Kinyarwanda is closely related to Kirundi, which is the language spoken in Burundi. In both languages, a slight difference in the length and tone of vowels can affect the meaning of a word. Nouns are grouped into 20 classes, indicated by different prefixes. There are some regional dialects, and certain differences between the dialects spoken by the Hutus and the Tutsis, but, in general, most Rwandans can understand each other.

Some of the people who left Rwanda in 1959 and have recently returned to the country do not speak Kinyarwanda. Those who lived in the Democratic Republic of Congo usually speak Swahili, and those from Uganda usually speak English.

 Greetings are an essential part of Rwandan social life. In rural areas, one is expected to greet everyone who passes. In urban areas, this is not possible, but it is considered rude not to greet all friends and acquaintances. Formal greetings contain wishes such as "May you have many cows," or "May you have children." Some people use special Christian greetings such as "May Jesus be praised."

 Visiting relatives and friends is an important activity in Rwanda. People who do not regularly visit their relatives and friends are considered anti-social. On special occasions, visitors bring gifts. When a visitor arrives, the host will usually offer beer to drink, as a sign of hospitality and friendship. The guest always accepts; to refuse the offer would be a sign of disrespect.

English	Kinyarwanda
Yes   Yego   No   Oya   Please   Mubisholoye   Thank you   Marakoze   Hello   Muraho   Good morning   Mwaramutse   Good night   Ijoro ryiza   Goodbye   Mwirirwe or Muramukye   Woman   Umugore   Man   Umugabo    Girl   Umukobwa   Boy   Umuhungu