Why learn a little Quechua?
Spanish will take you far in Peru, but a few words of Quechua—the living Indigenous language of the Andes—open doors, smiles, and meaningful moments. From the Sacred Valley to Lake Titicaca and highland villages, you’ll hear Quechua daily. Use it with respect; even simple greetings show care for the people and land you’re visiting.
Quick note: There are several Quechua varieties (e.g., Cusco/Collao, Ayacucho). Spellings and sounds can vary. The forms below are widely understood in the Cusco region.
How to pronounce Quechua (quick cheat sheet)
ll → sounds like “y” (e.g., Allin ≈ “A-yeen”)
ch → like English “ch” (church)
q → a deeper “k” (back of the throat); pronounce like a soft “k” if that’s easier
hu / w → often sound like “w” (e.g., wasi)
Stress usually falls on the second-to-last syllable.
15 Quechua words & phrases travelers actually use
1) Rimaykullayki (ri-MAI-koo-YAI-kee) — Hello
Use when greeting someone politely, especially elders or hosts.
Example: Rimaykullayki, masi — “Hello, friend.”
Also heard: Napaykullayki (formal “greetings”).
2) Allin p’unchay (AH-yeen POON-chay) — Good morning
Warm, natural greeting in the Andes.
Example: Allin p’unchay, mamay — “Good morning, ma’am.”
3) Allillanchu? (a-YEE-yan-choo) / — How are you?
Both are common.
Reply idea: Allinmi — “I’m well.”
4) Sulpayki (sool-PIE-kee) / Añay (AH-nyai) — Thank you
You’ll hear both in the Cusco area. Say them with a smile.
Example: Añay, wayki — “Thanks, brother (male-to-male).”
5) Tupananchiskama (too-pa-NAN-chees-KAH-ma) — Until we meet again
A beautiful, hopeful goodbye.
6) Arí (ah-REE) — Yes
7) Mana(MA-na) — No
Two essentials for markets, taxis, and trails.
8) Masi (MAH-see) — Friend / companion
Used affectionately; inclusive.
Example: Sulpaiki, masi — “Thanks, friend.”
9) Wasi (WAH-see) — House / home
Example: Allin wasi — “A good home.”
10) Mikhuna (mee-KHU-na) — Food / meal
Example: Allin mikhuna — “Delicious food.”
Also handy: misk’i (MEES-kee) = sweet/tasty, picante is Spanish for spicy.
11) Yaku (YA-koo) — Water
Example: Yaku mayta? — “Where’s water?”
12) Munay (MOO-nai) — Love / beauty / to like
Example: Munani Peru — “I love Peru.” / “I like Peru.”
13) Ayni (EYE-nee) — Reciprocity / mutual help
A core Andean value: community support and balance. Use it as a concept word to show you care about responsible travel.
14) Kawsay(KOW-sigh) — Life / to live
Example: Sumaq kawsay — “Good life / living well.”
15) Pachamama (PA-cha-MA-ma) — Mother Earth
You’ll hear this everywhere—from farmers to guides. Treat the land as someone’s mother, not a backdrop.
Super-useful mini phrases (plug-and-play)
“Rimaykullayki, allin p’unchay.” — Hello, good morning.
“Allillanchu? / Imaynallan kashanki?” — How are you?
“Sulpayki / Añay.” — Thank you.
“Arí / Mana.” — Yes / No.
“Allinmi.” — I’m good.
“Maypi…?” — Where…? (Maypi yakuta? — Where’s water?)
“Imata…?” — What…?
“Tupananchiskama.” — Until we meet again.
Where you’ll hear Quechua in Peru
Sacred Valley & Cusco: daily life, markets, villages.
Lake Titicaca (Puno): communities on and around the lake.
Andean trekking routes: guides, muleteers, farmers on the trail.
Want to use your new words with locals—respectfully and naturally? Explore with guides who keep the language alive.
