Definition

1. Noun:
   • An indigenous people of South America: Refers to a member of a group of South American peoples, historically prominent in the Andes region, particularly in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. They were the primary ethnic group of the Inca Empire.
   • The language spoken by this people: Refers to the family of languages spoken by the Quechua peoples, which was the administrative language of the Inca Empire and remains widely spoken today.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Referring to a person):

  • She is Quechua and maintains many traditional customs.
  • The Quechua have a rich cultural heritage.

• Noun (Referring to the language):

  • He is studying Quechua to conduct field research in Peru.
  • Quechua is spoken by millions of people in the Andes.

Advanced Usage

• "Quechua-speaking": Used as an adjective to describe communities or individuals who speak the Quechua language.
  • She works in a Quechua-speaking village high in the mountains.

Variants and Related Words

• Quechuan (adj): Pertaining to the Quechua people or their languages.
  • Quechuan textiles are known for their intricate patterns.
• Quichua: A common variant spelling, often used in Ecuador.

Synonyms

• Inca: While not a perfect synonym, it historically refers to the ruling class and empire of the Quechua people.
• Runa Simi: A native name for the Quechua language, meaning "people's speech."

Noun

1. the language of the Quechua which was spoken by the Incas
2. a community of South American Indians in Peru who were formerly the ruling class of the Incan Empire
3. a member of a South American Indian people in Peru who were formerly the ruling class of the Inca empire