Adjectives

1. Hatun

   Big

   Usage

   For asking for another size; use it with a gesture

2. Huch'uy

   Small

   Usage

   For describing clothing or room size

3. Llasa

   Heavy

   Usage

   For excess baggage, or asking someone to lift something

4. Chhalla

   Light (weight)

   Usage

   About weight only — in many languages this is a different word from “bright”

   Grammar Note

   "Chhalla" is light in weight; bright is "k’anchay," a different word.

5. Ancha chaniyuq

   Expensive

   Usage

   The opening move in a haggle; pair it with a face

6. Pisi chaniyuq

   Cheap

   Usage

   For asking whether a cheaper option exists

7. Q'uñi

   Hot (thing)

   Usage

   About food, drink, or water — not the same word as hot weather

   Grammar Note

   "Q’uñi" is a hot object or drink; hot weather is expressed with the verb "ruphamushan."

8. Chiri

   Cold (thing)

   Usage

   About drinks and food — not the same word as cold weather

9. Musuq

   New

   Usage

   For checking whether something is unused

10. Mawk'a

    Old (thing)

    Usage

    For objects only; used of people it is rude in many languages

    Grammar Note

    "Mawk’a" is for objects only; never use it of a person.

11. Wayna

    Young

    Usage

    About a person’s age; a small-talk word

    Grammar Note

    "Wayna" is a young man; a young woman is "sipas."

12. Machu

    Old (person)

    Usage

    The dedicated word for people; pick the respectful one

    Grammar Note

    "Machu" is a respectful word for an older man; an older woman is "paya."

13. Ch'uya

    Clean

    Usage

    For a clean room or clean water, and for a beautiful view

14. Qhilli

    Dirty

    Usage

    Useful when asking to change rooms

15. Allin

    Good

    Usage

    The all-purpose word for agreement and approval

16. Mana allin

    Bad

    Usage

    For saying that your health or an item’s quality is poor

17. Qayllapi

    Near

    Usage

    For checking whether somewhere is within walking distance

18. Karu

    Far

    Usage

    Tells you whether you need transport

19. Ñawpaqta

    Early

    Usage

    About clock time; in many languages a different word from “fast”

    Grammar Note

    "Ñawpaqta" is early in time; fast in speed is "usqhay."

20. Qhipata

    Late

    Usage

    About clock time; in many languages a different word from “slow”

    Grammar Note

    "Qhipata" is being late; slow in speed is "allilla."

21. Askha

    Many

    Usage

    About quantity or how crowded somewhere is

22. Pisi

    Few

    Usage

    Also useful for asking for a smaller portion

23. Ruphamushan

    Hot (weather)

    Usage

    About the weather — a different word from a hot object

24. Chirimushan

    Cold (weather)

    Usage

    About the weather — a different word from a cold object

25. Munay

    Cute

    Usage

    Used for people and things; closer to "beautiful/lovely"

26. Misk'i

    Delicious

    Usage

    The word you will reach for most often at the table; also covers "sweet"

27. Kusisqa

    Fun

    Usage

    For describing an experience itself; also covers "happy"

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