Slang in Quechua: 10 Travel Phrases with Audio

Alalaw!
Brr, it's cold!
Usage
The interjection for cold. It comes out naturally on a highland morning and reliably gets a laugh. Safe to say in front of anyone
Akakaw!
Ouch, hot!
Usage
The interjection for heat, the counterpart of alalaw for cold. Safe in any company
Ayayaw!
Ouch!
Usage
The interjection for pain, said after a fall or a knock. Safe in any company
Añañaw!
How lovely!
Usage
Delight at something beautiful — a view, a weaving, a dish. Aimed at a person's looks, save it for people you know well
Atatay!
Ugh, how awful!
Usage
Distaste at something unpleasant — a dirty place, a bad smell. Never aim it at a person or at food someone has cooked for you; it reads as a hard rejection
Kusa!
Great! / Cool!
Usage
A word of approval; in Cusco young people drop it into Spanish conversation as it is. Safe with anyone
Haku!
Let's go!
Usage
A call to companions, for friends and fellow travellers. Soften your tone if you are urging on someone older
Yaw!
Hey!
Usage
A shout to get someone's attention. Only for friends your own age; aimed at elders, strangers or shop staff it is rude
Wawqey
My brother (man to man)
Usage
An address for a male friend, no kinship needed. Quechua sibling terms depend on the speaker's sex: this is the man-to-man form; a woman says turi to a man
Ñañay
My sister (woman to woman)
Usage
A woman's address to another woman; a man says pana to a woman. Use it once you have got to know each other

More Quechua phrases