Quechua

Verb

kamani

1. first-person singular present indicative of kamay

Wauja

Adverb

kamani

1. why (for what reason or purpose, how come)

   Kamani pakakapai ogatakojai inyalun? Aminya pakaka.

   Why do you believe gossip? Don't pay attention [to it].

   Kamani aitsa peteme natu? Kamani itsapai pitsu?

   Why don't you listen to me? Why are you acting like that?

   Kamani itsapai? Aitsa kala hoona uma nu.

   Why is [my tape recorder] doing that? I can't get it to work at all.

   Kamani aitsa pitsua nu? Piye kala ipiya. Aitsa pitsua nu, tune.

   Why don't you come to [visit] me? You go to all [the other houses around the plaza]. You don't come to me, my dear girl.

   Kamani aitsa puma nipitsi kapaka, nutukakalu?

   Why didn't you tell me yesterday, my sister?

   Wekunaun, kamani yunukawakapai?

   [My] grandchildren, why are you fighting [with] one another?

   Kamani punupajota natu?

   How come you're staring at me?

   Kamani aitsa pai ipitsi pai? Aupeki onupawi!

   Why have you no shame? The whole community saw [your behavior]!

   Kamani pinyanka natu?

   Why did you blab [about] me?

Interjection

kamani

1. why, what (expression of protest, disbelief, or exasperation)

   Kamani?!

   What? [What's this? What's going on?]

   Kamani? Aitsa ninyanka pitsu.

   Why [do you say that]? I don't blab about you.

   Kamani ya!

   What the heck!?

References

• E. Ireland field notes. Needs to be checked by native speaker.