Basic Words

1. Arí

   Yes

   Usage

   Simple affirmative. Nodding while you say it removes any doubt

2. Mana

   No

   Usage

   Simple negative. Also used to turn down offers and street vendors

3. Allichu

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request. Combined with pointing it works almost anywhere

4. Sulpayki

   Thank you

   Usage

   The single most useful word. Use it after paying or being given directions

5. Pampachaykuway

   Excuse me

   Usage

   To get a stranger’s attention, or when passing in front of someone

   Grammar Note

   "Pampachaykuway" means "please forgive me"; the -ykU- infix softens the request and adds deference.

6. Anchata llakikuni

   Sorry

   Usage

   A real apology: after bumping into someone or making a mistake

7. Allinmi

   It’s OK / I’m fine

   Usage

   Reassures someone who is worried, and softly declines an offer

8. Mana hamut'anichu

   I don’t understand

   Usage

   Say it when you miss what was said; it prompts them to rephrase

9. Hamut'ani

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed the explanation and the conversation can move on

10. Tukuruni

    I’m finished / Done

    Usage

    Signals you have finished a meal, a form, or a payment

11. Allichu suyay

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it while you dig out your wallet or wait for a travel companion

12. Pisillata suyay

    Just a moment

    Usage

    For a few seconds only — at a counter or on the phone

13. Huk hatun runa

    One adult, please

    Usage

    At a ticket window or entrance gate when stating your party size

14. Mana reservacioniy kanchu

    I don’t have a reservation

    Usage

    The first thing to say when walking into a hotel or restaurant unannounced

    Grammar Note

    "Reservacion" is a Spanish loan; Quechua has no native term for a modern booking.

15. Reservacioniy kan

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it at reception before giving your name; show the booking if you have it

16. Allichu yanapaway

    Please help me

    Usage

    Shout it in an emergency — it is meant to draw attention fast

17. Allichu huktawan niy

    Once more, please

    Usage

    For asking someone to repeat; pairs naturally with “I don’t understand”

18. Allichu allillamanta rimay

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speed is the problem rather than the words; most people oblige

19. Pisillata rimani

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Say it early; people then choose simpler words and slow down

20. Inglés simita rimankichu?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    For complicated business — check whether you share a language first

21. Kay

    This one

    Usage

    Point at something within reach

22. Chay

    That one

    Usage

    Point at something near the other person

23. Haqay

    That one over there

    Usage

    Point at something further away

24. Kaypi

    Here

    Usage

    While pointing at a map or the ground

25. Chaypi

    There

    Usage

    While pointing at a map or the ground

26. Haqaypi

    Over there

    Usage

    While pointing into the distance

27. Ñuqa

    I / me

    Usage

    To make clear who you mean

28. Qam

    You

    Usage

    To make clear who you mean

29. Kuska

    Together

    Usage

    For travelling, rooming, or paying as a group

30. Astawan

    More

    Usage

    When you want more of something

31. Pisillata

    Just a little

    Usage

    When you want only a small amount

32. Kuskan

    Half

    Usage

    When half of it is enough

33. Llapan

    All of it

    Usage

    When you want the whole lot

34. Chaylla

    That's enough

    Usage

    To stop a refill or a hard sell

35. Kunallan

    Right now

    Usage

    To make clear it is urgent

36. Huk runa

    One person

    Usage

    For a table, a room, or a ticket count

37. Iskay runa

    Two people

    Usage

    For a table, a room, or a ticket count

38. Kimsa runa

    Three people

    Usage

    For a table, a room, or a ticket count

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