Kaypi allim cantinata yachanki?
Kay-pi al-lim can-ti-na-ta ya-chan-ki?
Do you know a good bar around here?
Usage
Asking a local about a good place to drink or go out at night
Grammar Note
yachay means "to know/learn". -nki is the 2nd-person singular present ending
Salud! Chichata ukyasunchis!
Sa-lud! Chi-cha-ta u-kya-sun-chis!
Cheers! Let us drink chicha!
Usage
Toasting with chicha, the traditional Andean fermented corn drink
Grammar Note
-sunchis forms the inclusive hortative "let us (all of us) do". Chicha is central to Andean culture
Imahoras sirranka kay cantina?
I-ma-ho-ras sir-ran-ka kay can-ti-na?
What time does this bar close?
Usage
Asking about closing time at a bar or venue
Grammar Note
sirranka derives from Spanish cerrar (to close), nativized with Quechua future suffix -nka
Hukta aswan quway
Huk-ta as-wan qu-way
Give me one more
Usage
Ordering another drink at a bar
Grammar Note
aswan means "more/further" and is also used in comparative expressions
Tusunchis!
Tu-sun-chis!
Let us dance!
Usage
Inviting someone to dance; music and dance are central to Andean nightlife and festivals
Grammar Note
tusuy is "to dance". -nchis is the inclusive hortative: "let all of us (including you) dance"
Inti Raymi k'anchay qhawananchispaqmi
In-ti Ray-mi k'an-chay qha-wa-nan-chis-paq-mi
We came to see the Inti Raymi festival
Usage
Expressing excitement about attending Inti Raymi, the greatest Quechua festival
Grammar Note
Inti means "sun"; Raymi means "festival/celebration". This festival is held in Cusco every June
Allin tutami kanki
Al-lin tu-ta-mi kan-ki
Good evening / Have a good night
Usage
A farewell greeting used at the end of an evening
Grammar Note
tuta is the native Quechua word for "night". Used for nighttime activities and greetings
Kay chicha imaynallataq?
Kay chi-cha i-may-nal-la-taq?
What is this chicha like?
Usage
Asking about the taste or type of chicha being served
Grammar Note
imaynallataq is a compound question: imayna (how/what like) + lla (just) + taq (also/then)
Huktam mañakuni
Huk-tam ma-ña-ku-ni
I would like another one
Usage
Ordering another round of drinks
Grammar Note
mañakuy means "to ask for/request" (mañakuni = I ask for). huk-ta-m = "one" + accusative -ta + evidential -m. "To search" is maskay, so askiy/askini is not used
Sumaq tutami karqan
Su-maq tu-ta-mi kar-qan
It was a wonderful night
Usage
Expressing satisfaction after a wonderful evening out
Grammar Note
sumaq is the versatile adjective "beautiful/good/wonderful". karqan is the completive past of kay (to be)
More Quechua phrases
- Basic Words
- Basic Nouns
- Basic Verbs
- Adjectives
- Question Words
- Greetings
- Food & Drinks
- Transportation
- Shopping
- Numbers
- Hotel
- Emergency
- Sightseeing
- Flirting
- Massage & Spa
- Compliments
- Contacts & SNS
- Beach & Activities
- Places & Areas
- Useful Phrases
- Airport & Customs
- Weather & Climate
- Pharmacy & Health
- Directions
- Money & Exchange
- Health & Hospital
- Internet & WiFi
- Nature & Outdoors
- Religion & Temples
- Café & Drinks
- Schedule & Booking
- Culture & Etiquette
- Traveling with Kids
- Sports & Activities
- Public Transport
- Accommodation
- Banking & ATM
- Visa & Immigration
- Business & Work
- School & Education
- Cooking & Markets
- Music & Entertainment
- Art & Museums
- Festivals & Events
- Photography
- Laundry
- Post Office
- Language Learning
- Dating & Romance
- Dating Apps
- Volunteering
- Accessibility
- Sustainability & Eco
- Fruits
- Colors
- Dietary & Allergies
- Markets & Souvenirs
- Wine & Spirits
- Car Rental & Driving
- Time & Dates
- Hiking & Trekking
- Diving & Water Sports
- Skiing & Winter Sports
- Hot Springs & Baths
- Yoga & Wellness
- Casino & Gambling
- Beauty & Grooming
- Remote Work
- Fashion & Clothing
- Convenience Store
- Martial Arts
- Signs
- Body Parts
- Animals
- Vehicles
- Electronics
- Feelings
- Slang
- Local Dishes
- Local Drinks
- Indulgences