Slang

1. Alalay!

   Brr, it's cold!

   Usage

   The interjection for cold; it comes out naturally on an altiplano morning and reliably gets a smile. Safe to say in front of anyone

2. 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

3. Ukhamawa

   That's how it is

   Usage

   Ukhama (thus) plus the affirmative -wa. Use it to agree with what someone said or to accept something that cannot be changed. Safe with anyone

4. Chiqawa

   That's true

   Usage

   Chiqa (true, straight) plus -wa. A safe agreement token with anyone. Note that ch'iqa, with an ejective, means "left" and is a different word — mind the apostrophe

5. Jilata

   Brother (address for a man)

   Usage

   An address for a man, no kinship needed; widely used in Bolivia at gatherings and in daily talk. Use it with men you have got to know; for an older stranger, Tata is safer

6. Kullaka

   Sister (address for a woman)

   Usage

   The female counterpart of Jilata, for women you have got to know. For an older woman you have just met, use Mama

7. Tata

   Sir (respectful address for a man)

   Usage

   A respectful hail for an older man or a man you have just met, used alone or before a name. Opening with it smooths things at markets and offices

8. Mama

   Ma'am (respectful address for a woman)

   Usage

   The female counterpart of Tata and the safest way to address a market seller or a landlady, whatever her age

9. Wawa

   Child / baby

   Usage

   The word for a child, understood across the Andes and used affectionately. Aimed at an adult it sounds belittling, so keep it for children

10. Masi

    Companion / mate

    Usage

    Someone who shares your situation; "wila masi" (blood companions) means family. A natural word for introducing your travel companions, and never impolite

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