Language/Classical-quechua/Grammar/How-to-Use-Be
Hi Classical Quechua learners! 😊
In this lesson, we'll cover how to use "be" in Classical Quechua. "Be" is a verb that expresses a state of being, and in Classical Quechua, we have different forms to express different states of being. This lesson is aimed at intermediate learners who already have a basic understanding of Classical Quechua grammar. If you're a beginner, don't worry! You can still follow along and learn something new.
Before we start, remember that practice makes perfect, so don't hesitate to speak and write in Classical Quechua as much as possible. To improve your Classical Quechua Grammar, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!
Introduction
In English, "be" has three main forms: "am," "is," and "are." In Classical Quechua, we also have three main forms to express the state of being. Let's look at the examples below:
| Classical Quechua | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| lli | lyi | I am |
| kani | kan-i | You are |
| pay | pa-y | He/She/It is |
| llapa | lyapa | We are |
| kanllapa | kan-lyapa | You all are |
| paykuna | pa-yku-na | They are |
As you can see, in Classical Quechua, the subject pronoun is often included in the verb form to express the state of being. Let's look at these forms in more detail.
How to Use "lli"
"lli" expresses first-person singular. You can use it to express "I am." Let's look at some examples:
- Person 1: Lli hawaqmi. (I am a student.)
- Person 2: Ñuqaqa lli chaskim. (I am also a teacher.)
To use "lli," you can simply attach it to the end of the noun, as in the example above.
How to Use "kani"
"kani" expresses second-person singular. You can use it to express "you are." Here are some examples:
- Person 1: Kani raykuqmi? (Are you hungry?)
- Person 2: Mana kani, ñuqanchik. (No, we're not.)
To use "kani," you can simply attach it to the end of the noun or adjective, as in the example above.
How to Use "pay"
"pay" expresses third-person singular. You can use it to express "he," "she," or "it" is. Here are some examples:
- Person 1: Paymi kaymi qiwirinin. (He always plays soccer.)
- Person 2: Ñuqaqa rikuytaq. Notasqanta pay wakta. (I'm studying. She's not here now.)
To use "pay," simply add it to the end of the noun or adjective, as in the example above.
How to Use "llapa"
"llapa" expresses first-person plural. You can use it to express "we are." Here are some examples:
- Person 1: Llapa qhawaykumanta willaykupaq. (We will go to study together.)
- Person 2: Llapapaqa kani churay. (We were very happy.)
To use "llapa," simply add it to the end of the noun or adjective, as in the example above.
How to Use "kanllapa"
"kanllapa" expresses second-person plural. You can use it to express "you all are." Here are some examples:
- Person 1: Kanllapa kuyanmanta chaskimuyki. (You all teach me how to dance.)
- Person 2: Allinmi kanllapa rimayniy. (You all speak beautifully.)
To use "kanllapa," simply add it to the end of the noun or adjective, as in the example above.
How to Use "paykuna"
"paykuna" expresses third-person plural. You can use it to express "they are." Here are some examples:
- Person 1: Paykuna q'asqarinin. (They work in the field.)
- Person 2: Paykunapaqa jurin. (They were eating.)
To use "paykuna," simply add it to the end of the noun or adjective, as in the example above.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You've learned how to use "be" in Classical Quechua. Keep practicing and experimenting with new sentences. If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
Remember that Classical Quechua is a fascinating and complex language that includes cultural information and interesting facts. To dive deeper into this language, you can also explore the Classical Quechua page on the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers, and ask them any questions you have!
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Congratulations on finishing this lesson! Explore these related pages to keep learning: Negation & Pronouns.
Other Lessons
- Plurals
- Pronouns
- Gramatical generalities
- Give your Opinion
- Conditional Mood
- Negation
- How to Use Have
- Questions
- Adjectives