inkwano

How to say it

Meaning

gifts, often cattle or money, given by a groom's family to the bride's family before marriage.

Good to know

central to traditional Rwandan marriage customs, negotiated between the two families.

Examples

• Umuryango wa Kalisa watanze inkwano nyinshi.Kalisa's family gave a large dowry.
• Ese inkwano irakenewe muri iki gihe?Is a dowry still required nowadays?
• Nta nkwano yatanzwe muri ubwo bukwe.No dowry was given at that wedding.
• Bazatanga inkwano mbere y'ubukwe.They will give the dowry before the wedding.