Wayuu Language: History, Culture, and Survival of the Wayuunaiki

Greetings and popular expressions from La Guajira

• Ajaa – Hello
• Anasü wattama’at – Good Morning
• Anasü alikaa – Good afternoon
• Anasü aipa’a – Good night
• Jamaya pia? – How are you?
• Anayaawatsü – Thank you
• Tapüla – I love you
• Ishia – Yes
• Atta – No
• Wale’ka – Let’s go

Family and personal relationships

• Wayuu – Wayuu indigenous person
• Alijuna – Persona no wayuu
• Tashi – Father
• Tei – Mother
• Achon – Son
• Püla – Brother
• Talaula – Uncle
• Apüshi – Grandfather(a)
• Pia – You
• Jia – You
• Anuu – Me
• Ina – He / She

Household and common objects

• Piichi – House
• Sui – Chinchorro
• Siwarai – Cauldron
• Akoli – Bed sheet
• Iita – Dish
• Wayeeta – Pot
• Uwoma – Hat
• Kattoi – Backpack
• Müin – Sun
• Kashi – Moon

Weather and climate

• Müin – Sun / Day
• Kashi – Moon / Night
• Juya – Rain
• Joutai – Wind
• Siruma – Sky
• Palaa – Sea
• Wuin – Water
• Sutchi – Shadow
• Jieru – Cold
• Jintüi – Heat

Nature and environment

• Unu’u – Tree
• Jupana – Leaf
• Uuchi – Hill
• Mojui – Mountain
• Kataya – Earth
• Majayut – Sand
• Asain – Fire
• Aluu – River
• Shii – Cave
• Wüi – Road / Path

Feelings and emotions

• Aishi – Love
• Atpa’ula – Sadness
• Akapüla – Joy
• Jaarü – Pain
• Kalei – Fear
• Yala’a – Peace / Tranquility
• Aluula – Hope

Food and food

• Kapü – Corn
• Kai – Fish
• Sünna – Water
• Apüla – Food
• Apülii – Eating
• Puula – Drinking
• Jepii – Salt
• Loku’u – Sweet
• Wairü – Fruit