Kinyarwanda
ingoma
i-NGO-ma
How to say it
Kinyarwandaingomai-NGO-masoon
Englishdrumsoon
Frenchtamboursoon
Meaning
a musical percussion instrument covered with stretched skin; also used for the period a king or ruler governs.
Good to know
The two senses (instrument and reign) share the word; context makes clear which is meant.
Examples
- Abadansi basaga bakubita ingoma bavuga indirimbo.The dancers beat the drum while singing.
- Ingoma ya Umwami Kigeli yamaze imyaka myinshi.The reign of King Kigeli lasted many years.
- Ese uzi gukubita ingoma?Do you know how to play the drum?
- Nta ngoma yavuzwe mu muhango kuko yari yaracitse.No drum was played at the ceremony because it was broken.
The same word in
Not yet checked by a native speaker.