Basic Words

1. Jisa

   Yes

   Usage

   Simple affirmative. Nodding while you say it removes any doubt

2. Janiwa

   No

   Usage

   Simple negative. Also used to turn down offers and street vendors

3. Ampi suma

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request. Combined with pointing it works almost anywhere

   Grammar Note

   "Ampi suma" is the set politeness phrase placed in front of an imperative.

4. Yuspagara

   Thank you

   Usage

   The single most useful word. Use it after paying or being given directions

5. Pampachita

   Excuse me

   Usage

   To get a stranger’s attention, or when passing in front of someone

6. Ancha llakisisktwa

   Sorry

   Usage

   A real apology: after bumping into someone or making a mistake

7. Waliki

   It’s OK / I’m fine

   Usage

   Reassures someone who is worried, and softly declines an offer

8. Janiw amuykti

   I don’t understand

   Usage

   Say it when you miss what was said; it prompts them to rephrase

9. Amuyt'wa

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed the explanation and the conversation can move on

10. Tukuyxthwa

    I’m finished / Done

    Usage

    Signals you have finished a meal, a form, or a payment

11. Ampi suma suyt'am

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it while you dig out your wallet or wait for a travel companion

12. Juk'a suyt'am

    Just a moment

    Usage

    For a few seconds only — at a counter or on the phone

13. Maya jach'a jaqi

    One adult, please

    Usage

    At a ticket window or entrance gate when stating your party size

14. Janiw reservacionijax utjkiti

    I don’t have a reservation

    Usage

    The first thing to say when walking into a hotel or restaurant unannounced

    Grammar Note

    "Reservacion" is a Spanish loan (ending in a vowel: reservacioni); possession is marked by "-ja" (reservacioni-ja = my reservation).

15. Reservacionijax utjiwa

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it at reception before giving your name; show the booking if you have it

16. Ampi suma yanapt'ita

    Please help me

    Usage

    Shout it in an emergency — it is meant to draw attention fast

17. Ampi suma mayamp sista

    Once more, please

    Usage

    For asking someone to repeat; pairs naturally with “I don’t understand”

18. Ampi suma k'achata parlam

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speed is the problem rather than the words; most people oblige

19. Juk'a parlt'a

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Say it early; people then choose simpler words and slow down

20. Inglés arut parlaptati?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    For complicated business — check whether you share a language first

21. Aka

    This one

    Usage

    Point at something within reach

22. Uka

    That one

    Usage

    Point at something near the other person

23. Khaya

    That one over there

    Usage

    Point at something further away

24. Akana

    Here

    Usage

    While pointing at a map or the ground

25. Ukana

    There

    Usage

    While pointing at a map or the ground

26. Khayana

    Over there

    Usage

    While pointing into the distance

27. Naya

    I / me

    Usage

    To make clear who you mean

28. Juma

    You

    Usage

    To make clear who you mean

29. Juk'ampi

    More

    Usage

    When you want more of something

30. Juk'ita

    Just a little

    Usage

    When you want only a small amount

31. Chika

    Half

    Usage

    When half of it is enough

32. Taqpacha

    All of it

    Usage

    When you want the whole lot

33. Jichhapacha

    Right now

    Usage

    To make clear it is urgent

34. Maya jaqi

    One person

    Usage

    For a table, a room, or a ticket count

35. Paya jaqi

    Two people

    Usage

    For a table, a room, or a ticket count

36. Kimsa jaqi

    Three people

    Usage

    For a table, a room, or a ticket count

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