How to Say “Crazy” in Quechua

By Samantha Alyssa • Updated October 2, 2026

waq'a

The Quechua word for "crazy" is waq'a.

waq'a is an adjective used to describe someone who is insane or demented.

Meaning: insane, demented (adj)

Did you know?

Because waq'a can mean 'sacred', calling someone 'crazy' in certain contexts can inadvertently imply they are touched by the divine.
In the Andes, behaving in a way that earns you the label waq'a might be seen as a result of 'susto', a cultural illness caused by a sudden fright.
While waq'a is used for 'crazy', it also refers to a 'huaca', which can be a physical place like a hill or a stone that holds spiritual power.

Example conversation

Juan and Rosa are discussing a strange neighbor.

Juan

Chay runaq rimaynin waq'a.
That man's talk is crazy.
Rosa

Arí, payqa waq'a runami.
Yes, he is a crazy man.
Juan

Imatataq nishan?
What is he saying?
Rosa

Manam imatapas allinta yachinkichu.
You won't understand anything clearly.

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About The Author

Samantha Alyssa

Hola, I'm Samantha. When I’m not on my motorcycle with my biker gang or lost in a great science book, I’m indulging in my passion for languages, specifically Spanish. I write posts on how to express a variety of phrases in this beautiful idioma - from the everyday 'hello' to the unexpected like 'you only live once' or 'biohazard suit'. With a penchant for chamomile tea, a love for snakes, and a habitual gambler, I find excitement in the peculiar details of language, aiming to make Spanish an easy sail for you. Quechua is spoken not far from Spanish, and it has become another language close to my heart, so you will now find my guides to Quechua here too. ¡Hasta pronto!

Samantha AlyssaHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

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