Words to Learn Before Visiting Burundi

Learn These Useful Kirundi and French Words to Make Your Burundi Trip Smoother

Planning a trip to Burundi? One of the best ways to connect with locals and enrich your travel experience is by learning a few essential words in Kirundi and French — the two most commonly spoken languages in the country.

At M Travel and Tours Burundi, we believe that language is a bridge between travelers and the heart of Burundi’s warm, welcoming culture. In this guide, we’ve listed helpful words and travel phrases to know before you arrive.

🇧🇮 What Languages Are Spoken in Burundi?

Kirundi: The national language, spoken by nearly everyone.
French: Widely used in education, government, hotels, and formal settings.
Swahili: Common in markets and among business communities.
English: Increasingly understood, especially in tourism — but still limited.

Learning even a few Kirundi words will surprise and delight the locals!

🗣️ Common Kirundi Words and Phrases

English	Kirundi	Use
Hello	Bwakeye buza	Morning greeting
Good afternoon	Mwiriwe neza	Polite daytime greeting
How are you?	Amakuru?	Friendly way to ask how someone is
I’m fine	Ni meza	Typical response
Thank you	Urakoze	Always appreciated!
Yes	Ego	Useful for answering questions
No	Oya	Important for clarity
Please	Ndakwinginze	Adds politeness to requests
Goodbye	N’agasaga	Farewell greeting
My name is…	Nitwa…	Introduce yourself

🗣️ Useful French Phrases for Tourists

English	French	When to Use
Hello	Bonjour	Formal greeting
Thank you	Merci	Show appreciation
Do you speak English?	Parlez-vous anglais ?	Ask before speaking in English
How much does it cost?	Combien ça coûte ?	When shopping
Where is the hotel?	Où est l’hôtel ?	Finding accommodation
I need help	J’ai besoin d’aide	Emergency or confusion
I would like to eat	Je voudrais manger	At a restaurant
I am a tourist	Je suis touriste	Explaining your presence

🌍 Why Learning Local Words Matters

🤝 Connect With Locals: Even a few words in Kirundi will earn you big smiles.
🛡️ Stay Safe: Knowing how to ask for help or directions can be crucial.
🍲 Try Local Food: Order meals with more confidence in Kirundi or French.
🧭 Navigate Easily: Communicate with drivers, guides, and vendors better.
💡 Cultural Respect: Shows locals you care and respect their identity.

✅ Bonus Tip from M Travel and Tours Burundi

When you book a tour with us, our guides are happy to teach you basic Kirundi as you go — whether you want to chat with a village elder, bargain at the market, or just say “thank you” the right way.