Maypim kay reciclayta atini?
may-PIM kay re-ci-CLAY-ta a-TI-ni
Where can I recycle this?
Usage
Used when asking where to recycle waste or items
Grammar Note
Quechua uses SOV word order with verbs at the end; -m/-mi is the evidentiality marker for direct knowledge
Kutin kutin usanapaq q'ipita charinkichu?
KU-tin KU-tin u-sa-na-PAQ Q'I-pi-ta cha-RIN-ki-chu
Do you have reusable bags?
Usage
Used in markets or shops to ask about reusable bags
Grammar Note
-chu is the Quechua suffix that marks questions and negations
Kaypichu tiyashan pachamamata cuidaq samasqawasi?
kay-PI-chu ti-ya-SHAN pa-cha-ma-MA-ta cui-DAQ sa-mas-qa-WA-si
Is there eco-friendly accommodation here?
Usage
Used when looking for accommodation that respects Andean nature
Grammar Note
Pachamama is a central concept in Andean cosmology meaning "Mother Earth"
Yakuwan botellayta hunt'achiyta munani.
ya-KU-wan bo-te-LLA-y-ta hun-t'a-CHIY-ta mu-NA-ni
I'd like to refill my water bottle.
Usage
Used to avoid single-use plastic by asking to refill a reusable bottle
Grammar Note
Quechua verb suffixes encode person and volition; munani means "I want to"
Uywamanta mana mikhuna tiyanchu?
uy-wa-MAN-ta MA-na mi-KHU-na ti-YAN-chu
Are there vegetarian or vegan food options?
Usage
Used at markets or restaurants to communicate dietary restrictions
Grammar Note
-manta is the ablative suffix in Quechua meaning "from" or "of"
Imaynatan transporte publicopi riyta atini?
i-MAY-na-tan trans-POR-te PU-bli-co-pi RIY-ta a-TI-ni
How can I take public transport to...?
Usage
Used when asking how to travel to a destination without a private car
Grammar Note
"-pi" marks "by/in", here the means of travel (by public transport). Add or point to the destination. "riyta atini" = "I can go"
Maypim aswan qayllapi llaqtaypaq qhatun?
may-PIM as-WAN qay-LLA-pi llaq-TAY-paq qha-TUN
Where is the nearest local market?
Usage
Used when wanting to buy locally grown produce directly
Grammar Note
-paq is the benefactive/purposive case suffix in Quechua meaning "for" or "belonging to"
Ama achka empaquetawaychu.
a-MA ach-KA em-pa-que-ta-way-CHU
Please use minimal packaging.
Usage
Used to decline excess packaging and reduce waste
Grammar Note
Ama + verb is the Quechua structure for polite prohibition or negative request
Ima pachamamapaq actividadkuna kan kaypi?
i-MA pa-cha-ma-ma-PAQ ac-ti-vi-dad-ku-na KAN kay-PI
What eco-tourism activities are available here?
Usage
Used when looking for tourism that preserves Andean nature and culture
Grammar Note
Pachamama is used metaphorically for ecological concepts in modern Quechua speech
Carbono huellayta compensayta munani.
car-BO-no hue-lla-y-ta com-pen-SAY-ta mu-NA-ni
I want to offset my carbon footprint.
Usage
Used to express the will to compensate for travel-related carbon emissions
Grammar Note
Quechua has no native term for carbon offsetting, so the Spanish carbono / huella / compensar are borrowed and given Quechua suffixes (-ta accusative, -y infinitive, munani "I want to")
More Quechua phrases
- Basic Words
- Basic Nouns
- Basic Verbs
- Adjectives
- Question Words
- Greetings
- Food & Drinks
- Transportation
- Shopping
- Numbers
- Hotel
- Emergency
- Sightseeing
- Flirting
- Nightlife
- 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
- 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