby seater: someone who looks after a young baby.
yaayaayaaya n. a word used to indicate an affirmative response.
yunifoomu n. uniform: a special set of clothes worn by all members of an organisation or institution. Etym: [].