qullqi
The Quechua word for money is qullqi. Wiktionary also lists q'illay.
Meaning: currency (noun)
Ways to say it
| Quechua |
|---|
| qullqi |
| q'illay |
The term refers to currency.
Did you know?
- The word qullqi originally referred to the storehouses used by the Inca Empire to keep food and textiles. Since these warehouses were the empire's primary form of wealth, the word eventually evolved to mean 'money'.
- In traditional Andean reciprocity rituals, 'wealth' is often measured by how much one gives away rather than how much 'qullqi' one keeps. The social value of the person often outweighs their literal cash holdings.
- In certain dialects, the term for money is closely linked to the concept of 'glitter' or 'shine'. This reflects the historical value placed on the reflective quality of precious metals.
Example sentences for Quechua are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Jose is asking Yuriana for a loan.
- JoseYuriana, qullqita qoway.Yuriana, give me some money.
- YurianaQullqichay mana kanchu.I don't have any money.
- JoseImatapas rantinay kachkan.I need to buy something.
- YurianaPaqarin qullqita qowayki.I will give you money tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “money” translations and entries qullqi, q'illay, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
