ikizira

How to say it

Meaning

Something that custom or religion strictly forbids, which people believe brings shame or bad luck if it is done.

Good to know

Plural ibizira. Ni ikizira, it is taboo; the verb form kirazira also says it is forbidden. Old Rwandan culture had many such rules, and churches use ikizira for an abomination.

Examples

• Kera byari ikizira ko umugore arya inyama y'ihene.Long ago it was taboo for a woman to eat goat meat.
• Kwica umuntu ni ikizira mu madini yose.Killing a person is an abomination in all religions.
• Abana bigishwa ibizira by'umuco wabo.Children are taught the taboos of their culture.

The same word in