Kichwa Class 1 — Introducing Each Other

In this first lesson, you will learn how to introduce yourself and others in Kichwa, talk briefly about who you are, and use the simple present tense of kana (“to be”).

1. Basic Greetings

Kichwa English
Alli puncha Good day
Alli tuta Good evening / Good night
Alli shamuk Welcome
Imashina kanki? How are you?
Alli-mi kani I am fine

2. Introducing Yourself

Kichwa English
Ñuka shuti ___mi. My name is ___.
Ñuka ___manta kani. I am from ___.
Ñuka yachachik kani. I am a teacher.
Ñuka yachakuk kani. I am a student.

Examples:

3. Introducing a Friend (Talking about someone else)

Kichwa English
Pay shuti ___mi. Their name is ___.
Pay ___manta kan. They are from ___.
Pay yachachik kan. They are a teacher.
Pay yachakuk kan. They are a student.

Examples:

4. The Verb kana — “to be” (simple present)

Person Kichwa English
Ñuka kani I am  
Kan kanki You are  
Pay kan He/She is  
Ñukanchik kanchik We are  
Kankuna kankichik You (plural) are  
Paykuna kankuna They are  

Examples:

5. Practice Dialogues

Dialogue 1 – Introducing yourself

A: Alli puncha. Ñuka shuti Luli-mi.
B: Alli puncha. Ñuka shuti Carlos-mi. Imashina kanki?
A: Alli-mi kani.

Dialogue 2 – Talking about a friend

A: Imashina pay shuti?
B: Pay shuti Maria-mi.
A: Maymantata pay kan?
B: Pay Otavalo-manta kan.

6. Practice

A. Fill in the blanks

  1. Ñuka shuti ___mi.
  2. Pay ___manta kan.
  3. Ñukanchik ___ yachakukkuna.

B. Translate into Kichwa

  1. My name is Ana.
  2. He is from Quito.
  3. We are students.
  4. They are fine.