Language/Classical-quechua/Vocabulary/Geography
Hi Classical Quechua learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn some vocabulary related to geography. Classical Quechua has long been connected to the land and environment, and as a result, there are many interesting words to learn.
With the completion of this lesson, consider investigating these related pages: How to Say Hello and Greetings & Drinks.
Landforms
One of the most important aspects of geography is the study of landforms. Here are some Classical Quechua words related to different landforms:
| Classical Quechua | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Allpa | /ʔaʎpa/ | Earth |
| Pachatusan | /paʧa'tusan/ | Mountain |
| Kunka | /kuŋqa/ | Valley |
| Ñawi nunay | /ɲawi 'nunaj/ | Canyon |
| Mama unu | /mama 'unu/ | Sea |
| Qañu | /qa'ɲu/ | River |
- Person 1: Ñawi nunay. (Canyon.)
- Person 2: Mana ñawi nunayqa. Qorihuayas yanapaqmi. (Not a canyon. I went to Qorihuayrachina.)
Directions
Another important aspect of geography is knowing which way is which. Here are some Classical Quechua words related to directions:
| Classical Quechua | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Hanan | /ha'nan/ | Up |
| Urin | /u'rin/ | Down |
| Chhunki | /t͡ʃʰuŋki/ | Center |
| Kimsa chakra | /'kimsa 't͡ʃakra/ | Triangular plaza in the middle of a town |
- Person 1: Hanan kunkamanta kananmi. (I am going up the valley.)
- Person 2: Mikullaqtaqa urin kananmi. (I am going down to Machu Picchu.)
Climate
Geography also includes the study of climate. Classical Quechua has some great words to describe different types of weather:
| Classical Quechua | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Hatun kapana | /ha'tun ka'pana/ | Hot weather |
| Ch'iji | /t͡ʃʔi'hi/ | Cold, chilly |
| Chayraqsi | /ʧaj'ɾaksi/ | Sunny |
| Llapa | /ʎa'pa/ | Cloudy |
| Qawana | /qa'wana/ | Rain |
| Inti k'anchay | /'inti 'kʼantʃaj/ | Rainbow |
- Person 1: Qollasuyupi hatun kapanaqa ruraqmi. (It's hot in the Bolivian Altiplano.)
- Person 2: Ch'ijipi chhuyunmi. Imapis Llapamanta khuchkani. (It's cold and it's raining. I want to stay indoors.)
Landmarks
Finally, geography also encompasses important landmarks. These landmarks can be natural or man-made. Here are some words in Classical Quechua to describe landmarks:
| Classical Quechua | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Sapa inkaq | /'sapa 'inkak/ | The Great Inka Road |
| Qhapaq ñan | /ʔapaq 'ɲan/ | The Royal Road of the Incas |
| Qollqanpata | /'qoʎʎanpata/ | The Incan Storage Houses |
| Saqsaywaman | /saqsa'jwaʔman/ | Incan fortress above Cusco |
| Wiraqocha temple | /wi'rakoʧa 'temple/ | Temple of the creator of the universe |
- Person 1: Qollqanpatamanta ruwayraqmi. (I'm going to the Incan storage houses.)
- Person 2: Sapa inkaqpi kayanmi. (I'm walking on the Great Inka Road.)
To improve your Classical Quechua Vocabulary, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!
➡ 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. 😎
Other Lessons
- Clothes
- Feelings and Emotions
- Drinks
- Count to 10
- Greetings
- How to Say Hello and Greetings
- Food
- How to say Good Bye?
- Colors