allqu
/ˈaʎ.qu/
The Quechua word for dog is allqu. Wiktionary also lists alkho and allgo.
Meaning: animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Quechua | IPA |
|---|---|
| allqu | /ˈaʎ.qu/ |
| alkho | |
| allgo |
The term refers to the animal known as a dog.
Which one should you use?
The forms alkho, allqu and allgo are different orthographic representations of the same word.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. The IPA pronunciation is /ˈaʎ.qu/.
Did you know?
- In Andean mythology, the allqu is sometimes viewed as a spiritual guide that can travel between the world of the living and the world of the dead.
- In some Quechua communities, calling someone an allqu is not a compliment and can imply the person is stubborn or blindly loyal.
- The Peruvian Hairless Dog, a breed native to the region, is often mentioned in historical texts using terms related to allqu to distinguish it from European breeds.
Examples in context
- Allquqa ancha sumaqmi.The dog is very beautiful.
- Allquqa mikuyta munashan.The dog wants to eat.
- Allquqa k'anchaypi purin.The dog walks in the light.
Example conversation
Wayllu and Sumaq are walking in the village.
- WaylluSumaq, allquta qaway.Sumaq, look at the dog.
- SumaqMaypin allqu kachkan?Where is the dog?
- WaylluChay wasiykuqman allqu rican.The dog is looking at that house.
- SumaqAllqumi sumaqmi.The dog is beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dog” translations and entries allqu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
