Greetings

1. Napaykullayki

   Na-pay-ku-llay-ki

   Hello

   Usage

   Common Quechua greeting used in the Andean regions of Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador

   Grammar Note

   The suffix "-ki" means "you". Quechua was the official language of the Inca Empire

2. Sulpayki

   Sul-pay-ki

   Thank you

   Usage

   The most common Quechua expression of gratitude

   Grammar Note

   "Ancha sulpayki" means "thank you very much" — ancha means very

3. Tupananchiskama

   Tu-pa-nan-chis-ka-ma

   Goodbye / Until we meet again

   Usage

   The Quechua farewell meaning "until we meet again"

   Grammar Note

   Often paired with "Ripukusayki" (I'm going now) when taking leave

4. Arí / Mana

   A-rí / Ma-na

   Yes / No

   Usage

   Basic Quechua words for yes and no

   Grammar Note

   "Mana" is also used as a negation prefix, e.g. "Mana yachanichu" (I don't know)

5. Imaynallan kashanki?

   I-may-na-llan ka-shan-ki?

   How are you?

   Usage

   The Quechua way to ask how someone is doing

   Grammar Note

   Reply "Alillanmi kashani" (I'm well). "Alilla" means fine/well

6. Allin p'unchaykim

   A-llin p'un-chay-kim

   Good morning / Good day

   Usage

   Daytime greeting. allin (good) + p'unchay (day) meaning "have a good day"

   Grammar Note

   p'unchay means "day/daytime". The evening greeting is "Allin tutami" (good night)

7. Sutiymi ...

   Su-tiy-mi ...

   My name is ...

   Usage

   Introducing yourself by stating your name

   Grammar Note

   suti means "name". -ymi combines possession and the direct evidential copula in one suffix chain

8. Pampachaway

   Pam-pa-cha-way

   Sorry / Excuse me / Forgive me

   Usage

   A versatile expression for apology or getting someone's attention

   Grammar Note

   pampa means "plain/flat"; pampachay means "to flatten → to forgive". -way adds dative "to me" to the imperative

9. Mana entiendikunichu

   Ma-na en-tien-di-ku-ni-chu

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Essential phrase when you cannot follow what is being said

   Grammar Note

   entiendikunichu is the Quechuanized form of Spanish entender (to understand). mana...chu is the negation frame

10. Ñuqami kani peruano

    Ñu-qa-mi ka-ni pe-ru-a-no

    I am Peruvian

    Usage

    Basic self-introduction stating your nationality

    Grammar Note

    ñuqa is the first-person pronoun "I". -mi is the evidential marker for firsthand knowledge

11. Maypin kashan hisp'ana wasi?

    May-pin ka-shan his-p'a-na wa-si?

    Where is the toilet/bathroom?

    Usage

    Basic phrase to ask for the toilet in public places or hotels

    Grammar Note

    The toilet is "hisp'ana wasi". "necesidad wasi" is a Spanish-based coinage. "Maypin kashan" asks location politely

12. Mana Runasimita parlanichu

    Ma-na Ru-na-si-mi-ta par-la-ni-chu

    I can't speak Quechua

    Usage

    Used to inform a Quechua speaker that you cannot speak the language

    Grammar Note

    mana...chu is the Quechua negation frame. Runasimi means "language of the people" — the Quechua self-designation

13. Kutimusaqmi.

    Ku-ti-mu-saq-mi.

    I'll come again

    Usage

    Said when leaving a shop or restaurant

14. Anchata kusikurqani.

    An-cha-ta ku-si-kur-qa-ni.

    I had a great time

    Usage

    Said as you part ways

15. Añay, tupananchiskama!

    A-ñay, tu-pa-nan-chis-ka-ma!

    Thanks, see you

    Usage

    A casual farewell; "tupananchiskama" (until we meet again) is the standard Quechua goodbye

16. Allin tuta

    A-llin tu-ta

    Good night

    Usage

    Bedtime greeting in Quechua. "Allin" (good) + "tuta" (night)

17. Mana imapas

    Ma-na i-ma-pas

    You're welcome

    Usage

    Reply to "Sulpayki" (thank you). Literally "it's nothing"

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