Useful Phrases

1. Ñuqam kay app-ta ruwarqani

   I made this app

   Usage

   Used when introducing an app you created

   Grammar Note

   Quechua uses SOV order. The object takes the "-ta" case suffix

2. Kay app qullqi manam

   This app is free

   Usage

   Used to inform someone the app is free of charge

   Grammar Note

   "Qullqi" means money. "Manam" is a negative meaning no/not

3. Urquy qhaway munay

   Please try downloading it

   Usage

   Used to encourage someone to download the app

   Grammar Note

   "To look" is written with the aspirate: qhaway. Unaspirated "qaway" is a different word (to break the sprout of a tuber), so the h must not be dropped. Stacking imperatives gives the sense "go ahead and try it"

4. Ñuqa Hapunim kani

   I'm Japanese

   Usage

   Basic phrase for introducing your nationality

   Grammar Note

   "Kani" is the first-person copula. "-m" is a validation enclitic

5. Ñuqa puriqqim kani

   I'm a traveler

   Usage

   Used to identify yourself as a tourist/traveler

   Grammar Note

   "Puriq" means walker/traveler in Quechua

6. Sapalla purikunim kani

   I'm traveling alone

   Usage

   Used to say you are traveling by yourself

   Grammar Note

   "Sapalla" means alone/only in Quechua

7. Ñuqa ñawpaqtam kay pachaman chayarqani

   It's my first time here

   Usage

   Common phrase when visiting a place for the first time

   Grammar Note

   "Ñawpaq" means first/previous in Quechua

8. Fotota hurquyta atinichu?

   May I take a photo?

   Usage

   Used when asking permission to take a photo

   Grammar Note

   "Atini" means I can/am able to in Quechua

9. Fotota hurqusunchis!

   Shall we take a photo together?

   Usage

   Used to suggest taking a photo together

   Grammar Note

   "hurqu-sunchis" = hurquy (to take out/take a photo) + "-sun(chis)" (the inclusive first-person plural hortative "let us"). There is no suffix "-nasum"

10. Allichu QR código-ta escaneay

    Please scan the QR code

    Usage

    Used when asking someone to scan a QR code

    Grammar Note

    Quechua has many Spanish loanwords like "escaneay" (scan)

11. Ama engañawaychu

    Don't cheat me / Stop ripping me off

    Usage

    Strong protest used at markets or tourist spots when being overcharged or cheated

    Grammar Note

    "Ama...chu" forms the prohibitive imperative. engañaway is Quechuanized from Spanish engañar (to deceive)

12. Ama pisipaq qhawawaychu

    Don't underestimate me / Don't look down on me

    Usage

    Self-assertive expression used when you feel someone is belittling or disrespecting you

    Grammar Note

    qhawa- means "to look at / regard". pisi means "insufficient / little". Together: "don't regard me as someone insufficient"

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