Q'eqchi' Grammar Guide for Missionaries

Q’EQCHI’ GRAMMAR
FOR MISSIONARIES
CONTENTS
Chapter 1: Parts of speech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..............................

.............................. Appendix IV: Greetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 2: The Q’eqchi’ Alphabet and ..............................
Pronunciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix V: Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 3: Simple Sentences . . . . . . . . . . . . ..............................
.............................. Appendix VI: Glossary of Religious Terms .
Chapter 4: Location and Possession . . . . . . . ..............................
..............................
Chapter 5: Use of Verb
Infinitives―Intransitive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
...........
Chapter 6: Use of Verb
Infinitives―Transitive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
...........
Chapter 7: Intransitive Conjugations . . . . . .
..............................
Chapter 8: Transitive Conjugations―Part I .
..............................
Chapter 9: Transitive Conjugations―Part II
..............................
Chapter 10: Other Q’eqchi’ Tense Markers .
..............................
Chapter 11: Intransitive Use of Transitive
Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 12: Passive Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
..............................
Chapter 13: Past Participle and Agent . . . . . 1
.............................. 3
Chapter 14: Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
.............................. 11
Chapter 15: Adjectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
.............................. 20
Chapter 16: Phrases and Prepositions . . . . . . 23
.............................. 28
Chapter 17: Forming Questions and 33
Answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
. 41
Chapter 18: Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
.............................. 45
Appendix I: Verb Conjugations . . . . . . . . . . 50
.............................. 54
Apéndice II: Verb derivations . . . . . . . . . . . 58
.............................. 64
Appendix III: Glossaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
80
102
111
120
122
124
PARTS OF SPEECH
Chapter 1
In order to begin your learning of Q’eqchi’, it is important that you first know the names
of a few parts of speech which are common to all languages, including English, so that you will
understand the explanations in this grammar. Some of these will be re-explained as they appear
further on, but try to become familiar with them now.
Nouns
A noun is the word for a person, place, or thing, such as “dog,” “home,” or “missionary.”
Pronouns
A pronoun is a word that replaces a noun in a sentence, so it does not have to be repeated.
For example, “he,” “she,” and “it” are pronouns in English. So are “we,” “I,” and “You.”
Subject
The subject of a sentence is the noun that does the action. For example, in the sentence
“John is eating,” John is the subject because he is doing the action (eating).
Object
The object of a sentence is the noun that receives the action of the sentence. A direct
object receives the action directly. For example, in the sentence “Bill hit John,” John is the direct
object because he received the action of the verb (he was hit). An indirect object also receives the
action of a verb, but indirectly. For example, in the sentence “I gave the book to John,” the book
is the direct object (it was given), and John is the indirect object (he received the book).
Verbs
A verb is the part of the sentence that tells the action of the sentence. Some examples of
verbs are “walking,” “talks,” and “ate.”
Infinitives
An infinitive is the most basic form of a verb. The English infinitives of the verbs just
mentioned are “to walk,” “to talk,” and “to eat.”
Transitive Verbs
Parts of Speech Chapter 1
A transitive verb is a verb in which the action is done to someone or something, that is, it
has a direct object, someone that receives the action. Example of transitive verbs are “to hit,” “to
see,” and “to like,” because when you do these actions you generally hit, see, or like someone or
something.
Intransitive Verbs
An intransitive verb is an action that is simply done, without being done to someone―it
has no direct object. For example, the verbs “to walk,” “to sleep,” and “to sit” are intransitive.
You simply do them, you don’t do them to anyone or anything. A good example of the difference
between transitive and intransitive is the difference between the verb “to talk” (intransitive) and
“to say” (transitive). When you think about it, the idea is pretty simple. This difference is very
important in Q’eqchi’.
THE Q’EQCHI’ ALPHABET AND PRONUNCIATION
Chapter 2
The Q’eqchi’ alphabet employed by this book follows many of the same rules of
pronunciation as Spanish, but there are important differences, particularly in certain consonants.
The alphabet presented here is the one currently used both in the current approved Q’eqchi’
Bible and in newer Church materials, including the new Triple Combination. (The older Q’eqchi’
orthography, used originally in Church materials as well as older translations of the Q’eqchi’
New Testament and Bible, appears at a key at the end of this chapter.)
I. The Vowels
Vowels generally are pronounced as they are in Spanish.
A—As in Spanish. In San Pedro Carchá and certain other regions it is pronounced with the
inside of the mouth widely open. It is well understood either way.
E—Same in Spanish.
I—Similar to Spanish; mouth more relaxed.
O—Same as in Spanish.
U—Similar to Spanish, but with the mouth more relaxed.
Aa, Ee, Ii, Oo, Uu—A double vowel has approximately the same sound as the regular vowel,
only twice as long. (Example: yal = only, yaal = truth).
II. The Consonants
The consonants also closely parallel the Spanish alphabet in most cases, though there are
differences to account for sounds not encountered in Spanish. A glottalized consonant is similar
to its unglottalized counterpart, except the vocal cords are briefly opened and closed during
pronunciation, forming a “glottal stop” which gives these consonants a distinct sound. The
English words “oh-oh” (as in “look out”) and “uh-uh” (as in “no”) are examples of a glottal stop
by itself. (To practice the glottalized form of a consonant, simply say the consonant over and
over while holding your breath.) The glottalized consonants should be pronounced gently, not
harshly, and you should become comfortable enough with them that you do not have to
exaggerate them to say them. Listen to how the natives pronounce them.
B’—Similar to the English sound (not the Spanish “b” which is softened). However, it is also
glottalized. When it happens at the end of a word, your lips simply remain closed.
Alphabet and Pronunciation Chapter 2
Ch—Same as in English, but firmer than the Spanish “ch”, which is often softened.
Ch’—Glottalized form of “ch”.
H―Similar to the English “h”, only softer.
J—As in Spanish: harsher and farther back in the mouth than “h”.
K—Same as in English, or as “c” or “qu-” in Spanish.
K’—Glottalized form of “k”.
L—Like Spanish or English, but some air is allowed to pass the tongue, giving it a breathy
quality, especially at the end of a word.
M—Same as in Spanish.
N—Same as in Spanish.
P—Same as in Spanish.
Q—Like the “k”, only farther back in the mouth, similar to the sound of “j”. To learn to say this
sound properly, open your mouth wide and pronounce the letter “k”. Then practice making the
same sound with the mouth in neutral position.
Q’—Glottalized form of “q”.
R—Like the “rr” of Guatemala (not rolled, as in other Spanish-speaking countries). The tongue
is held high in the mouth, and air is allowed to pass.
S—Same as in Spanish.
T—Same as in Spanish.
T’—Glottalized form of “t”.
Tz—Like the Spanish word “quetzal” or the English word “its”. Unlike English or Spanish, in
Q’eqchi’ it can occur at the beginning of a word, and must be distinguished from “s” in these
cases (example: aj tza = devil).
Tz’—Glottalized form of “tz”.
W—In initial position it is pronounced with an initial “k” sound, similar to “qu” sound in
Chapter 2 Alphabet and Pronunciation
“queen” or “quaint”. In a final position it is pronounced as in English. In the middle of a word, it

is usually prounounced as a “w”, but occasionally is given a “kw” sound, similar to its initial
sound.
X—Similar in sound to “sh” in English, but is made by putting the tongue near the top of the
mouth and allowing air to pass over it.
Y—Similar to English or Spanish, but with the tongue higher in the mouth, giving a sound of
“ty-” or “cy-” at the beginning of a word, and “-yh” at the end of a word.
’—A simple glottal stop (explained above). Example: sa = pleasant; sa’ = inside.
III. The accent
In Q’eqchi’, the accent, or emphasis of a word always rests on the last syllable. When a
word is borrowed from Spanish, generally it is only pronounced as far as the accented syllable,
which is then lengthened (Example: trab’aaj = trabajo, work).
IV. The Old Q’eqchi’ Alphabet
Currently, all Church materials are produced in the new Q’eqchi’ alphabet officially
approved by the Guatemalan government for Q’eqchi’ and other Indigenous languages. Nearly
all printed materials are now produced in this alphabet, and it is the alphabet taught in public
schools.
Prior to the adoption of the new alphabet, a different alphabet was widely used and many
books were published in that alphabet, including older Church materials and scriptures.
Therefore, it is important for you to be familiar with the similarities and differences between the
two different writing systems, so you will be able to read materials in both.
The two alphabets are similar, but there are distinct differences, such as the use of
underlined vowels in the old alphabet to indicate a double vowel, and some consonants which
followed Spanish rules rather than using modern Q’eqchi’ rules. The differences between the
writing systems are summarized in a table on the next page.
Alphabet and Pronunciation Chapter 2
Old and New Alphabets:
New Old
A A
Aa A
B’ B
Ch Ch
Ch’ Ch’
E E
Ee E
H H
I I
Ii I
J J
K C, Qu- (as in Spanish)
K’ C’, Q’u-
L L
M M
N N
O O
Oo O
P P
Q K
Q’ K’
R R
S S
T T
T’ T’
Tz Tz
Tz’ Tz’
U U
Uu U
W Cu-, -cu-, -u (initial, intermediate, final)
X X
Y Y
’ ’ (glottal)
SIMPLE SENTENCES
Chapter 3
In Q’eqchi’, unlike English, Spanish, or other European languages, it is possible to form a

complete sentence without using a verb. This is true because the verb “to be” (ser, in Spanish)
does not really exist in Q’eqchi’, but is implied in the nouns and adjectives. Before showing how
this works, it is important to learn a few articles which are used with nouns and adjectives.
Vocabulary:
li Equivalent to “the” in English.
eb’ Makes things plural.
eb’ li Plural of “the” (los, las).
aj Used prior to a proper name (Example: aj Juan).
laj Contraction of “li” and “aj.”
x- Used instead of “aj” before a woman’s name
(Example: xMaria, li xJuana).
ma Used at the beginning of a phrase to form a question.
ut Roughly equivalent to English “and.”
I. Personal pronouns
The personal pronouns are pronouns that indicate the person of the speaker, such as “I,”
“you,” “they,” etc. In Q’eqchi’ there are six, for the first, second and third person, each with
singular and plural. Some of these have variations. Like all nouns, they imply the verb “to be,” as
shown here.
laa’in = I (am)
laa’at = you (are) [single person]
a’an = he/she/it/that (is)
a’in = this (is)
laa’o = we (are)
laa’ex = you (are) [more than one person]
eb’ a’an = they, them
a’aneb’ = they are
Examples:
Ma laa’at aj Manuel? Are you Manuel?
Laa’in. I am.
Ma a’aneb’ laj Juan ut laj Pedro? Are they Juan and Pedro?
A’aneb’. They are (yes).
Ma a’in li xMatilde? Is this Matilde?
A’an. She is.
Simple Sentences Chapter 3
Vocabulary:
winq = man aj tzolonel = teacher, learner
ixq = woman chaab’il = good
wa = tortilla yaj = sick
tz’i’ = dog kok’al = children (always plural)
hu = book, letter, paper nim = big (singular)
punit = hat ninq = big (plural)
ani = who xaqxo = standing
Examples:
A’an li tz’i’. That’s the dog.
Ma a’in li hu? Is this the book?
A’an. Yes (it is).
Ani a’an? who is he?
Ma laa’at aj Juan? Are you Juan?
Laa’in. I am.
Ma laa’at xMaria? Are you Maria?
Laa’in xRosa. A’an xMaria. I’m Rosa. That’s Maria.
Ma laa’ex aj tzolonel? Are you teachers?
Laa’o. Yes (we are).
Expression of “this and “that” are made with the pronouns a’in and a’an respectively.
Examples:
Li wa a’in. This tortilla.
Li ixq a’an. That woman.
II. General Pronouns
As mentioned previously, nouns and adjectives both imply the meaning of the verb “to
be,” and can be used without a verb to form a complete sentence. They can also be “conjugated”
using a series of suffixes which we will call here the GENERAL Pronouns. These are the
General Pronouns:
-in = I am -o = we are
-at = you (singular) are -ex = you (plural) are
― = he/she/it is -eb’ = they are
Example: winq = man

Chapter 3 Simple Sentences
winqin = I am a man winqo = we are men

winqat = you are a man winqex = you (pl) are men
winq = he is a man winqeb’ = they are men
There is a term to express the negative of the idea “to be,” and this is the Q’eqchi’ word
“maawa’.” It is “conjugated” in the same way as shown here:
maawa’in = I’m not maawa’o = we’re not

maawa’at = you’re not (s.) maawa’ex = you’re not (pl.)
maawa’ = he/she/it’s not maawa’eb’ = they’re not
Another way of expressing the negative of an idea is to enclose a word in the phrase
“moko...ta.” For example, chaab’il = good; moko chaab’il ta = no good, bad.
Because of the verbal meaning of these words, in Q’eqchi’ we do not say “the man is
good,” but rather, “good the man,” “big the house,” etc.
Examples:
Chaab’il li winq a’an. That man is good.
Nim li ochoch. The house is big.
Ma yajat laa’at? Are you ill?
Ma laa’at li yaj? Are you the sick one?
Maawa’in. No, I’m not.
Ma winqex laa’ex? Are you men?
Maawa’o. Ixqo laa’o. No. We are women.
Aniheb’ li kok’al a’an? Who are those children?
Moco kok’aleb ta. Ak ninqeb’. They’re not children. They’re already grown.
III. The Past
These simple sentences are valid in the present or in the past. En some contexts, the
distance particle chaq can be used to indicate a past condition.
Examples:
Yajin ewer. I was sick yesterday.
Chaab’ileb’ chaq junxil. They used to be good.
IV. The Future
To express the future with these simple sentences, you use the suffix “-aq.” This is
shortened to “-q” with certain words, such as those that end with a vowel.
Simple Sentences Chapter 3
Examples:
Chaab’ilaqin wulaj. I will be good tomorrow.
Xaqxooqex sa’ ochoch. You will all be standing in the house.
LOCATION AND POSSESSION
Chapter 4
I. Location―the verb wank
A―The verb “wank” indicates location and existence in Q’eqchi’, and corresponds roughly to
the Spanish verbs “estar” and “haber.” (The English verb “to be” has a much broader meaning.)
In its most common usage, the verb is conjugated using the General Pronouns already
mentioned. Here the Spanish translation is used, since it more closely expresses the meaning.
wank = estar
wankin = yo estoy wanko = nosotros estamos

wankat = tú estás wankex = ustedes están
wan = él/ella está, hay wankeb’ = ellos están, hay (pl.)
Vocabulary (prepositions):
b’ar = where tenamit = town
maab’ar = nowhere k’aleb’aal = village
arin = here junpak’al = on one side, across
aran = there rub’el = underneath
le’ = over there chiru = in front of
sa’ = inside of chirix = behind, outside of, around
sa’ xb’een = on top of kab’l = house
Examples:
Maria, b’ar wankat? Where are you, Maria?
Arin wankin. Here I am.
B’ar wan laj Juan? Where is Juan?
Wan chirix kab’l. He is outside (of the house).
B’ar wanko? Where are we?
Wankex sa’ tenamit. You (plural) are in town.
Li hu wan sa’ xb’een li meex. The book is on the table.
Wan rub’el chakach. It is under the basket.
Le’ wan. It’s over there.
B―The negative of “wank” is expressed with the word “maa’ani” when people are referred to,
or “maak’a’” when speaking of things. “Maa’ani” is conjugated in the same way (note the use of
“h” to separate the vowels):
maa’anihin = yo no estoy maa’aniho = no estamos

maa’anihat = tú no estás maa’anihex = ustedes no están
maa’ani = él no está maa’aniheb’ = ellos no están
Location and Possession Chapter 4
Examples:
Ma wan laj Miguel? Is Miguel here?
Maa’ani wan. No, he’s gone.
Ma wan li hu? Are there books?
Ma wan jun li hu? Is there a book?
Maak’a’. No (there’s none).
C―The future of “wank” is expressed changing the final “-k” to “-q.” (The suffix “-aq” (in this
case “-haq” since it follows a vowel) is added to “maa’ani,” just like nouns and adjectives―(see
chapter 3.)
wanqin = yo estaré wanqo = nosotros estaremos

wanqat = tú estarás wanqex = ustedes estarán
wanq = él estará wanqeb’ = ellos estarán
maa’anihaqin = no estaré maa’anihaqo = no estaremos

maa’anihaqat = no estarás maa’anihaqex = Uds. no estarán
maa’anihaq = él no estará maa’anihaqeb’= ellos no estarán
Examples:
Ma wanqat wulaj? Will you be here tomorrow?
Maa’anihaqin wulaj. I won’t be here tomorrow.
Ka’b’ej wanqo. The day after tomorrow we’ll be here.
II. Possession and the Possessive/Active Pronouns
We have already introduced the General Pronouns, which are the first of two important
classes of Q’eqchi’ pronouns. The second class we will call the Possessive Pronoun1, since in
their simplest form they are used to express possession. Unlike the General Pronouns, the
Possessive Pronouns are prefixed to the beginning of the word, and there are two separate forms,
depending upon whether the word begins with a consonant or vowel. These pronouns are used
frequently in many situations in Q’eqchi’, and it is important to master both forms completely
before moving on.
A―For words beginning with consonant:
in- = my qa- = our

aa- = your (singular) ee- = your (plural)
x- = his/her x- . . . -eb’ = their
1
Called ergative pronouns in linguistic texts.
Chapter 4 Location and Possession
Example: punit = hat

inpunit = my hat qapunit= our hat
aapunit = your (s.) hat eepunit = your (pl.) hat
xpunit = his hat xpuniteb’ = their hat
Most of these pronouns form contractions with the article “li,” which are composed as
follows:
li + in = lin li + qa = li qa- (no contraction)

li + aa = laa li + ee = lee
li + x = lix li + x-. . .-eb’ = lix . . . -eb’
B―For words that begin with vowel:
w- = my q- = our
aaw- = your (singular) eer- = your (plural)
r- = his/her x- . . . -eb’ = their
Example: ochoch = house

wochoch = my house qochoch = our house
aawochoch = your (s.) house eerochoch = your (pl.) house
rochoch = his/her house rochocheb’ = their house(s)
Only two of these form contractions with the article “li.”
li + aaw- = laa w- li + eer- = lee r-
Vocabulary2:
oq = foot jolom = head
uq’ = hand tumin = money
as = big brother ochb’een = companion
iitz’in = little brother ra = painful
Note in the following examples that the meaning of “to have” is expressed using the
Possessive Pronouns in combination with the Q’eqchi’ verb “wank.” There is no equivalent of
the verb “to have” in Q’eqchi’, but the same meaning is easily expressed in this way, once you
get used to it.
Examples:
Ma ra laa jolom? Does your head hurt? (Is your head painful?)
2
Note that some words gain or lose a suffix when possessed--see appendix 3.
Location and Possession Chapter 4
Ra li woq. My foot hurts.

Ma a’an laa wiitz’in? Is that your younger brother?
A’an ras laj Miguel. That’s Miguel’s older brother.
B’ar wan qatumin? Where’s our money?
Wan rik’in li wochb’een. My companion has it. (It’s with my companion.)
Ma wan aatumin? Do you have any money? (Is there your money?)
Maak’a’. No. (There is none.)
Ma wan jun lee ras? Do you (plural) have a big brother? (Is there a big brother
of yours?)
Wan. We do (there is).
Ma wan inhu aawik’in? Do you have my book? (Is my book with you?)
It should also be noted that all words borrowed from Spanish, whether they start with
vowel or consonant, use the first set of pronouns (those for words beginning with consonants).
Example: lix Iglees li Jesukristo, etc.
C—General possession in Q’eqchi’ is indicated by the word -e, in combination with the
appropriate Possessive Pronoun prefix:
we = mine qe = ours
aawe = yours (singular) eere = yours (plural)
re = his/hers reheb’ = theirs
Examples:
We li hu. The book is mine.
Ma aawe li tumin a’in? Is this money yours?
A’an re laj Carlos. It belongs to Carlos.
D―The Possessive Pronouns are also used with prepositions to indicate to whom they refer.
Example: ik’in = with

wik’in = with me qik’in = with us
aawik’in = with you (singular) eerik’in = with you (plural)
rik’in = with him/her rik’ineb’ = with them.
Many prepositions are used in conjunction with the general preposition chi. The
preposition chi is used in many settings to connect ideas. In its most basic form it means “at” or
“by means of”. (Some uses of chi are discussed in Chapter 16.) For example, the word “u” =
“face”, is combined with chi and the Possessive Pronoun to mean “in front of”, in the following
fashion:
Chapter 4 Location and Possession
chiwu = in front of me chiqu = in front of us

chawu = in front of you (s.) cheru = in front of you (pl.)
chiru = in front of him/her chiruheb’ = in front of them
In all cases, if the person referred to is not known, the article “aj” is used in place of the
Possessive Pronoun.
Examples:
Ani aj-e a’in? Whose is this?
Ani aj-ik’in wan? Who is he with?
Ani chi aj ix? Behind whom?
Chiwix laa’in. Behind me.
USE OF VERB INFINITIVES―INTRANSITIVE
Chapter 5
In this chapter we begin the study of Q’eqchi’ verbs and their uses, starting with the
simplest form of the verb, which is the infinitive. In English, the infinitive form of a verb is that
preceded by the word “to,” such as “to run,” “to talk,” “to sleep,” etc. You will find, however,
that Q’eqchi’ infinitives have many more uses than the English ones.
Only intransitive infinitives will be discussed in this chapter, that is, verbal infinitives that
have no direct object (examples are “walk,” and “sleep”, since one generally does not “walk
something” or “sleep something”, one just does the action). Transitive infinitives which have an
object (such as “say it” and “see it”) will be covered in the next chapter.
I. The Intransitive Infinitive
Essentially all verbs, even those that are usually transitive, have an intransitive infinitive
which in Q’eqchi’ ends with the consonant “-k”. This is the form by which verbs are usually
listed in dictionaries. Following are some examples of intransitive infinitives:
xik = to go tzolok = to learn

chalk = to come b’eek = to walk
k’ulunk = to come wakliik= to get up
chupk = to go out (a light) yoklaak = to lie down
ok = to enter yo’laak = to be born
elk = to leave kamk = to die
In this simple form, the intransitive infinitives can be used as the subject of simple
sentences exactly like nouns.
Examples:
Chaab’il li tzolok. It is good to learn.
Sa li b’eek. Walking is pleasant.
Ra li kamk. Death is painful. (To die is painful.)
II. Imminent action
A―Use of the preposition “-e”
Note that most of the verbs listed above represent actions which are done suddenly, or all
at once. Such verbs can be combined with the Possessive Pronoun with “-e” to indicate that the
action of the verb is about to happen. (Since “-e” indicates possession—we = “mine”, re = “his”,
etc.—essentially we are saying “going is mine” to mean “I’m going”.)
Chapter 5 Intransitive Infinitives
Example: xik = to go
xik we = I’m going xik qe = we’re going
xik aawe = you’re (s.) going xik eere = you’re (pl.) going
xik re = he/she’s going xikeb’ re = they’re going
Examples:
B’ar xik aawe? Where are you going?
Xik we sa’ tenamit. I’m going to town.
Ok qe sa’ kab’l. We’re about to enter the house.
Kamk re li wixa’an. My grandmother is dying.
Yo’laak re li k’uula’al. The baby is about to be born.
Chalk re li wochb’een. My companion is coming.
Ma yoklaak eere? Are you (pl.) about to lie down?
Occasionally you may hear the verb repeated twice to emphasize the proximity of an
action. (This is done quite often, and must be learned.)
Example:
Xik xik qe. We’re leaving right away.
Kamk kamk re He’s at the point of death.
Chalk chalk re He´s coming at any time now.
B―Use of the preposition chi
As mentioned previously, this “imminent action” form can only be used with a certain
small set of verbs which express an immediate action. The same idea can be expressed with
verbs of longer duration, but an auxiliary verb must be used to indicate onset of the action. The
two most common auxiliary verbs are ok (to enter, to begin) and xik (to go). They are connected
to the principle verb by the preposition chi. In this case, chi takes the meaning “to” as in “to eat”,
“to talk”.
Vocabulary:
aatinak = to talk wa’ak = to eat
tz’iib’ak = to write loq’ok = to shop
Examples:
Xik we chi loq’ok. I’m going to buy (to make purchases).
Okeb’ re chi wa’ak. They’re about to eat.
Ma chi b’eek xik eere? Are you going out walking?
Ok qe chi tzolok. We’re about to begin study.
Xik re chi aatinak. He’s going off to speak.
Intransitive Infinitives Chapter 5
Note that the verb “ok” as an auxiliary verb only means the action is about to begin,
while “xik” indicates that the subject is going somewhere to do the action.
III. Ongoing action
The verb form which indicates ongoing action is known as the present participle. In
English, the present participle is indicated by the suffix “-ing” in words such as “talking” and
“swimming”. In Q’eqchi’ this idea is expressed by use of the term yoo, which means “in action”
or “in the process of”. In its simplest form, yoo is used to express things that are happening, such
as processes of nature.
Vocabulary:
hab’ = rain hiik = earthquake
musmushab’ = mist saq’e = sun
iq’ = wind, air kaaq = thunder
yajel = sickness tiq = hot, fever
nume’ sa’ = diarrhea josq’il = anger
Examples:
Yoo li hab’. It is raining.
Yoo li iq’. It is windy (wind is happening).
Kaw li iq’. The wind is strong.
Yoo li saq’e. It is sunny.
Yoo li hiik. An earthquake is happening.
Yoo xyajel. He is sick (his sickness is happening).
Yoo xnume’ sa’. He has diarrhea.
Yoo li tiq chirix. He has a fever.
Yoo xjosq’il. He is angry.
B―The present participle
To use the word “yoo” with verbs, we attach the General Pronoun as a suffix, and the
verb is added with the connecting word “chi”, as in the expression of imminent action. The
pronouns are added to “yoo” as follows:
yookin = I am doing yooko = we are doing

yookat = you (s.) are doing yookex = you (pl.) are doing
yoo = he/she is doing yookeb’ = they are doing
Examples:
k’a’ru = what?
K’a’ru yookat? What are you doing? (What are you in the process of?)
Yookin chi tz’iib’ak. I am writing.
Chapter 5 Intransitive Infinitives
Ma yookat chi loq’ok? Are you shopping?

Ma loq’ok yookat? Out shopping?
Yookin. Yes. (I am in the process.)
A’an yoo chi tijok. He is praying.
Yookeb’ chi b’eek. They are walking.
Ani yoo chi aatinak? Who is speaking?
Ma yookex chi hilank? Are you (pl.) resting?
Yooko. Yes (we are in the process).
The future form of the present participle is formed simply by adding the suffix “-q”
before the General Pronoun, as follows:
yooqin = I will be doing yooqo = we will be doing

yooqat = you (s.) will be doing yooqex = you (pl.) will be doing
yooq = he/she will be doing yooqeb’ = they will be doing
Examples:
Wulaj yooqo chi wa’ak. Tomorrow we will be eating.
Yooqat chi b’eek. You (s.) will be out walking.
USE OF VERB INFINITIVES―TRANSITIVE
Chapter 6
I. Formation of transitive infinitives
As mentioned previously, the transitive verbs are different from intransitive ones in that
they have a direct object, or a noun that receives the action. For example, “to sleep” is an
intransitive action, while “to see Juan” is a transitive one, “Juan” being the direct object. It is
important to know that in Q’eqchi’ all transitive verbs have an intransitive form, and can be used
either with or without an object.
There are two general types of transitive verbs in Q’eqchi’, and the transitive infinitive
for each is formed differently. With either type of verb, the direct object is indicated with the
Possessive Pronoun as a prefix, and as we have seen, these differ depending on whether the verb
begins with a vowel or a consonant. We will present each type of transitive verb separately.
A―The first type of transitive verb consists of a root of as single syllable only (also referred to
as “short transitive verbs”); the intransitive infinitive (which is the form found in the dictionary)
carries the suffix “-ok”. Examples of this type of verb are sik’ok = “to look for”, and ilok = “to
see”. If the vowel of the root word is “u”, the suffix becomes “-uk”, as in k’uluk = “to receive”.3
To form the transitive infinitive of these verbs, the suffix “-ok” or “-uk” is replaced with
the ending “-b’al”, and the appropriate Possessive Pronoun is added to the beginning of the
word. (note that with verb roots that end in “-h”, the final “h” is replaced by a double vowel; for
example, yehok = “to say” becomes xyeeb’al = “to say it”). Following are examples of this form
beginning with both consonant and vowel:
sik’ok = to seek
insik’b’al = to seek me qasik’b’al = to seek us

aasik’b’al = to seek you (s.) eesik’b’al = to seek you (pl.)
xsik’b’al = to seek him/her xsik’b’aleb’ = to seek them
ilok = to see
wilb’al = to see me qilb’al = to see us

aawilb’al = to see you (s.) eerilb’al = to see you (pl.)
rilb’al = to see him rilb’aleb’ = to see them
3
The verb uk’ak = “to drink” is a single exception; aside from the unique “-ak” suffix, it
acts exactly like other verbs of this class.
Chapter 6 Transitive Infinitives
B―The second class of transitive verbs ends with a vowel followed by the ending “-nk”.
Examples of this form are paab’ank = “to believe, obey”, and ab’ink = “to hear”. The transitive
infinitive of these verbs is formed by adding the suffix “-il” after the final “k”. Also known as
“long transitive verbs”. As with the first class of verbs, the Possessive Pronoun indicates the
object of the verb. Examples follow:
paab’ank = to believe, obey
inpaab’ankil = to believe me qapaab’ankil = to believe us

aapaab’ankil = to believe you (s.) eepaab’ankil = to believe you (pl.)
xpaab’ankil = to believe him/her xpaab’ankileb’ = to believe them
ab’ink = to hear
wab’inkil = to hear me qab’inkil = to hear us

aawab’inkil = to hear you (s.) eerab’inkil = to hear you (pl.)
rab’inkil = to hear him/her rab’inkileb’ = to hear them
II. Use with simple sentences
The transitive infinitives can be used as the object of simple sentences just as the
intransitive ones are. However, in this case, the article “li” is not used.
Vocabulary:
sak’ok = to hit tz’iib’ank = to write
yehok = to say kamsink = to kill
k’ehok = to give, to put k’ulub’ank = to accept
loq’ok = to buy k’ayink = to sell
tento = necessary yaal = truth, true
aatin = word ink’a’ us = wrong, evil (not good)
Examples:
Tento xk’ulub’ankil li raatin li Dios. It is necessary to accept the word of God.
Ink’a’ us xsak’b’aleb’ li kristiaan. It is wrong to hit people.
Us xyeeb’al li yaal. It is good to tell the truth.
Tento xloq’b’al li ixim. It’s necessary to buy corn (“we must” buy corn).
III. Use with chi―dependent phrases
As was discussed in the previous chapter, verbal infinitives may be used in sentences
expressing imminent action or ongoing action, and in this case the general preposition chi is used
to link the infinitive to the action. In the case of the transitive infinitives, however, the word chi
is combined with the Possessive Pronoun, and for simplicity, the two are written as a single
Transitive Infinitives Chapter 6
word. This is demonstrated in the following two examples, one with a verb beginning with a
consonant, and the other beginning with a vowel.
sik’ok = to seek
chinsik’b’al = to seek me chiqasik’b’al = to seek us

chasik’b’al = to seek you (s.) chesik’b’al = to seek you (pl.)
chixsik’b’al = to seek him chixsik’b’aleb’ = to seek them
ab’ink = to hear
chiwab’inkil = to hear me chiqab’inkil = to hear us

chawab’inkil = to hear you (s.) cherab’inkil = to hear you (pl.)
chirabinkil = to hear him chirab’inkileb’ = to hear them
Examples:
Ok we chixtz’iib’ankil li hu. I’m about to write the letter.
Xikeb’ re chixsak’b’aleb’ li riitz’in. They’re on their way to strike their brothers.
Ma ok eere chixyeeb’al lee raatin? Are you (pl.) about to give your speeches?
Ok re chixk’eeb’al lee wa. She’s about to give you your food.
Xik qe chixkamsinkil li aaq. We’re on our way to kill the pig.
B―Use with expression of ongoing action
Again, to express ongoing action, the term “yoo” is used. The transitive infinitives are
used in the manner already presented with the intransitive verbs, with the preposition chi.
Examples:
K’a’ru yookat? What are you doing?
Yookin chixtz’iib’ankil li hu. I’m writing the book.
Ma yookat chixloq’b’al laa wixim? Are you buying your corn?
Yookin. Yes (I am).
A’an yoo chirilb’al li riitz’in. He’s watching his little brother.
Yooko chesik’b’al. We are looking for you (pl.).
Ma yookex chirilb’al? Are you (pl.) watching it/him?
Yooqeb’ chiqab’inkil. They will be listening to us.
INTRANSITIVE CONJUGATIONS
Chapter 7
A conjugation is the form in which verbs most commonly appear―this is how verbs
express the action of a sentence, as well as the time in which it takes place and who does the
action. In Q’eqchi’ there are important differences between intransitive and transitive
conjugations, and only intransitive ones are considered in this chapter. Intransitive conjugations
in Q’eqchi’ are composed of three parts.
Part one—The first component of the conjugation is the tense marker, which indicates the time
or mood in which the action is done. In Q’eqchi’ there are seven commonly used tense markers;
however in this chapter only three (past, present, and future) are presented for simplicity’s
sake—the others will appear in a later chapter.
Part two—The second component is a General Pronoun, which indicates the person performing
the action. It is combined with the tense marker, and some of the pronouns are slightly modified
in verb conjugations, as will be demonstrated later.
Part three—The final part of the conjugation is the verb, and the intransitive infinitive is used,
though the ending is modified slightly depending upon the tense.
These conujugations will be presented by tense: first conjugations with na(k)-, for present
or continuous action, then conjugations with x-, for past or completed action, and finally
conjugations with taa-, for future action.
I. Conjugation with NA(K)—present or continuous action
The tense marker na(k) is roughly equivalent to the English or Spanish “present” tense,
though it really indicates any action done continuously or customarily, and is not confined to the
present. In a sentence speaking abnout past events, for example, it corresponds to “I used to do
it,” whereas in the present it means “I do it;” that is, I always do it, or I do it as a matter of
routine. To indicate who is doing the action, the tense marker is combined with the General
Pronouns in the following way (remember, this is the intransitive conjugation):
nak + in = nikin (usually abbreviated to “nin”)

nak + at = nakat
nak + ― = na
nak + o = noko
nak + ex = nekex
nak + eb’ = neke’
The verb follows this conjugated tense marker. The intransitive infinitive form of the verb
is used, although the final “-k” of the verb is often dropped if it is preceded by a consonant. If it
is part of the suffix “-laak”, the final “-k” is dropped and the vowel becomes short; also in certain
Intransitive Conjugations Chapter 7
other verbs that in which a long vowel precedes the final “-k”.(Example:. yo’laak = “to be born”
becomes nayo’la = “he is born”.) Note that if the prefix “na-” is used with a verb beginning with
a vowel, the prefix is separated from the verb by the glottal “ ’ “. (Example: ok = “to enter”
becomes na’ok = “he enters”.) Following is an example of an intransitive verb conjugation with
“na(k)”:
wark = to sleep
ninwar = I sleep nokowar = we sleep

nakatwar = you (s.) sleep nekexwar = you (pl.) sleep
nawar = he/she sleeps neke’war = they sleep
Vocabulary:
wulaj wulaj = daily wulak = to arrive
rajlal = each, with regularity b’eek = to walk
maji’ = not yet elk = to leave
anajwan = now, today nume’k = to pass
Examples:
Wulaj wulaj nanume’ sa’ b’e. Daily he passes on the road.
Rajlal xamaan ninxik chi b’eek. Every week I go walking.
Maji’ na’el chaq aran. He hasn’t left there yet.
Ink’a’ ninwulak aran. I never go (arrive) there.
There are a couple of situations in which this tense is used particularly often, and which
merit mention.
A―Expression of liking
Like Spanish, Q’eqchi’ has no equivalent of the English verb “to like,” though as in
Spanish, the same idea is expressed indirectly. This is done using the verb wulak, “to arrive”,
together with the appropriate form of the preposition chiru, “in front of”. Instead of saying “I like
it,” in Q’eqchi’ we say, “it arrives at me,” or “it arrives in front of me.” Following are the
necessary forms of chiru:
chiwu = at me chiqu = at us
chawu = at you (s.) cheru = at you (pl.)
chiru = at him/her chiruheb’ = at them
Examples:
Ma nawulak chawu? Do you like it?
Nawulak. I do (it arrives).
Nawulak chiru li b’eek. He likes walking.
Neke’wulak chiru b’atz’unk. They like to play.
Ink’a’ nawulak chiqu. We don’t like it.
B―Being able to
The Q’eqchi’ verb ruuk means “to be possible,” or “to be able to,” and is an important
verb in both present and future tense. The third person singular form, naru, means simply “it is
possible,” and is followed by a present or future conjugation indicating the action that is
possible. Conjugations of ruuk can also be used with the particle chi to mean “I can,” “you can,”
etc.
Examples:
Ma naru nakatxik? Are you able to go?
Naru nokowar. We can sleep here.
Ink’a’ nikinru chirilb’al. I can’t see him.
Ma ink’a’ neke’ru chi xik? Can’t they go?
Ink’a’ naru. It can’t be done.
II. Conjugation with X―Past or completed action
Although there is more than one past tense marker in Q’eqchi’, the marker x- is most
commonly used, and suffices in almost all situations. (The others will be covered in a later
chapter.) This indicates an action that occured at any time in the past, and can also express that
something has just happened. It is combined with the General Pronouns in the following way:
x + in = xin- x + o = xoo-
x + at = xat- x + ex = xex-
x + ― = x- x + eb’ = xe’-
In the following example of a past conjugation, note that when a verb that begins with a
vowel is conjugated, a glottal is often placed between the prefix and the verb for clarity’s sake.
However, when the prefix is “xat”, since the glottal would change the sound of the “t”, a dash is
used instead of an apotrophe. As with present tense, some verbs lose their final “-k” suffix when
conjugated in any of the past tenses.
aatinak = to talk
xin’aatinak = I talked xoo’aatinak = we talked.

xat-aatinak = you (s.) talked xex’aatinak = you (pl.) talked
x’aatinak = he talked xe’aatinak = they talked
Vocabulary:
ak = already junxil = some time ago
Intransitive Conjugations Chapter 7
maji’ = not yet mixk = earlier today

ewer = yesterday wa’ak = to eat (intransitive)
chaq = indicates action that is distant
Examples:
Ma xwa’ak laj Juan? Did Juan eat?
Ak xwa’ak. He’s already eaten.
B’ar xexwulak chaq? Where did you go (arrive)?
Coban xoowulak chaq. We went to Cobán.
Ewer xoowulak aran. We went there yesterday.
Ma ak xnume’ li kamioneet? Has the bus passed by?
Maji’ nanume’. It hasn’t passed yet.
Mixk xnume’. It passed earlier today.
The only irregular conjugation in any tense in Q’eqchi’ is the past tense of xic, “to go.” In
this case the following special conjugation is used:
xkohin = I went xookoho = we went

xkohat = you (s.) went xkohex = you (pl.) went
xko’o = he/she went xkoheb’ = they went
Examples:
Ma ak xkoheb’? Have they already gone?
Xkohin ewer. I went yesterday.
Ma’ani chik. Ak xko’o. He’s not here anymore. He’s left.
III. Conjugations with TA―Future action
The tense marker ta- is used to express future action in Q’eqchi’. It is combined with the
General Pronouns in the following way:
ta + in = tin- ta + o = too-
ta + at = tat- ta + ex = tex-
ta + ― = taa- ta + eb’ = te’-
In intransitive conjugations with ta-, the suffix “-k” is replaced by the future suffix “-q”.
The only exceptions to this are the verbs xik = “to go”, and ok = “to enter, begin”; these retain the
final “-k”. Here is an example of a verb conjugated with ta-:
tzolok = to learn
tintzoloq = I will learn tootzoloq = we will learn

tattzoloq = you (s.) will learn textzoloq = you (pl.) will learn
taatzoloq = he/she will learn te’tzoloq = they will learn
Vocabulary:
wulaj = tomorrow sa’ = in
ka’b’ej = day after tomorrow kutan = day
toj = until maajo’q’e = never
Examples:
Ma wulaj texxik? Will you go tomorrow?
Toj ka’b’ej taachalq. He’ll come in two days.
Jo’q’e too’ok sa’ tenamit? When will we enter the town?
Sa’ wiib’ kutan te’wulaq. They’ll arrive in two days.
In certain areas of the Polochic region and east of San Pedro Carchá, the prefix for third
person singular (he, she, it) is shortened from “taa-” to simply “t-”, and some people drop it
altogether, indicating future just by the final “-q” of the verb.
Examples:
Jo’q’e tchalq? When will he come?
Toj wulaj tnume’q. It won’t pass by until tomorrow.
A. Expression of necessity
The adjective tento = “necessary” is used in combination with the future tense to express
an action that is considered necessary.
Examples:
Tento tatxik. You (sing.) must go.
Tento toowa’aq xb’een wa. We have to eat first.
TRANSITIVE CONJUGATIONS―PART I
Chapter 8
As mentioned previously, transitive conjugations differ from intransitive ones in that they
have a direct object, that is, a person or thing receiving the action of the verb. Although any
person (you, me, they, etc.) can receive the action, in a majority of cases the object is third
person singular (he, she, it), and only this conjugation will be dealt with in this chapter, as it is
the most useful. Transitive conjugations with other persons as the object will be considered in the
next chapter after you have become familiar with the simpler conjugations in this chapter.
I. Formation of the transitive conjugations
Like intransitive conjugations, the transitive conjugation consists of a tense marker,

pronouns, and a verb. These will be presented in that order.
A. The tense marker―The same tense markers are used as with intransitive conjugations: nak-
for present action, ta- for future, etc.
B. The pronoun―The subject of a transitive action is indicated by the Possessive Pronoun

corresponding to the subject. As a result, there are two sets of conjugations: one for verbs that
begin with vowels, and another for those that begin with a consonant.
C. The verb―A shortened form of the verb known as a transitive root is used in these
conjugations. The transitive root is formed from the verb infinitive as follows:
1―For transitive verbs of the first type that end with the suffix “-ok” or “-uk,” the suffix is
dropped to form the transitive root. Examples: k’uluk (to receive) becomes k’ul; ilok (to see)
becomes il.
2―For the second type of transitive verb, those with more than one syllable and the ending
“-nk,” that ending is simply dropped. Examples: tz’iib’ank (to write) becomes tziib’a; ab’ink (to
hear) becomes ab’i.
There is a class of transitive verbs of the second type which end with “-b’ank” and which
generally denote body position; in these verbs the final vowel is dropped too, and the root ends
with the letter “-b’”. Example: xaqab’ank (to place in standing position) becomes xaqab’. The
verb paab’ank (to believe, obey) also follows this rule, and is abbreviated to paab’.
The conjugations themselves will be presented by tense marker, as was done in the
previous chapter.
II. Conjugations with NA(K)
This tense again indicates present or customary action. It is combined with the Possessive
Pronouns as follows:
Chapter 8 Transitive Conjugations--Part I
WITH CONSONANTS:
na(k) + in- = nin- or nan- I do it

na(k) + a- = naka- you (sing.) do it
na(k) + x- = nax- he does it
na(k) + qa- = naqa- we do it
na(k) + ee- = neke- you (plur.) do it
na(k) + eb’-x- = neke’x- they do it
Example: paab’ank = to believe, obey
ninpaab’ = I believe it naqapaab’ = we believe it

nakapaab’ = you (sing.) believe it nekepaab’ = you (plur.) believe it
naxpaab’ = he believes it neke’xpaab’ = they believe it.
WITH VOWELS
na(k) + w- = naw- I do it
na(k) + aaw- = nakaw- you (sing.) do it
na(k) + r- = nar- he does it
na(k) + q- = naq- we do it
na(k) + eer- = neker- you (plur.) do it
na(k) + eb’-r = neke’r- they do it
Example: ilok = to see
nawil = I see it naqil = we see it

nakawil = you (sing.) see it nekeril = you (plur.) see it
naril = he sees it neke’ril = they see it
Vocabulary:
nawok = to know aatin = word
ajok = to want us = good
ab’ink = to hear tawok = find
Examples:
Ma nakawil b’ar wan? Do you see where it is?
Naqapaab’ li raatin li Dios. We believe the word of God.
Neke’xnaw chi us li raatin. They know his word well.
Nawaj xik sa’ tenamit. I want to go to town.
Transitive Conjugations--Part I Chapter 8
Frequently it is possible to expand or completely change the meaning of a transitive verb

by using the preposition ru = front. Here are several examples:
nawok = to know nawok –u = to be acquainted with

tawok = to find tawok –u = to understand
sik’ok = to seek sik’ok –u = to choose
ajok = to want ajok –u = to need
rahok = to love rahok –u = to desire, covet
Examples:
Ink’a’ nakataw ru li raatin. We don’t understand his words.
Ma ninnaw aawu? Do I know you?
Naru nakasik’ ru li nakawaj. You can choose the one you want.
III. Conjugations with X
This, again, is one of the ways of indicating past action; other tenses will be presented
later. It is combined with Possessive Pronouns as follows:
WITH CONSONANTS:
x + in- = xin- I did it

x + aa- = xa- you (sing.) did it
x + ― = x- he did it
x + qa- = xqa- we did it
x + ee- = xe- you (plur.) did it
x + x-eb’= xe’x- they did it
Example: tawok = to find
xintaw = I found it xqataw = we found it

xataw = you (sing.) found it xetaw = you (plur.) found it
xtaw = he found it xe’xtaw = they found it
WITH VOWELS:
x + w- = xw- I did it
x + aaw- = xaw- you (sing.) did it
x + r- = xr- he did it
x + q- = xq- we did it
x + eer- = xer- you (pl.) did it
x + r-eb’ = xe’r- they did it
Chapter 8 Transitive Conjugations--Part I
Example: ab’ink = to hear
xwab’i = I heard it xqab’i = we heard it

xawab’i = you (sing.) heard it xerab’i = you (plur.) heard it
xrab’i = he heard it xe’rab’i = they heard it
Vocabulary:
yehok = to say tz’iib’ank = to write
Examples:
K’a’ru xye laa wiitz’in? What did your little brother say?
B’ar xataw li hu a’an? Where did you find that book?
Xe’xtz’iib’a li hu najter. They wrote the book anciently.
Ma xerab’i li na’leb’ a’an? Did you (plur.) hear that idea?
Ak xqil b’ar wan. We already saw where it is.
IV. Conjugation with TA
This tense marker, which indicates future action, is combined with the Possessive
Pronouns as follows:
WITH CONSONANTS:
ta + in- = tin- I will

ta + aa- = taa- you (sing.) will (note the long “aa”)
ta + x- = tix- he will
ta + qa- = taqa- we will
ta + ee- = tee- you (plur.) will (note the long “ee”)
ta + x-eb’ = te’x- they will
Example: b’aanunk = to do
tinb’aanu = I’ll do it taqab’aanu = we’ll do it

taab’aanu = you’ll do it (sing.) teeb’aanu = you’ll do it (plur.)
tixb’aanu = he’ll do it te’xb’aanu = they’ll do it
WITH VOWELS:
ta + w- = tw- I will
ta + aaw- = taaw- you (sing.) will
ta + r- = tar-, tr- he will
ta + q- = tq- we will
ta + eer- = teer- you (plur.) will
Transitive Conjugations--Part I Chapter 8
ta + r-eb’ = te’r- they will
Example: ilok = to see
twil = I’ll see it tqil = we’ll see it

taawil = you’ll see it (sing.) teeril = you’ll see it (plur.)
taril = he’ll see it te’ril = they’ll see it
Of special note, the verb ajok = “to want” frequently is conjugated with ta even when the
meaning expresses a present desire.
Examples:
Jo’q’e taawaj xik? When do you want to go?
Ma te’xk’e li hu aawe? Will they give you the book?
Tqaj rab’inkil li raatin li Dios. We want to hear the word of God.
Bar tqataw li qatumin? Where will we find our money?
TRANSITIVE CONJUGATIONS―PART II
Chapter 9
I. Formation of Transitive Conjugations
Up to this point we have only considered the most simple transitive conjugations―those
in which the object is third person singular (he, she, it). In this chapter we will present how to use
other persons as the direct object. This is done by using the General Pronoun that corresponds to
the object―you have already done this really in the last chapter, because the General Pronoun
for third person singular is nothing at all! (Review Chapter 2.) For the other persons the General
Pronoun is combined with the tense marker, in most cases exactly as with intransitive
conjugations, except in this case the General Pronoun indicates the object of the verb. It is
followed by the Possessive Pronoun which indicates the subject, as you have already learned.
The conjugation, then, is formed in the following way:
Tense + Gen. Pronoun + Poss. Pronoun + Verb

(time of action) (object) (subject) (action)
As an example of this construction, we can take the verbal statement “I saw you.” The
tense marker would be “x-” since the action is in the past, and this would be combined with the
General Pronoun “-at” for “you,” which is the direct object. The subject “I” would be indicated
by the Possessive Pronoun “w-”, since the verb, “il”, meaning “to see,” starts with a vowel. The
conjugation looks, then, like this:
x - at - w - il
(past) (you) (I) (see)
This is written as a single word: xatwil = “I saw you”. Most conjugations follow this
same pattern, although there are a few important variations, as described here:
1. In conjugations with nak, the direct object pronoun for first person singular always appears as
“nikin;” it can never be shortened to “nin” as is often done to the intransitive equivalent.
Example: nikinixpaab’ = he believes me.
2. When the object is third person plural (them), generally the conjugation is the same as for
third person singular, learned in the previous chapter, and the suffix “-eb’” serves to indicate that
the object is plural rather than singular.
Examples:
nakawil = you see him

nakawileb’ = you see them
tixsik’ = he will look for him
tixsik’eb’ = he will look for them
Transitive Conjugations--Part II Chapter 9
The exception to this is when the subject is first person singular or plural (I or we). In this
case the “-eb’” suffix can also appear before the Possessive Pronoun rather than at the end of the
word, and it is often modified to “-e’.”
Examples:
tinsik’ = I’ll look for him

teb’insik’ = I’ll look for them
tinsik’eb’ = I’ll look for them (same)
naqasik’ = we look for him
neke’qasik’ = we look for them
naqasik’eb’ = we look for them (same)
xe’wil = I saw them
te’qab’i = we will hear them
3. When the object is second person plural (you, pl.) and the subject is third person plural (they),
the resulting combination is so awkward to pronounce that generally the Possessive Pronoun for
the subject, “-e’x” or “-e’r” is broken up―it is formed as though the subject is singular, and the
suffix “-eb’” is moved to the end of the word. This is a bit confusing, and fortunately does not
happen very often.
Examples:
texxpaab’ = he will believe you (plur.)

texxpaab’eb’ = they will believe you (plur.)
nekexril = he sees you (plur.)
nekexrileb’ = they see you (plur.)
In this chapter we will only give examples of conjugations for each tense marker. For a
complete listing of all transitive conjugations for each tense marker, you can consult Appendix
II, though you will soon become familiar enough with the general pattern that this will not be
necessary.
A. Conjugations with NAK―present or customary action
nikinril = he sees me
nakatinra = I love you (sing.)
naxtaw = he finds him
nokohaawil = you (sing.) see us
nekexwab’i = I hear you (plur.)
nakataweb’ = you (sing.) find them
Chapter 9 Transitive Conjugations--Part II
B. Conjugations with X―past or completed action
xinaawab’i = you (sing.) heard me

xatxtaw = he found you (sing.)
xe’ril = they saw him
xoohe’xsik’ = they looked for us
xexxtaw = he found you (plur.)
xe’qapaab’ = we believed them
C. Conjugations with TA―future action
tinxtaw = he will find me

tatqasik’ = we will look for you (sing.)
taqaj = we want it
tooheeril = you (plur.) will see us
texqataaqe = we will follow you (plur.)
tixsik’eb’ = he’ll look for them
Examples:
Wulaj texqasik’ aran. Tomorrow we’ll look for you (plur.) there.
Xatinsik’, ut xatintaw. I looked for you (sing.) and I found you.
Naqataaqeheb’ li profeet. We follow the prophets.
Toohaawoyb’eni aran. You’ll wait for us there.
II. The reflexive
A reflexive action is one you do to yourself. In Q’eqchi’ this is indicated by using a

transitive conjugation (with 3rd person singular as the object) together with the preposition “-ib’”
and the appropriate Possessive Pronoun. The result is as follows:
ninsak’ wib’ = I hit myself

nakasak’ aawib’ = you (sing.) hit yourself
naxsak’ rib’ = he hits himself
naqasak’ qib’ = we hit ourselves
nekesak’ eerib’ = you (plur.) hit yourselves
neke’xsak’ rib’ = they hit themselves
In a plural situation, this form can be modified to indicate that the action is done “to each
other” rather than “each to himself.” This is done by adding the phrase “chi –ib’il –ib’” together
with the appropriate Possessive Pronouns, as follows:
chiqib’il qib’ = we to each other

cherib’il eerib’ = you to each other

chirib’ileb’ rib’ = they to each other
Examples:
Junxil neke’xkamsi rib’ chirib’ileb’ rib’. They used to kill one another.
Tento taqara qib’ chiqib’il qib’. We should love each other.
Xetenq’a eerib’ cherib’il eerib’. You helped each other. (plur.)
OTHER Q’EQCHI’ TENSE MARKERS
Chapter 10
We have already presented the three most commonly used Q’eqchi’ tense markers. Of the
remaining four, three are very similar to each other and very consistent in the way they combine
with pronouns―these include KI, which indicates past action, CHI, which indicates imperative
action, and MI, which is the negative equivalent of CHI. The final tense, the past tense O, is no
longer used in some Q’eqchi’ regions, but is common enough in others to warrant mention here.
In each case, examples of intransitive and transitive conjugations will be given. A complete list
of conjugations are found in Appendix I.
I. Conjugations with KI―past action
Conjugation with ki is used in some areas, particularly around Cobán, in place of x, to

which it is quite similar, except that it generally is not used to indicate an action which has just
been completed. This is the form of past tense most commonly used in the scriptures.
A. Intransitive conjugations
wa’ak = to eat
kinwa’ak = I ate koowa’ak = we ate

katwa’ak = you (sing.) ate kexwa’ak = you (plur.) ate
kiwa’ak = he ate ke’wa’ak = they ate
Note that the verb xik = “to go” cannot be used with this conjugation, but has its own
special past tense conjugation, as discussed in chapter 7.
B. Transitive conjugations
1. With consonants
tawok = to find
kintaw = I found it kiqataw = we found it

kataw = you (sing.) found it ketaw = you _(plur.) found it
kixtaw = he found it ke’xtaw = they found it
2. With vowels
ajok = to want
38
Chapter 10 Other Q’eqchi’ Tense Markers
kiwaj = I wanted it kiqaj = we wanted it

kawaj = you (sing.) wanted it keraj = you (plur. wanted it)
kiraj = he wanted it ke’raj = they wanted it
Examples:
Ke’xtaw xyaalal li raatin. They understood his words.
Koowulak aran sa’ tenamit. We arrived there in town.
Ink’a’ kiril ani wan. He didn’t see who was there.
Kexqasik’, ut ink’a’ kexqataw. We looked for you (pl.), but we didn’t find you.
II. Conjugation with CHI―Imperative action
The Q’eqchi’ tense marker chi indicates an action that you desire to happen, not unlike
the subjunctive in Spanish. There is no close English equivalent. As with the future tense (ta),
intransitive conjugations bear the suffix “-q” in place of the final “-k” of the verb.
tijok = to pray
chintijoq = let me pray chootijoq = let us pray

chattijoq = you (sing.) pray chextijoq = you (plur.) pray
chitijoq = may he pray che’tijoq = may they pray
1. With consonants
paab’ank = to believe
chinpaab’ = let me believe it chiqapaab’ = let’s believe it

chapaab’ = you (sing.) believe it chepaab’ = you (plur.) believe it
chixpaab’ = may he believe it che’xpaab’ = may they believe it
2. With vowels
ilok = to see
chiwil = let me see it chiqil = let us see it

chawil = you (sing.) look at it cheril = you (plur.) look at it
Other Q’eqchi’ Tense Markers Chapter 10
chiril = may he see it che’ril = may they see it
Unlike the future tense, in conjugations with chi the future suffix “-aq” can actually be
added on to the end of the verb in a transitive conjugation, to add to the imperative feeling of the
sentence. (This will be demonstrated in the examples below.)
Examples:
Che’hilanq sa’ kab’l. Let them rest in the house.
Chaawilaq aawib’. Watch yourself (“Take care!”, polite farewell).
Chineerab’i. You (plur.) listen to me.
III. Conjugation with MI―negative imperative
The tense marker mi expresses the exact opposite of chi―that is, an action that you do
not want to happen. This is its only use. Unlike chi, this conjugation does not use the future
suffix “-q”.
maakob’k = to sin
minmaakob’ = let me not sin moomaakob’ = let us not sin

matmaakob’ = don’t sin (sing.) mexmaakob’ = don’t sin (plur.)
mimaakob’ = let him not sin me’maakob’ = let them not sin
1. With consonant
sak’ok = to hit
minsak’ = may I not hit him. miqasak’ = let’s not hit him.
maasak’ = don’t you (sing.) hit him. meesak’ = don’t you (plur.) hit him.
mixsak’ = may he not hit him me’xsak’ = may they not hit him
2. With vowel
ab’ink = to hear
miwab’i = may I not hear it miqab’i = let’s not hear it

maawab’i = don’t you (sing.) hear it meerab’i = don’t you (plur.) hear it
mirab’i = may he not hear it me’rab’i = may they not hear it
Chapter 10 Other Q’eqchi’ Tense Markers
Examples:
Matt’ane’ chi kub’eek. Don’t fall coming down.
Miqara ru xb’ihomal li qas qiitz’in. Let’s not covet our neighbor’s riches.
Minaasak’. Don’t hit me.
IV. Connjugation with O―Past action
Although past conjugation with o is obsolete and never heard in some Q’eqchi’ areas, in
others it is quite common, and particularly in the eastern regions is often preferred to other past
tenses. It is frequently used concurrently with x as a past tense marker. Interestingly, unlike other
past tenses, the marker o can be used to conjugate the verb xik = “to go”.
xik = to go
inxik = I went ooxik = we went

atxik = you (sing.) went exxik = you (plur.) went
oxik = he/she went e’xik = they went
1. With consonant
tawok = to find
ontaw = I found it oqataw = we found it

aataw = you (sing.) found it oheetaw = you (plur.) found it
ohtaw = he/she found it e’xtaw = they found it
2. With vowel
ilok = to see
owil = I saw it oqil = we saw it

aawil = you (sing.) saw it eeril = you (plur.) saw it
oril = he saw it e’ril = they saw it
Examples:
Owil aran. I saw it over there.
Ak najter ate’xtaw chaq. They found you (s.) long ago.
INTRANSITIVE USE OF TRANSITIVE VERBS
Chapter 11
We have already mentioned that all verbs, both transitive and intransitive, have an
intransitive infinitive and can be used in intransitive conjugations―there are several ways to do
this, and these will be presented here.
I. Simple intransitive use:
A transitive verb can be used by itself in an intransitive conjugation, and the meaning is
generally the intransitive equivalent of the transitive verb.
Examples:
Xe’xkamsi li wakax. They killed the cow.
Matkamsin. Thou shalt not kill.
K’a’ru xaawil? What did you see?
Yal xin’ilok aran. I just looked over there.
II. Integrated object
In a similar fashion a transitive verb may be conjugated intransitively, but with a named
object following it. In this case the verb remains intransitive, but the object comes to be a part of
the action itself. For example, if the word ixim = “corn” is added to the verb q’olok = “to
harvest”, the composite q’olok ixim means “to pick corn” in a general sense; that is, the action
has become “corn picking” rather than simply “harvesting.”
Examples:
Ak xinloq’ li wixim. I already bought my corn.
Xik we chi loq’ok ixim. I’m going to buy corn.
Ma naru nakat-ilok kab’l? Can you “watch house?”
Wulaj wulaj neke’kamsin xul. Every day they butcher animals.
III. Subject Focus
Sometimes in a transitive phrase it is necessary to put special emphasis on the subject of a

verb. For example, in English, instead of “He hit John,” we might say, “He’s the one who hit
John,” placing emphasis on the subject “he.” This is known as subject focus, and in Q’eqchi’ it is
accomplished by using an intransitive conjugation, then adding the object on afterwards with the
preposition “-e”, which you learned about earlier.
Examples:
xatwil ===> laa’in xin’ilok aawe = I saw you
tixsach ===> a’an taasachoq re = he’ll destroy it
Chapter 11 Intransitive Use of Transitive Verbs
In this way the verb itself is used in an intransitive way, but the entire phrase becomes
transitive by the addition of the object. Notice how this form changes the meaning of the
sentence in the examples which follow.
Examples:
Ani xsak’ laj Jwan? Who did Juan hit?
Laj Miguel xsak’. He hit Miguel.
Ani xsak’ok re laj Jwan? Who hit Juan?
Laj Miguel xsak’ok re. Miguel hit him.
Laa’in xintojok aawe. I’m the one who paid you.
Ani napaab’ank re li Dios? Who believes in God?
Ma laa’at li xat-ilok re? Are you the one who saw it?
PASSIVE VOICE
Chapter 12
There are situations in which the receiver of a transitive action is expressed as the subject
rather than the object of a verb. For example, in English, instead of saying “Someone hit John,”
we often rephrase the action to say “John was hit.” “John” is still the recipient of the action, but
becomes the subject of the verbal phrase “to be hit.” This form of conjugation is known as
passive voice, and there are several ways of forming them in Q’eqchi’, both conjugated and
unconjugated. In this chapter we will present the conjugated forms only.
I. Regular Passive Voice
A. Formation
The most common form of passive voice, which corresponds most closely to the English
example above, is formed differently depending on which of the two types of transitive verb is
involved. In both cases, an intransitive conjugation is used.
1. With transitive verbs of the first type (those with a root of a single syllable) the infinitive
ending “-ok” or “-uk” is replaced by the passive suffix “-e’k” to form the passive form of the
verb.
Examples:
k’amok = to carry k’ame’k = to be carried
ilok = to see ile’k = to be seen
chapok = to grab, seize chape’k = to be grabbed
k’uluk = to receive k’ule’k = to be received
In present or past conjugations, the “-e’k” suffix loses the final “-k”, as in xink’ule’ = “I
was received”. In future or subjunctive conjugations, the final “-k” becomes “-q” as with other
intransitive verbs, as in te’k’ame’q = “they will be carried”.
2. With transitive verbs of the second class (those with a multi-syllable root) the infinitive ending
“-nk” is replaced simply by “-k”, but importantly, with lengthening of the final vowel.
Examples:
kamsink = to kill kamsiik = to be killed
osob’tesink = to bless osob’tesiik = to be blessed
ab’ink = to hear ab’iik = to be heard
Examples:
Ak xe’chape’ laj elq’. The thieves have been captured.
Wi naqapaab’ li chaq’rab’, too’osob’tesiiq. If we obey the commandments, we’ll be blessed.
Ink’a’ neke’ile’. They are not seen.
Chapter 12 Passive Voice
B. Expression of agent―The preposition –b’aan
Although the object of the action becomes the subject of the verb in passive voice, the
subject, or doer of the action, can be included in the phrase. In English we do this by using the
preposition “by”―for example, we say “He was hit by John.” In Q’eqchi’ the preposition
“-b’aan” is used.
Examples:
X’ile’ xb’aan laj Jwan. He was seen by Juan.
Xkamsiik xb’aaneb’ li maa’us aj winq. He was killed by the bad men.
Ma took’ule’q xb’aaneb’? Will we be received by them?
II. General Passive
Another form of passive voice in Q’eqchi’ is formed by adding the suffix “-mank” to the
transitive root of either class of verbs. This form of the verb has a more general meaning,
indicating only that the action “is done.” It does not imply who does the action, and cannot be
used with the preposition “-b’aan”.
Examples:
k’utuk = to show; k’utmank = to be shown

Xk’utman chiqu chan ru xb’aanunkil. We were shown how to do it.
tz’iib’ank = to write; tz’iib’amank = to be written

Wulaj wulaj natz’iib’aman. It is written daily.
b’aanunk = to do; b’aanumank = to be done

Maajo’q’e taab’aanumanq a’an. That will never be done.
PAST PARTICIPLE AND AGENT
Chapter 13
Q’eqchi’ has a number of verb forms which do not use conjugations or infinitives as you
have already learned them. In these forms the verb itself is altered, and they are for the most part
used with the pronouns you already know. The most useful forms are included here; others are
found at the end of Appendix II.
I. The Past Participle
The “past participle” refers to an action that has been completed at some time in the past.
The Q’eqchi’ past participle corresponds more or less to the English form “has been done” or “is
done.”
A. Intransitive
The intransitive past participle is formed by adding the suffix “-enaq” or “-jenaq” to the
root verb. A General Pronoun is then used to denote the subject of the verb.
Example: nume’k = to pass
numenaqin = I have passed numenaqo = we have passed

numenaqat = you (sing.) have passed numenaqex = you (plur.) have passed
numenaq = he has passed numenaqeb’ = they have passed
This form may be used either verbally, as shown here, or as a noun or an adjective, as
described in Chapter 3. Examples of each of these usages follow:
kalaak = to get drunk

ak kalajenaq = he’s already gotten drunk
kalajenaqeb’ = they’re drunk
li kalajenaq = the drunkard
kamk = to die
kamenaq = to have died
kamenaq chik = he’s now died
kamenaq li winq = the man is dead
li kamenaq = the dead man, the corpse
Examples:
B’ar wan li kamenaq? Where is the dead man?
Ak numenaq li kamioneet. The bus has passed by already.
Ma wanjenaqat Coban? Have you been to Cobán?
Ma wulajenaqat chaq Watemaal? Have you gone to Guatemala?
Okenaqin sa’ kab’l. I have entered the house.
Chapter 13 Past Participle and Agent
Numtajenaq chi usilal. He is full of grace.
B. Transitive
The transitive past participle is formed by adding the suffix “-om” or “-um” to the
transitive infinitive. The Possessive/Active Pronouns are attached to the verb to indicate agent of
the action.
k’ehok = to give
ink’ehom = I have given qak’ehom = we have given

aak’ehom = you (sing.) have given eek’ehom = you (plur.) have given
xk’ehom = he has given xk’ehomeb’ = they have given
ab’ink = to hear
wab’ihom = I’ve heard qab’ihom = we have heard

aawab’ihom = you (sing.) have heard eerab’ihom = you (plur.) have heard
rab’ihom = he has heard rab’ihomeb’ = they have heard
Like the intransitive form, the transitive past participle may be used as a possessed noun.
Exercises:
B’ar wan inloq’om? Where are the things I’ve bought?
Ma aawab’ihom resil? Have you heard about it?
Ak qilom li tenamit a’in. We’ve already seen this town.
Ma aatz’iib’ahom li hu? Have you written the letter?
C. Passive Voice
There are also two passive voice forms of past participle, which are very commonly used
and are important to know. One of these may be used with an agent, and the other cannot.
1. The suffix “-b’il”
The first form of passive voice is formed by adding the suffix “-b’il” to the transitive
root, in the case of the short transitive verbs, or directly following the final “-n” in the case of the
long transitive verbs. (For example, k’ehok = “to give” becomes k’eeb’il = “was given”;
tz’aamank = “to ask for” becomes tz’aamanb’il = “asked for”.) The agent of the action may be
indicated by the preposition “-b’aan”.
Examples:
Tz’iib’anb’il xb’aaneb’ li najter xe’toon. It was written by the ancients.
Past Participle and Agent Chapter 13
K’eeb’ilat chi k’anjelak. You are given to work (i.e. hard worker).
K’utb’esinb’il chiqu. It is revealed to us.
2. Repetitive form
There is a second type of past participle in Q’eqchi’ which can be formed from any of the
verbs having a root of a single syllable. This form is created by repeating the first consonant of
the root word, followed by the vowel “-o” (which changes to “-u”, if the vowel in the root is
“u”).
Examples:
k’ojob’ank = to set down k’ojk’o = seated
k’utuk = to show k’utk’u = shown, in the open
patz’ok= to ask patz’po= asked about, famous
tehok = to open teeto = opened
This form expresses only the condition, not the action itself, and consequently the agent
cannot be expressed by the preposition “-b’aan”. The person involved is expressed with the
appropriate General Pronoun; in this case, the final vowel is lengthened and followed by the
letter “-k”.
Examples:
Ma teeto li kab’l? Is the house open?
Tz’aptz’o. It is shut.
Ch’utch’uukeb’ li komon. The members are gathered.
Chunchuuko sa’ kab’l. We are seated in the house.
Laa’at xaqxookat sa’ qab’een. You are placed over us.
Wiq’wookin. I am kneeling.
II. Agents
There are several ways of expressing a general agent of an action―that is, someone who
does the action commonly or as an occupation. These are usually derived from verbs, and can be
either transitive or intransitive. For example, to refer to a “teacher,” the intransitive form is used,
but to refer specifically to “my teacher” (i.e. “he who teaches me”), the transitive form is used.
Statements of agent always require use of the article “aj”, as seen below.
A. Intransitive agents
The suffix “-onel” is used most frequently to refer to the doer of a certain action without
specifying the recipient of the action.4This suffix, or a variation of it, are added to the transitive
4
Note that scripturally the expression “inKolonel”, “my Savior” is used, however this is
Chapter 13 Past Participle and Agent
verb root, forming an intransitive agent.
Examples:
tzolok = to learn, teach aj tzolonel = teacher
kolok = to save aj Kolonel = Savior
b’anok = to cure aj b’anonel = physician
iiqank = to carry aj iiqanel = porter
B. Transitive agents
1. With short form transitive verbs (those with monosyllable roots), the suffix “-ol” or “-ul” is
added to the root. This must be followed by a direct object, expressed either with a noun or with
the appropriate form of the preposition “-e”.
Examples:
ilok = to see, watch over
aj ilol aawe = one who watches over you (sing.)
aj ilol kab’l = caretaker of a house
aj ilol xul = shepherd
kolok = to save
aj Kolol we = my Savior
chapok = to grab
aj chapol kar = fisherman
2. With long form transitive verbs, the transitive past participle presented earlier in this chapter
(with the suffix “-om”) is used, the article “aj” being used in place of the Possessive Pronoun.
Again, as is the case with the form just mentioned, it must be followed by a direct object.
Examples:
kamsink = to kill
aj kamsihom aaq = butcher of hogs
cubsinc = to lower
kub’sink ha’ = to baptize
laj Jwan aj Kub’sihom ha’ = John the Baptist
Ani aj kamsihom re? Who is his murderer?
C. Other ways of forming agents
In some cases an occupation can be indicated by using a noun related to the occupation
technically incorrect, and generally this form is not used as a possessed noun.
Past Participle and Agent Chapter 13
together with the article “aj”.
Examples:
kar = fish aj kar = fisherman

si’ = firewood aj si’ = woodcutter
puub’ = gun aj puub’ = soldier
Xko’o aj si’. He went to gather firewood. (The woodcutter left)
In a few cases a verb root alone can be used with the article aj in much the same way.
This is not very predictable.
Examples:
tenq’ank = to help aj tenq’ = helper

tz’iib’ak = to write aj tz’iib’ = scribe
pech’ok = to work wood aj peech’ = carpenter
D. Expression of origin
The term aj followed by a place indicates a person is from that place.
Examples:
Laa’in aj Coban. I’m from Cobán.
Ma laa’at aj arin? Are you (sing.) from here?
A’aneb’ aj Watemaal . They’re from Guatemala.
COMMANDS
Chapter 14
I. Direct Commands
A. Intransitive commands
The intransitive command is formed by adding the consnonant “-n” in place of all final
consonants.
Examples:
loq’ok = to buy loq’on = buy!

hilank = to rest hilan = rest!
The few exceptions to this rule are listed here. These are “irregular, and must be
memorized:
xik = to go ayu = go!

chalk = to come kim = come here!
wa’ak = to eat wa’in = eat!
wark = to sleep warin = go to sleep!
ajk = to awaken ajen = wake up!
ok = to enter okan = come in!
elk = to leave elen = go on out!
All of these commands are used only when talking to a single person. When talking to
more than one person, the suffix “-qex” is used.
Examples:
hilan = rest; hilanqex = you (plur.) rest

kim = come here; kimqex= you (plur.) come here
Examples:
Ayu sa’ kab’l. Go home.
Kim chiqix. Come with us (lit. “behind us”).
Hilanqex sa’ kab’l. Rest in the house (i.e. sit down).
Xru lee wa, wa’inqex. Your food is done―eat!
B. Transitive commands
For transitive commands, the transitive verb root is used by itself without any
conjugation. This is true for both types of transitive verb.
Commands Chapter 14
Examples:
Chup li xam. Put out the fire. (chupuk)
K’am chaq inhu. Bring me my book. (k’amok)
Numsi chaq li wa. Pass me the tortillas. (numsink)
The General Pronouns are used to express the object of the transitive commands.
Example:
ab’ink = to hear
ab’ihin = listen to me ab’iho = listen to us

ab’i a’an = listen to him ab’iheb’ = listen to them
Again, these commands are only used when speaking to a single person. When speaking
to more than one person, the plural suffix “-omaq” is used (or “-umaq” when the vowel in a
monosyllable root is “u”).
Examples:
ch’utub’ank = to gather (root: ch’utub’)
Ch’utub’omaq li wakax. You (plur.) gather the cattle.
numsink = to pass (root: numsi)

Kimqex, numsihomaqo! You (plur.) come carry us across!
k’utuk = to show (root: k’ut)

K’utumaq chiqu. You (plur.) show it to us.
tenq’ank = to help (root: tenq’a)

Tenq’ahomaqin. You (plur.) help me.
Examples:
K’ut chiwu. Show it to me. (sing.)
K’amomaq chaq le hu. Bring your books. (plur.)
Loq’omaq lee wa. Buy your food. (plur.)
K’ulin sa’ laa wochoch. Receive me into your house. (sing.)
K’e chaq we. Give it to me. (sing.)
II. The exhortative
This is a different form which is not directly a command but expresses a desire for the
action to take place. It also has an intransitive and transitive form.
Chapter 14 Commands
A. Intransitive
The intransitive form uses the intransitive infinitive with the suffix “-q” in place of the
final “-k”. (The suffix “-aq” is used for a few verbs, including xik = “to go” and ok = “to enter”.
Examples: xikaqin = “let me go”; okaqo = “let’s go in”.)
tijok = to pray
tijoqin = let me pray tijoqo = let’s pray

tijoqat = may you (sing.) pray tijoqex = may you (plur.) pray
tijoq = let him pray tijoqeb’ = let them pray
Note: The verb “to go” has the following special form:
yo’o = let’s go (two of us)

yo’qeb’ = let’s go (many of us)
Examples:
Chalqex wik’in, ex lub’luukex. Come unto me, ye weary.
Aatinaqo sa’ xyaalalil. Let us speak in harmony.
B. Transitive
The transitive is formed by adding the suffix “-aq” to the transitive root. The subject is
indicated by the Possessive Pronoun prefix, as shown here:
ab’ink = to hear
wab’ihaq = let me hear it qab’ihaq = let’s hear it

aawab’ihaq = you (sing.) should hear it eerab’ihaq = you (plur.) should hear it
rab’ihaq = let him hear it rab’ihaqeb’ = let them hear it
k’amok = to carry
ink’amaq = let me carry it qak’amaq = let us carry it

aak’amaq = you (sing.) should carry it eek’amaq = you (plur.) should carry it
xk’amaq = let him carry it xk’amaqeb’ = they should carry it
Examples:
Qilaq k’a’ru tixb’aanu. Let’s see what he’ll do.
Qayehaq... Let’s say...(i.e. “for example...”)
Commands Chapter 14
III. Conjugated imperatives
Conjugations with the tense marker chi can be used to form transitive and intransitive
statements similar to those already covered in this chapter. Some Q’eqchi’ speakers use
conjugations with ta in a similar way to form commands. Note in the following examples that the
suffix “-aq” is sometimes added to a transitive conjugation with chi. (This is the form of petition
generally used in Q’eqchi’ prayers.)
Examples:
Taak’e li hu aran. Put the book there.
Cheepaab’ li Dios. . You (plural) believe in God.
Chakuyaq inmaak. Pardon my sin (excuse me).
Che’tijoq wulaj wulaj. Let them pray daily.
Chawilaq aawib’. Take care of yourself.
IV. Negative Commands
To form a negative command, verb conjugations with mi are used (see Chapter 10).
Examples:
Minaach’e’.. Don’t touch me.
Miqab’aanu a’an. Let’s not do that.
Mex’ok sa’ kab’l. . Don’t enter the house. (plur.)
Matkamsin. Thou shalt not kill.
ADJECTIVES
Chapter 15
Adjectives are words used to describe a noun―for example, “happy,” “red,” and “big”
are English adjectives. Their use in Q’eqchi’ requires understanding a few principles which will
be shown in this chapter.
I. Use in Sentences
A. Simple sentences
The use of adjectives in simple sentences was described in Chapter 3. Remember that the
verb “to be” is implied in an adjective, which may be modified by use of the General Pronouns.
Examples:
Nim li winq. The man is big.
Laa’ex chaab’ilex. You (plur.) are good.
B. Emphasis
There are various ways to place emphasis on an adjective, that is, to say that an object is
very good instead of just “good.” Some of the simpler ones are shown here.
1. Reduplication―An adjective may be repeated twice in a sentence to add emphasis.
Examples:
Chaab’il li ixq. The woman is good.
Chaab’il chaab’il li ixq. The woman is really good.
Saq saq li wex. The pants are very white.
2. Use of mas—The Spanish word “mas” is frequently used in modern Q’eqchi’ for the same
purpose, and is equivalent in this way to the English word “very.” Note that it does not have the
same function as in Spanish.
Examples:
Mas chaab’il li ixq. The woman is very good.
Mas saq li wex. The pants are very white.
3. Use of jwal—An old Q’eqchi’ expression “jwal” (short for “rajawal”) has been revived in
recent times as a substitute for “mas” in adjectival expressions.
Examples:
Jwal us a’an. That’s very good.
Jwal tento xb’aanunkil. It is very necessary that it be done.
Adjectives Chapter 15
C. Comparison
Comparison of one object to another in Q’eqchi’ is accomplished by use of the word

wi’chik = “again”. The preposition chiru = “in front of”, is used in place of the English term
“than”.
Example:
Laa punit mas nim wi’chik chiru li we. Your hat is bigger than mine.
Li wa a’in sa wi’chik chiru a’an. This tortilla is tastier than that one.
D. Superlative
A superlative statement indicates that an object is most like a given adjective―”biggest,”

“hottest,” “best,” etc. In Q’eqchi’, this is indicated as in Spanish, by using the article “li”,
followed by the Spanish term mas or the Q’eqchi’ word q’axal = “exceeding”, then the
adjective.
Examples:
Li mas nim, li q’axal nim. The biggest.
Li mas chaab’il. The best.
A’an li q’axal saq ru. That is the purest.
II. Adjectives applied directly to nouns
In English there is no problem adding an adjective directly to a noun. For example, we

can say, “the beautiful mountain,” or “ the small house.” In Q’eqchi’ the same phrases may be
formed, but the adjective with few exceptions must bear a suffix to be added directly to a noun in
this way. Following are the common suffixes used for this purpose, with examples of their use.
A. The suffix –il—This is the most frequently used adjective suffix. It is used with most common
adjectives, including all those of the repetitive form in Chapter 13. It occasionally takes the form
of -al or uses some other vowel; this can indicate subtle shifts of meaning.
Examples:
ke = cold kehil ch’och’ = cold country

kaw = strong kawil tenamit = strong nation
q’es = sharp q’esnal ch’iich’ = sharp knife
jaljo ru = transformed jaljookil ru aatin = parable
tz’aptz’o = shut tz’aptz’ookil kab’l = locked house
B. The suffix –i—This suffix is used for colors and rarely for other adjectives.
Chapter 15 Adjectives
Examples:
saq = white saqi wex = white pants

kaq = red kaqi tul = guineo, red banana
b’uut’ = flooding b’uut’iha’ = flood (flooding water)
C. Suffix -aj or –laj—This suffix is used for certain adjectives which describe human
characteristics.
Examples:
maa’us = evil maa’us aj musiq’ej = evil spirit

yib’ ru = ugly yib’ ru aj aatin = cruel words
loq’ = sacred loq’laj saq’e = honored sun
D. No suffix―A few adjectives require no suffix to be used in this way.
Examples:
chaab’il = good chaab’il winq = good man

ak’ = new Li Ak’ Chaq’rab’ = The New Testament
E. Adjectives of size―The adjectives for “big” and “small do not follow the above patterns, and
must be considered separately. For each of these English forms there are two Q’eqchi’ words,
one singular and one plural. These are used frequently, and must be memorized. These forms and
their suffixes are as follows:
nim = big (singular) ===> becomes “nimla”

nimla tenamit = great nation
ninq = big (plural) ===> becomes “ninqi”

ninqi kab’l = big houses
ka’ch’in = small (singular) ===> becomes “ch’ina”

ch’ina hu = little book
kok’ = small (plural) ===> remains the same

kok’ tzuul = little hills
III. Nominalized adjectives
Nouns are frequently formed from adjectives in Q’eqchi’, and the resulting noun forms
Adjectives Chapter 15
are useful in expressing certain ideas.
A. Possessed form
1. A noun may be formed from any adjective by use of the suffixes -il, -al, or an equivalent. The
noun thus formed must be possessed. It indicates an attribute related to the adjective.
Examples:
sa = flavorful xsahil = its flavor

chaab’il = good aachaab’ilal = your goodness
2. This form may be used in combination with the Q’eqchi’ word k’a’jo’ or maak’a’jo’ to form
an expression of emphasis. Although this form has largely been replaced in modern speech by
the Spanish word mas (see I.B.2. above), it is still commonly heard, and is used in the scriptures.
Examples:
K’a’jo’ xch’ina usal li xqa’al. How beautiful the young girl is.
Maak’a’jo’ injosq’il. I’m very angry (great is my anger).
B. Non-possessed form
A similar but more general, non-possessed noun is created by adding the suffix –ilal
(when the possessed form is –il) or –alil (when the possessed form is –al) to most adjectives.
This indicates a general attribute related to the adjective. Occasionally, this form is used with a
possessive pronoun.
Examples:
ra = painful xrahil = his pain rahilal = pain, suffering

us = good, fine rusil = his benevolence usilal = goodness, favor, grace
PHRASES AND PREPOSITIONS
Chapter 16
In this chapter we will consider prepositions, which are words or phrases which describe
the setting for the action of a sentence―where, how, or under what circumstances it is done.
I. Phrases
Depending on their function in a sentence, phrases are connected to the sentence by

means of a variety of words, some of which will be presented here.
A. With chi—general preposition
The term chi is perhaps the most commonly used to form phrases; it may be looked upon
as a general preposition, and you may have noticed that many other locational prepositions are
formed from it.
1. With verbal infinitives—You have already learned the use of chi in this way.
Examples:
Yookin chixsik’b’al. I am looking for it.
A’an seeb’ chi aatinak. He is capable at speaking.
2. With nouns—When followed by a noun, the word chi indicates the instrument with which an
action is done.
Examples:
Xe’xkamsi chi ch’iich’. They killed it with a knife.
Xe’wulak chi roq. They arrived by foot.
3. With verbal phrases—A phrase preceded by chi describes the setting of the entire sentence.
Examples:
Maak’a’ aatumin. You have no money.
Tatwulaq aran chi maak’a’ aatumin. You’ll get there without any money.
Saheb’ sa’ xch’ool. They are happy.
Xe’chal chi saheb’ sa’ xch’ool. They came happily.
4. With verb k’ehok—Following a transitive conjugation of k’ehok = “to give”, the word chi
followed by a Possessive Pronoun with a transitive verb root creates a dependent phrase meaning
“to make one do” the action of the dependent verb. It does not imply obligation, only effect.
Examples:
Xk’e chinnaw naq yaal. He made me to know that it’s true.
Phrases and Prepositions Chapter 16
Tixk’e chaaweek’a li Musiq’ej. It will make you (s.) feel the Spirit.
B. With re—expressing purpose
The word re followed by a phrase expresses the purpose of the action which precedes it.
Combined with naq in the term “re naq”, it is equivalent of the English term “so that”.
Examples:
Xik we sa’ tenamit re xsik’b’al intrab’aaj. I’m going to town to look for work.
Xe’xch’iila re naq ink’a’ chik taayaab’aq. They scolded him so he wouldn’t cry any more.
C. With naq—expressing topic or setting
The word naq is used before a phrase that describes the time of an action, or in some
cases to precede a thought expressed by the verb in a sentence.
Examples:
Tinxik naq wan tz’aqal intumin. I’ll go when I have enough money.
Xye naq tinixtenq’a. He said that he would help me.
Ninnaw naq yaal. I know it is true.
D. With li—phrases modifying a noun
The word li = “the” is used to precede a phrase that describes a noun.
Examples:
A’an li winq li xqil ewer. That’s the man we saw yesterday.
Ma a’an li xb’aanunk re? Is he the one who did it?
Note that the word “naq” cannot precede such a phrase! Returning to the first example, the
phrase: “li winq naq xqil ewer” is incorrect and will be misunderstood―a common missionary
error. If the phrase is describing a noun, “li” must be used!
E. With wi’—phrases of context
Use of the term wi’ following a verb indicates the context of the action of the sentence.
Examples:
A’an li tenamit xe’xb’aanu wi’. That’s the town in which they did it.
Chapter 16 Phrases and Prepositions
Ma a’in li kab’l wan wi’ li tumin? Is this the house where the money is located?
F. With wi, ma, wi ta—expression of condition
1. The word wi corresponds roughly to the English word “if,” and indicates a conditional phrase.
Example:
Tat-usaaq wi taak’e aach’ool. You’ll improve if you try.
2. If there is doubt about the phrase, the interrogative word ma is used instead of wi.
Example:
Ink’a’ ninnaw ma taak’ulunq. I don’t know if he’ll come.
The term ma is also used to indicate lack of completion.
Example:
Oxib’ kutan chik ma nak’ulun. It’s three days yet before he’ll arrive.
3. To express an action that would have been done had the condition been met, the combination
wi ta precedes the conditional phrase, and raj is used with the principal sentence.
Examples:
Xinwulak raj wi ta xinnaw. I’d have come if I had known.
Wi ta wan intumin, tinloq’ raj. If I had money, I would buy it.
G. With chan and len―direct quotation
1. The term chan may be used at the end of a phrase or sentence to indicate that a conversation is
being directly quoted. The appropriate General Pronoun is added at the end to indicate who the
quoted speaker is. This is heard very frequently.
Examples:
Yo’o, chankin re. “Let’s go,” I told him.
Ink’a’ nawaj xik, chan. “I don’t want to go,” he says.
Laa’o ajwi’ ink’a’ naqaj, chankeb’ a’an. “We don’t want to either,” they said.
A variation of this form, chaqat, is used to tell a person (usually a child) what he should
say.
Example:
B’antiox, chaqat re. Tell him “thank-you.”
2. The term len means “they say,” and when used with a phrase or sentence, it indicates that the
content is rumoured or is thought to be true, without giving personal confirmation.
Examples:
Maak’a’ xtumin, len. They say he has no money.
Najt len wan li tenamit a’an. They say that town is far away.
II. Prepositions
Most Q’eqchi’ prepositions are formed from body part names. Some of the most
important are presented here.
A. Chi
The use of this preposition was described earlier―it is sometimes used to indicate
general location.
Example:
Wan chi tzuul. He’s in the hills, he’s high up.
B. Sa’
Referring to the body, sa’ means the part inside or the stomach, and is the preposition
most commonly used in Q’eqchi’ to indicate location. Combined with chi, it means “inside of”.
Examples:
Wankeb’ sa’ tenamit. They’re in town.
Xko’o sa’ kab’l. He went home.
K’a’ru wan chi sa’? What’s inside?
C. Chi-u
The preposition chiru is a combination of the term for face, -u, together with the general
preposition chi and the appropriate Possessive Pronoun. As a preposition it means “in front of,”
or “on the surface of.” (It is also used with the verb wulak to express liking―see Chapter 7.)
Examples:
Aran wan chiru li kab’l. There it is, in front of the house.
Xkoheb’ chiru li palaw. They went over the sea (on the surface).
D. Chi-ix
Chapter 16 Phrases and Prepositions
This is a similar combination, using the term -ix, meaning “back” or “shell”. The
preposition means “outside of,” or “behind.” It is also used in verbal phrases to indicate the
action is “about” the person indicated by the preposition.
Examples:
Li kok’al wankeb’ chirix kab’l. The children are outside.
Wankin chawix. I am behind you.
K’a’ru nakanaw chirix a’an? What do you know about that?
Yookeb’ chi aatinak chiqix. They’re talking about us.
E. Other prepositions
A few of the other prepositions are mentioned here—they are all used in a similar way.
-ub’el = beneath rub’el li mex = under the table

sa’ xb’een = on top of sa’ inb’een = on top of me
chi-k’atq = beside chixk’atqeb’ = beside them
chi-e = at the mouth or edge chire kab’l = at the door of the house
chire li nima’ = at the edge of the river
chi -junpak’al = on the other side chixjunpak’al li nima’ = across the river
sa’ -yanq = between sa’ xyanqeb’ = between them
sa’ -yi = in the middle sa’ xyi li kab’l = in the midst of the house
III. Other particles
A. Chaq
The particle chaq is frequently used and indicates distance of the action from the speaker,
either in physical separation or in time (generally the past).
Examples:
Jo’kan neke’xb’aanu chaq najter. That’s how they used to do it long ago.
Wan chaq le’. It’s way over there.
In verbal expressions, this often means that the action begins at a distance, and use of
chaq actually changes the meaning of the verb to indicate the direction of the action is towards
the speaker.
Examples:
K’am li hu. Take the book.
K’am chaq li hu. Bring the book.
Kub’en. Go on down.
Kub’en chaq. Come down from there.
B. Choq’
The term choq’ indicates the person for whom an object or an action is intended―it is
usually used with the preposition re.
Examples:
Wan jun li hu choq’ aawe. There’s a letter for you.
Choq’ we xe’xb’aanu. They did it for me.
Used in combination with the verb oc = “to enter, begin”, the term choq’ indicates that
the subject becomes something, or turns into something. Some other verbs also give this
meaning.
Example:
Ki’ok choq’ chaab’il winq. He became a good man.
Ke’xxaqab’ choq’ awa’b’ej. They made him president.
FORMING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Chapter 17
In this chapter we will consider first the various ways in which questions are formed in
Q’eqchi’, and conclude with the ways in which questions may be answered in the affirmative, in
the negative, or when the answer is in doubt.
I. Forming questions: Interrogative words
A. Ma—Asking “yes/no” questions
To form a “yes/no” question in Q’eqchi’, the word “ma” is placed before the phrase in
question, as demonstrated in previous chapters.
Examples:
Wan li wa. There is food.
Ma wan li wa? Is there food?
Ma nim roq li winq a’an? Is that man tall?
Ma nakapaab’ li Dios? Do you believe in God?
As mentioned in the last chapter, the word ma can also be used to precede a dependent
phrase which is in doubt, and corresponds to the English word “if” or “whether” in this case.
Examples:
Ink’a’ ninnaw ma te’raj xik. I don’t know if they’ll want to go.
B. K’a’—What and why
The word k’a’ is used in various forms, and corresponds to the English words “what” and
“why,” its meaning at times overlapping between the two. Examples of different usages are
presented here.
1. The term k’a’ru is most frequently used, and is very close in meaning to the English word
“what”.
Examples:
K’a’ru xab’aanu ewer? What did you do yesterday?
K’a’ru nakak’oxla? What do you think?
Ma nakanaw k’a’ru neke’raj? Do you know what they want?
The term k’a’ru can also be used within a non-question sentence to specify an unnamed
object, much as we would use the word “something” or “thing” in English. A similar form is
“k’a’aq re ru”, which refers to “things” in general.
Forming Questions and Answers Chapter 17
Examples:
Xch’olob’ chiwu li k’a’ru naraj. He explained to me what it is he wants.
Wan k’a’ru ninnaw chirix a’an. I know something about that.
A’in li k’a’aq re ru wan we. These are the things I own.
2. The term k’a’ut may be used as the English word “why.”
Examples:
K’a’ut naq ink’a’ nekeruk’ li kape? Why don’t you drink coffee?
Ink’a’ ninnaw k’a’ut naq wan chi jo’kan. I don’t know why it is like that.
A response is formed with “xb’aan naq” or “xmaak naq”, indicating “because.”
Examples:
K’a’ut naq xko’o? Why did he go?
Xb’aan naq naraj rilb’al lix na’. Because he wants to see his mother.
Ink’a’ naru xmaak naq maak’a’ li tumin. It can’t be done, because there is no money.
3. Similarly, the term “k’a’ aj-e ” (from the preposition re = “so that...”) is used to mean “with
what purpose”.
Example:
K’a’ aj-e naq xak’am chaq li tumin? What did you bring money for?
4. The term k’a’ is also occasionally used alone, and its meaning varies between “what” and
“why”.
Examples:
K’a’ naq xaab’aanu a’an? Why did you do that?
K’a’ naq ink’a’? Why not? (meaning, “of course!”)
K’a’ chi ochoch a’an? What type of house is that?
C. Chan—How
The Q’eqchi’ word chan = “how” is used by itself only in certain expressions. In general
use it is followed by the preposition ru.
Examples:
Chan ru nak’anjelak? How does it work?
Chan ru naq xinaataw? How did you find me?
Ink’a’ xye we chan ru naq xb’aanu. He didn’t tell me how he did it.
Chan xaawil? How are you? (Lit. “How did you see?”)
Chapter 17 Forming Questions and Answers
D. Jo’—How much, when
1. Distance and Size—The term jo’ used in questions by itself means “how much,” and can be
combined with certain words, specifically najtil = “distance” and nimal = “bigness” or “size,” to
aske about the quantity of something.
Examples:
Jo’ najtil li tenamit? How far is the town?
Jo’ nimal xtz’aq a’in? How much does this cost (how big is its price)?
Note that for most such expressions, the word chan ru must be used.
Examples:
Chan ru xka’ch’inal? How small is it?
Chan ru xteram? What is his height?
Jo’ najtil xteram? What is his height?
2. When―The term jo’q’e combines jo’ with the term q’e, which refers to a general time
period―together they ask when an event occurred.
Examples:
Jo’q’e xatwulak? When did you arrive?
Toj jo’q’e texxik wi’chik? When will you be leaving?
This form can be used to precede dependent phrases, indicating when something will
occur.
Example:
Taachalq jo’q’e naraj. He’ll come when he wants to.
3. Non-questions—The term jo’ in non-question statements means “like” or “as,” and is often
combined with chan ru. It can also be combined with a’an (jo’kan = “like that”) or a’in (jo’ka’in
= “like this”). Combined with ajwi’, either of these terms comes to mean “also”.
Examples:
Naxb’aanu jo’ neke’xb’aanu chaq najter. He does it as they did it anciently.
Natijok jo’ chanru naraj. He prays as he wishes.
Jo’ka’in naqab’aanu. We do it like this.
Nawulak chiwu chi jo’kan. I like it like that.
Jo’kan ajwi’ nakab’aanu laa’at. That’s how you (sing.) do it, too.
E. Ani—Who
The term ani means “who,” and can also be used in non-question situations.
Examples:
Ani naraj xik? Who wants to go?
Ani li winq a’an? Who is that man?
Ani xb’aanunk re a’in? Who did this?
Yooko chixsik’b’al ani xb’aanunk re. We’re looking for the one who did it.
Yalaq ani. Anyone.
F. B’ar—Where, which
1. The term b’ar used alone means “where”. It can also be used in non-question situations.
Examples:
B’ar xataw? Where did you find it?
B’ar aatenamit? Where are you from?
Ink’a’ naxnaw b’ar wan. He doesn’t know where it is.
Yalaq b’ar. Anywhere.
2. The combination b’arwan (lit. “Where is it?”), is used to mean “which”.
Examples:
B’arwan reheb’ taawaj? Which of them do you want?
B’arwan li mas nim? Which is the biggest?
Tixsik’ li b’arwan naraj. He’ll look for the one which he prefers.
G. Jarub’—How many
The term jarub’ asks the question “how many”. Its use will become more clear in Chapter
18.
Examples:
Jarub’eb’ laa walal? How many children do you have?
Jarub’ li hu wan? How many books are there?
II. Answering Questions
A. Affirmative answers
1. In answer to a “yes/no” question, a number of affirmative words are possible. Some are listed
here. Note that the term b’i’ (similar in meaning to the Spanish word “pues”) or the similar form
b’i’an, is frequently tagged onto the end of a phrase by way of confirmation.
Examples:
Hehe’. Yes.
Inb’an. Yes (some eastern areas).
Yaal. That’s true.
Relik chi yaal. Really, in truth.
Jo’kan. That’s so.
Jo’kan b’i’an. Así, pues.
2. In common speech, more often a key part of a “yes/no” question is repeated in response rather
than simply saying “yes”.
Examples:
Ma laa’at aj tzolonel? Are you the teacher?
Laa’in. I am.
Ma xawil a’an? Did you see that?
Xwil. I saw it.
B. Negative answers
1. Ink’a’’—The term ink’a’ means simply “no”, and can be used alone as a response, or in front
of a verb to form a negative statement.
Examples:
Ma naraj xik? Does he want to go?
Ink’a’. No.
Ink’a’ naraj. He doesn’t want to.
2. Moko. . .ta—A phrase can be made negative by saying the word “moko” prior to the statement
and “ta” after it.
Examples:
Moko naraj ta. He doesn’t want to.
Moko laa’in ta xinb’aanunk re. I’m not the one who did it.
3. Conjugation with ma―As mentioned in a previous chapter, a negative verbal expression is

formed by conjugating the verb with ma.
Examples:
Miqab’aanu a’an. Let’s not do that.
Matt’ane’. Don’t fall.
4. The maa prefix—This prefix can be added to most of the question words to form a negative
statement related to that word. Some other words also take this suffix.
Examples:
Maak’a’. There is none.
Jo’ nimal xtz’aq? How much does it cost (how big is the price)?
Maajo’ nimal. It’s free.
Ani xb’aanunk re? Who did it?
Maa’ani. Nobody.
B’ar xatwulak chaq? Where did you go?
Maab’ar. Nowhere.
Jo’q’e tixb’aanu? When will he do it?
Maajo’q’e. Never.
Maamin tinb’aanu. I’ll never do it.
Jarub’ li ixq xawil? How many women did you see?
Maajun xwil. I didn’t see any.
5. Yalaq—The term yalaq = “any” is used preceding question words to express the idea that it
doesn’t matter.
Examples:
Yalaq chan ru. Any way.
Yalaq jo’q’e. Any time.
Yalaq ani. Anybody.
Yalaq b’ar. Anywhere.
6. B’an—This term corresponds roughly to “however” or “but” in English, and must follow a
statement. It may precede a statement in the form a’b’an or a’b’anan, both roughly equivalent to
“but”.
Examples:
Ma laa’at aj arin? Are you from here?
Ink’a’, yal nume’k b’an yookin. No, I’m just passing through.
Xraj raj rilb’al, a’b’an ink’a’ xru. He wanted to see it, but he couldn’t.
Ink’a’ xru, b’an. He couldn’t, though.
C. Expressing uncertainty
There are several terms used to form a response when the answer to the question is not
known.
1. Maare—This word is used before a statement, and means “maybe”.
Examples:
Maare wulaj taak’ulunq. Maybe tomorrow he’ll come.
Maare ink’a’. Maybe not.
2. Tana’―This term has a similar meaning, but is used after the statement.
Examples:
Ak xe’xb’aanu tana’. Perhaps they’ve already done it.
Jo’kan tana’. Maybe so.
3. Ta—Used in a negative statement, this term expresses doubt.
Examples:
Ink’a’ ninnaw ma wan ta. I don’t know if he might be here.
4. Raj―This indicates a desired outcome which did not happen.
Examples:
Xinb’aanu raj ewer. I should have done it yesterday.
Us raj naq taak’ulunq. It would be good if he would come.
5. Na—This term suggests an approximation.
Examples:
Wan na oob’ ketzal we. I have maybe five quetzales.
NUMBERS
Chapter 18
The Q’eqchi’ numbers follow an ancient Mayan system which was very well-developed.
Unlike our numbering system which is based on tens, the Mayan system is base twenty; that is,
rather than counting ones to ten and tens to a hundred, the traditional Q’eqchi’ system counts
ones to twenty, and twenties to four hundred (20 x 20), and so on. In modern use, Q’eqchi’
combines elements of the ancient system with borrowed Spanish numbers.
I. Cardinal numbers
Cardinal numbers are the regular numbers used in counting. In Q’eqchi’ they are as
follows:
A. Numbers to twenty
1 = jun 11 = junlaju
2 = wiib’ 12 = kab’laju
3 = oxib’ 13 = oxlaju
4 = kaahib’ 14 = kaalaju
5 = oob’ 15 = o’laju
6 = waqib’ 16 = waqlaju
7 = wuqub’ 17 = wuqlaju
8 = waqxaqib’ 18 = waqxaqlaju
9 = b’eleeb’ 19 = b’elelaju
10 = lajeeb’ 20 = jun may
B. Counting by twenties
20 = jun may 220 = junlajuk’aal

40 = ka’k’aal 240 = kab’lajuk’aal
60 = oxk’aal 260 = oxlajuk’aal, etc. up to:
80 = kaak’aal 380 = b’elelajuk’aal
100 = o’k’aal 400 = o’q’ob’
120 = waqk’aal
140 = wuqk’aal
160 = waqxaqk’aal
180 = b’elek’aal
200 = o’tuuk
C. Counting between twenties
Upon reaching twenty (jun may), you begin counting again from one to nineteen, adding
at the end the name of the next twenty with a possessive pronoun. Thus, in Q’eqchi’, instead of
Chapter 18 Numbers
saying “twenty-one,” “twenty-two,” etc., we say “one of forty,” “two of forty,” etc.
Examples:
21 = jun xka’k’aal
22 = wiib’ xka’k’aal
23 = oxib’ xka’k’aal, etc. until:
39 = belelaju xka’k’aal
40 = ka’k’aal
41 = jun roxk’aal
42 = wiib’ roxk’aal, etc.
D. Spanish borrowing
In modern usage, Q’eqchi’ numbers are seldom heard much above forty, and higher
numbers are generally replaced by the equivalent term borrowed from Spanish.
Examples:
jun cient = one hundred

wiib’ cient = two hundred
jun mil = one thousand
mero cient = fifty (half a hundred)
wiib’ cient rik’in oob’ xka’k’aal = 225
E. Use of cardinal numbers
1. The cardinal numbers are connected to the noun by means of the article li, or the preposition
chi. These are sometimes used interchangeably.
Examples:
oxib’ li winq = three men (“there are three men”)

oxib’ chi winq = three men
lajeeb’ chi kab’l = ten houses
2. In the case of denominations of money, no connecting word is used. This is also true of
measures of time or distance.
Examples:
wiib’ quetzal = two quetzales

oob’ centaaw = five centavos
Numbers Chapter 18
jun xaman = one week

oxib’ kiloom = three kilometers
Vocabulary:
jarub’ = how many po = month, moon
hab’ = rain xaman = week
chihab’= year(s) kiloom = kilometer
kutan = day(s) leew = league (3 km)
Examples:
Jarub’ chihab’ wan aawe? How old are you? (How many years have you?)
B’elelaju chihab’ wan we. I am nineteen.
Jarub’ li winq wan aawik’in? How many men are with you?
Wiib’o. There are two of us.
Jo’ nimal li ob’en? How much for the tamales?
Wiib’ li oob’. Two for five (quetzales).
F. Numeral classifiers and abbreviated numbers
1. A numeral classifier is a word used after a number instead of a noun, to indicate the quantity
and form of the noun. For example, in English the word “corn” is a noun, but we do not say “five
corns.” Instead, we specify “five grains of corn,” or “five cobs” or “five plants of corn.” In these
phrases the words “grain,” “cob,” and “plant” are numeral classifiers. These are also used
frequently in Q’eqchi’.
Examples:
Wan oxib’ t’orol chi chin. There are three “roundnesses” of orange.
Jarub’ paay chi kab’l wan? How many types of houses are there?
2. When numeral classifiers are used, frequently the numbers from one to ten are abreviated, and
the final –ib’ is dropped as shown here (note that even the question word jarub’ = “how many”
can be abbreviated to jar):
jun = one waq = six

ka’ = two wuq = seven
ox = three waqxaq = eight
kaa = four b’ele = nine
o’ = five laje = ten
Examples:
ka’ sut = 2 times

ox pak’al = 3 sides
Chapter 18 Numbers
li jar ch’uut chi winq = the various groups of men
3. Occasionally the number jun = “one” is used with a numeral classifier to create an expression
of totality. (Note that in this case the numeral classifier bears a General Pronoun.)
Examples:
Jun b’aqxin xb’aan li hab’. I’m completely soaked by the rain.
Jun k’otin chi wa’ak naq xink’ulun. I set right in eating when I came.
II. Ordinal numbers
Ordinal numbers describe a number’s position with respect to others, meaning “first,”
“second,” “third,” and so on. In Q’eqchi’, they are as follows (note that each has a Possessive
Pronoun):
xb’een = first xjunlaju = eleventh

xkab’ = second xkab’laju = twelfth
rox = third roxlaju = 13th
xkaa = fourth xkaalaju = 14th
ro’ = fifth ro’laju = 15th
xwaq = sixth xwaqlaju = 16th
xwuq = seventh xwuqlaju = 17th
xwaqxaq = eighth xwaqxaqlaju = 18th
xb’ele = ninth xb’elelaju = 19th
xlaje = tenth xjun may = 20th
Note that the ordinal numbers are generally followed by the article li prior to the noun or
phrase they modify.
Examples:
A’an li xb’een li nawulak aran. He is the first to have arrived there.
A’an rox li kab’l. It’s the third house.
Laa’in ro’ li ralal. I’m his fifth child.
III. Other uses of numbers
A. Repetitive numbers
1. Repetition―Numbers, like other adjectives, can be repeated to alter the meaning.
Examples:
jun = one
Numbers Chapter 18
junjunq = each one

ka’kab’ = two by two
oxox = three by three, etc.
Examples:
Jo’kan na’ux re li junjunq chi winq. It happens like that to every man.
Ka’kab’ xe’wulak. They arrived two by two.
2. The suffix -atq―A distributive feeling can be given to a number by affixing the suffix -atq to
the number or another word in the phrase. (This corresponds to the pluralizer taq of closely
related Mayan languages.)
Examples:
Lix lajetq raqal. The tenth part. (lajetqil = tithing)
Yalaq b’ar wankatqeb’ li b’e aran. There are paths everywhere there.
B. Expression of division
1. Various numeral classifiers may be used to indicate a portion of something, such as raqal =
“division”, jachal = “piece”, ch’ol = “group”, and siir = “part”.
Examples:
Oxib’ raqal li hu a’in. This book has three divisions.
K’e chaq jun jachal we. Give me a piece.
Li jar ch’ol chi winq. The various groups of men.
Wan rik’in li jun siir chik. It’s with the other group.
Naqak’e lix lajetq raqal re li Qaawa’. We give the tenth part to the Lord.
2. Actual fractions may be expressed using the abbreviated numbers with the numeral classifier
jach = “division”.
Examples:
ka’jach = two halves

oxjach = thirds
kaajach = quarters
xyi = the middle
yijach = one half
3. An expression using the verb wank in combination with an ordinal number is sometimes used
to suggest a fraction less than the number stated.
Examples:
Chapter 18 Numbers
wan rox = two and a half (“going on three”)

wan xkaa = three and a half
4. The Spanish borrowing meer (i.e. medio or “half”) is sometimes used, especially in the
expression of time.
Example:
wiib’ rik’in meer = two and a half
5. An angular geometric shape is expressed by a variation of the term xuk = “corner”.
Examples:
oxxukuut = triangle
kaaxukuut = rectangle, etc.
C. Expression of unity or groups
1. The suffix “-il” or “-al” is used in combination with the cardinal numbers to express a group
suggested by the number. Note that in the case of jun, or one, a meaning of totalilty exists.
Examples:
chixjunil = all of it
chiqajunil = all of us
chejunil = all of you
chixjunileb’ = all of them
sa’ wiib’al = the pair of them
sa’ oxib’al = all three, as a threesome
2. With numbers greater than one, the suffix -ichal (affixed to the abbreviated form of the
number) may be used to indicate a group.
Examples:
kab’ichal = group of two

xkab’ichaleb’ = both of them
oxichal = group of three, etc.
D. Expression of “only”
Numbers Chapter 18
1. The suffix -aj or the word ajwi’ are both used to express “only.”
Examples:
Junaj chi winq. One single man.
Wiib’ ajwi’ wan we. I only have two.
Jun ajwi’ li Dios. There is but one God.
ka’ajwi’ = only
2. The term yal means “only” or “just”, and can be used in a similar way.
Example:
Yal jun ajwi’ wan we. I have just one.
Yal b’atz’unk naxb’aanu. He just plays around.
3. A derivation of this form is yalaq, which means “any”.
Examples:
Yalaq ani naru taab’aanunq re. Anyone can do it.
Yalaq b’ar natawman a’an. That is found in anywhere.
E. Telling time
To express time in Q’eqchi’ the terms oor = “hour” and minuut are borrowed from
Spanish. For minutes after the hour, the term rik’in = “with” is used; for minutes before the hour,
ma os used.
Vocabulary:
oor = hour wa’leb’ = noon
meer = one half eq’la = morning
mixk = earlier today ewu = afternoon
hoon = later today q’ojyin = night
hoonal = hour k’asal = minute
Examples:
Jarub’ oor? What time is it?
Jo’q’e wanko? What time are we?
Jo’q’e hoonal? What time?
Jo’q’e hoonal tatxik? What time will you go?
Sa’ lajeeb’ oor. At ten o’clock.
Lajeeb’ oor rik’in meer. Ten-thirty.
O’laju minuut chik ma oxib’ oor. Fifteen to three.
Tz’aqal sa’ wa’leb’ toowulaq. We’ll arrive by high noon.
Waqib’ oor re ewu. Six in the afternoon.
Chapter 18 Numbers
F. Dates and Years
1. Time in the past
Passage of time in the past is indicated by the verb nume’k = “to pass” and the term wan
= “there is/are”, as well as the various past tenses.
Vocabulary (note that many terms related to the past use the suffix -er):
najter = long ago kutan = day

junxil = previously xamaan = week
ewer = yesterday po = month
kab’ajer = two days ago chihab’= year
oxejer = three days ago jun hab’er = one year ago
yu’am = life numenaq = passed
Examples:
Jarub’ chihab’ wan re? How old is he?
Jarub’ chihab’ xyu’am? How old is he? (How many years of life?)
Jun may chihab’ wan re. He’s twenty years old.
Jun may chihab’ xyu’am. He’s twenty years old.
Jarub’ chihab’ wan naq kixb’aanu a’an? How many years ago did he do that?
Numenaq lajeeb’ chihab’. Ten years ago.
Lajeeb’ chihab’ wan naq kixb’aanu. He did it ten years ago.
Ak junxil xqatzol. It’s been a while since we learned it.
Distance in the past can also be expressed by using the verbal derivation suffix “-ik” (see
Appendix II, section III.B.), together with a time in the past.
Examples:
Oxib’ kutan xxikik. He left three days ago (“three days his departure”).
Jarub’ chihab’ xtiklajik? How many years ago did it start?
Wib’ po xchalik. He came two months ago.
2. Time in the future
Time in the future is indicated by using the future conjugations or the suffix “-aq” (see
Chapter 3, Section III). Aside from this, construction is similar to English or Spanish.
Vocabulary:
wulaj = tomorrow moqon = later
ka’b’ej = in two days jo’q’e = when, someday
Numbers Chapter 18
oxej = in three days maajo’q’e = never

akaq = already (future)
Examples:
Ka’b’ej taak’ulunq. He will come in two days.
Sa’ oxib’ po chik tooxik. We’ll go in two months.
Maare jo’q’ehaq tinb’aanu. Perhaps someday I’ll do it.
Sa’ wiib’ chihab’ chik akaq xinraqe’. In two years I shall have already finished.
3. Passage of time
To indicate that time is passing, the preposition chiru = “during” is used, together with
the units of time passed. To indicate an action after the passage of time, the preposition chirix is
used. Before is indicated by the phrase naq maji’ = “when it is not yet...”.
Examples:
Chiru wiib’ chihab’ yookin chaq chi k’anjelak. I was laboring for two years.
Chirix naq xnume’ oxib’ po, kisutq’i. . After three months had passed, he returned.
Naq maji’ nanume’ jun xamaan akaq xqab’aanu. Before a week’s passed we will have done it.
4. Expressing dates
To express formal dates, the cardinal numbers are used with the phrase xb’e li po = “path
of the month...”, followed by the name of the month. Week and month names are as in Spanish,
and years, when mentioned, employ the Spanish numerals.
Examples:
K’a’ru xb’e li po taab’aanumanq? What day of the month will it be done?
Xe’sumla sa’ kaahib’ xb’e li po Mayo. They were married on the 4th of May.
Sa’ li domingo jun chik toowanq aran. Next Sunday we’ll be there.
Chapter 18 Numbers
APPENDIX I
VERB CONJUGATIONS
This appendix contains a list of verb conjugations in all tenses, intransitive and transitive.
This list is a guide for reference only―there is no need to memorize the conjugations if you
master the patterns involved. For clarity’s sake, all translations are in Spanish.
At the conclusion is a section on intercalating, which means inserting elements into the
verb conjugation which expand its meaning.
I. List of Conjugations
A. Conjugations with NAK-
1. Intransitive
(wa’ak = comer)
ninwa’ak = yo como nokowa’ak = comemos

nakatwa’ak = tú comes nekexwa’ak = ustedes comen
nawa’ak = él come neke’wa’ak = ellos comen
2. Transitive with consonant
(sik’ok = buscar)
Obj. = 1st person singular
nikinaasik’ = me buscas
nikinixsik’ = me busca él
nikineesik’ = me buscan ustedes
nikine’xsik’ = me buscan ellos
Obj. = 1st person plural
nokohaasik’ = nos buscas

nokoxsik’ = nos busca él
nokoheesik’ = nos buscan ustedes
nokohe’xsik’ = nos buscan ellos
Obj. = 2nd person singular
nakatinsik’ = te busco
81
Verb Conjugations Appendix I
nakatxsik’ = te busca él
nakatqasik’ = te buscamos
nakate’xsik’ = te buscan ellos
Obj. = 2nd person plural
nekexinsik’ = les busco a ustedes

nekexxsik’ = él les busca a ustedes
nekexqasik’ = les buscamos a ustedes
nekexxsik’eb’ = ellos les buscan a ustedes
Obj. = 3rd person singular
ninsik’ = lo busco
nakasik’ = lo buscas
naxsik’ = lo busca él
naqasik’ = lo buscamos
nekesik’ = lo buscan ustedes
neke’xsik’ = lo buscan ellos
Obj. = 3rd person plural
nekeb’insik’ = los busco a ellos

ninsik’eb’ = “ “ “ “
nakasik’eb’ = los buscas
naxsik’eb’ = los busca él
neke’qasik’ = los buscamos
naqasik’eb’ = “ “
nekesik’eb’ = ustedes los buscan
neke’xsik’eb’ = ellos los buscan a los otros
Obj. = Reflexive
ninsik’ wib’ = yo me busco

nakasik’ aawib’ = tú te buscas
naxsik’ rib’ = él se busca
naqasik’ qib’ = nos buscamos
nekesik’ eerib’ = ustedes se buscan
neke’xsik’ rib’ = ellos se buscan
3. Transitive with vowel
(ab’ink = escuchar)
Appendix I Verb Conjugations
nikinaawab’i = me escuchas
nikinrab’i = me escucha él
nikineerab’i = me escuchan ustedes
nikine’rab’i = me escuchan ellos
nokohaawab’i = nos escuchas

nokorab’i = nos escucha él
nokoheerab’i = nos escuchan ustedes
nokohe’rab’i = nos escuchan ellos
nakatwab’i = te escucho
nakatrab’i = él te escucha
nakatqab’i = te escuchamos
nakate’rab’i = ellos te escuchan
nekexwab’i = les escucho a ustedes

nekexrab’i = él les escucha a ustedes
nekexqab’i = les escuchamos a ustedes
nekexrab’iheb’ = ellos les escuchan a ustedes
nawab’i = lo escucho
nakawab’i = lo escuchas
narab’i = lo escucha él
naqab’i= lo escuchamos
nekerab’i = lo escuchan ustedes
neke’rab’i = lo escuchan ellos
neke’wab’i = los escucho

nawab’iheb’ = “ “
nakawab’iheb’= los escuchas
narab’iheb’ = él los escucha

neke’qab’i = los escuchamos
naqab’iheb’ = “ “
nekerab’iheb’ = los escuchan ustedes
neke’rab’iheb’ = los escuchan ellos
Obj. = Reflexive
nawab’i wib’ = yo me escucho

nakawab’i aawib’ = tú te escuchas
narab’i rib’ = él se escucha
naqab’i qib’ = nosotros nos escuchamos
nekerab’i eerib’ = ustedes se escuchan
neke’rab’i rib’ = ellos se escuchan
B. Conjugations with TA-
1. Intransitive
tinwa’aq = yo comeré toowa’aq = comeremos

tatwa’aq = tú comerás texwa’aq = ustedes comerán
taawa’aq = él comerá te’wa’aq = ellos comerán
tinaasik’ = me buscarás
tinixsik’ = él me buscará
tineesik’ = ustedes me buscarán
tine’xsik’ = ellos me buscarán
toohaasik’ = nos buscarás

toxsik’ = él nos buscará
tooheesik’ = ustedes nos buscarán
toohe’xsik’ = ellos nos buscarán
tatinsik’ = te buscaré
tatixsik’ = él te buscará
tatqasik’ = te buscaremos
tate’xsik’ = ellos te buscarán
texinsik’ = les buscaré a ustedes

texxsik’ = él les buscará a ustedes
texqasik’ = les buscaremos a ustedes
texxsik’eb’ = ellos les buscarán a ustedes
tinsik’ = lo buscaré
taasik’ = lo buscarás
tixsik’ = lo buscará él
taqasik’ = lo buscaremos
teesik’ = lo buscarán ustedes
te’xsik’ = lo buscarán ellos
teb’insik’ = los buscaré

tinsik’eb’ = “ “
taasik’eb’ = los buscarás
tixsik’eb’ = los buscará él
te’qasik’ = los buscaremos
taqasik’eb’ = “ “
teesik’eb’ = ustedes los buscarán
te’xsik’eb’ = ellos los buscarán
Obj. = Reflexive
tinsik’ wib’ = yo me buscaré

taasik’ aawib’ = tú te buscarás
tixsik’ rib’ = él se buscará
taqasik’ qib’ = nosotros nos buscaremos
teesik’ eerib’ = ustedes se buscarán
te’xsik’ rib’ = ellos se buscarán

tinaawab’i = me escucharás
tinrab’i = él me escuchará
tineerab’i = ustedes me escucharán
tine’rab’i = ellos me escucharán
toohaawab’i = nos escucharás

toorab’i = él nos escuchará
tooheerab’i = ustedes nos escucharán
toohe’rab’i = ellos nos escucharán
tatwab’i = te escucharé
tatrab’i = él te escuchará
tatqab’i = te escucharemos
tate’rab’i = ellos te escucharán
texwab’i = les escucharé a ustedes

texrab’i = él les escuchará a ustedes
texqab’i = les escucharemos a ustedes
texrab’iheb’ = ellos les escucharán a ustedes
twab’i, tinwab’i = lo escucharé

taawab’i = lo escucharás
trab’i, tarab’i = él lo escuchará
tqab’i, taqab’i = lo escucharemos
teerab’i = ustedes lo escucharán
te’rab’i = ellos lo escucharán
te’wab’i = los escucharé

tinwab’iheb’ = “ “
taawab’iheb’ = los escucharás
trab’iheb’ = él los escuchará
te’qab’i = los escucharemos
tqab’iheb’ = “ “
teerab’iheb’ = ustedes los escucharán

te’rab’iheb’ = ellos los escucharán
Obj. = Reflexive
tinwab’i wib’ = yo me escucharé

taawab’i aawib’ = tú te escucharás
tarab’i rib’ = él se escuchará
taqab’i qib’ = nosotros nos escucharemos
teerab’i eerib’ = ustedes se escucharán
te’rab’i rib’ = ellos se escucharán
C. Conjugations with X-
1. Intransitive
xinwa’ak = yo comí xoowa’ak = nosotros comimos

xatwa’ak = tú comiste xexwa’ak = ustedes comieron
xwa’ak = él comió xe’wa’ak = ellos comieron
xinaasik’ = tú me buscaste
xinixsik’ = él me buscó
xineesik’ = ustedes me buscaron
xine’xsik’ = ellos me buscaron
xoohaasik’ = tú nos buscaste

xooxsik’ = él nos buscó
xooheesik’ = ustedes nos buscaron
xoohe’xsik’ = ellos nos buscaron
xatinsik’ = te busqué
xatxsik’ = él te buscó
xatqasik’ = te buscamos
xate’xsik’ = te buscaron
xexinsik’ = les busqué a ustedes

xexxsik’ = él les buscó a ustedes
xexqasik’ = les buscamos a ustedes
xexxsik’eb’ = ellos les buscaron a ustedes
xinsik’ = lo busqué
xaasik’ = lo buscaste
xsik’ = lo buscó él
xqasik’ = lo buscamos
xeesik’ = ustedes lo buscaron
xe’xsik’ = ellos lo buscaron
xeb’insik’ = los busqué

xinsik’eb’ = “ “
xaasik’eb’ = los buscaste
xsik’eb’ = los buscó él
xe’qasik’ = los buscamos
xqasik’eb’ = “ “
xeesik’eb’ = ustedes los buscaron
xe’xsik’eb’ = ellos los buscaron
Obj. = Reflexive
xinsik’ wib’ = yo me busqué

xaasik’ aawib’ = tú te buscaste
xsik’ rib’ = él se buscó
xqasik’ qib’ = nosotros nos buscamos
xeesik’ eerib’ = ustedes se buscaron
xe’xsik’ rib’ = ellos se buscaron
xinaawab’i = me escuchaste
xinrab’i = él me escuchó
xineerab’i = ustedes me escucharon
xine’rab’ = ellos me escucharon
xoohaawab’i = nos escuchaste

xoorab’i = él nos escuchó
xooheerab’i = ustedes nos escucharon
xoohe’rab’i = ellos nos escucharon
xatwab’i = te escuché
xatrab’i = él te escuchó
xatqab’i = te escuchamos
xate’rab’i = ellos te escucharon
xexwab’i = les escuché a ustedes

xexrab’i = él les escuchó a ustedes
xexqab’i = les escuchamos a ustedes
xexrab’iheb’ = ellos les escucharon a ustedes
xwab’i = lo escuché
xaawab’i = lo escuchaste
xrab’i = él lo escuchó
xqab’i = lo escuchamos
xeerab’i = ustedes lo escucharon
xe’rab’i = ellos lo escucharon
xe’wab’i = los escuché

xwab’iheb’ = “ “
xaawab’iheb’ = los escuchaste
xrab’iheb’ = él los escuchó
xe’qab’i = los escuchamos
xqab’iheb’ = “ “
xeerab’iheb’ = ustedes los escucharon
xe’rab’iheb’ = ellos los escucharon
D. Conjugations with KI-
1. Intransitive
kinwa’ak = yo comí koowa’ak = nosotros comimos

katwa’ak = tú comiste kexwa’ak = ustedes comieron
kiwa’ak = él comió ke’wa’ak = ellos comieron
kinaasik’ = tú me buscaste
kinixsik’ = él me buscó
kineesik’ = ustedes me buscaron
kine’xsik’ = ellos me buscaron
koohaasik’ = tú nos buscaste

kooxsik’ = él nos buscó
kooheesik’ = ustedes nos buscaron
koohe’xsik’ = ellos nos buscaron
katinsik’ = te busqué
katxsik’ = él te buscó
katqasik’ = te buscamos
kate’xsik’ = ellos te buscaron
kexinsik’ = les busqué a ustedes

kexxsik’ = él les buscó a ustedes
kexqasik’ = les buscamos a ustedes
kexxsik’eb’ = ellos les buscaron a ustedes
kinsik’ = lo busqué
kaasik’ = lo buscaste
kixsik’ = él lo buscó
kiqasik’ = lo buscamos
keesik’ = ustedes lo buscaron
ke’xsik’ = ellos lo buscaron
keb’insik’ = los busqué

kinsik’eb’ = “ “
kaasik’eb’ = los buscaste
kixsik’eb’ = él los buscó a ellos
ke’qasik’ = los buscamos
kiqasik’eb’ = “ “
keesik’eb’ = ustedes los buscaron
ke’xsik’eb’ = ellos los buscaron
Obj. = Reflexive
kinsik’ wib’ = yo me busqué

kaasik’ aawib’ = tú te buscaste
kixsik’ rib’ = él se buscó
kiqasik’ qib’ = nosotros nos buscamos
kesik’ eerib’ = ustedes se buscaron
ke’xsik’ rib’ = ellos se buscaron
kinaawab’i = me escuchaste
kinrab’i = él me escuchó
kineerab’i = ustedes me escucharon
kine’rab’i = ellos me escucharon
koohaawab’i = nos escuchaste

koorab’i = él nos escuchó
kooheerab’i = ustedes nos escucharon
koohe’rab’i = ellos nos escucharon
katwab’i = te escuché
katrab’i = él te escuchó
katqab’i = te escuchamos
kate’rab’i = ellos te escucharon
kexwab’i = les escuché a ustedes

kexrab’i = él les escuchó a ustedes
kexqab’i = les escuchamos a ustedes
kexrab’iheb’ = ellos les escucharon a ustedes
kiwab’i = lo escuché
kawab’i = lo escuchaste
kirab’i = él lo escuchó
kiqab’i = lo escuchamos
kerab’i = ustedes lo escucharon
ke’rab’i = ellos lo escucharon
ke’wab’i = los escuché

kiwab’iheb’ = “ “
kawab’iheb’ = los escuchaste
kirab’iheb’ = él los escuchó
ke’qab’i = los escuchamos
kiqab’iheb’ = “ “
kerab’iheb’ = ustedes los escucharon
ke’rab’iheb’ = ellos los escucharon
Obj. = Reflexive
kiwab’i wib’ = yo me escuché

kawab’i aawib’ = tú te escuchaste
kiqab’i qib’ = nosotros nos escucharemos
kerab’i eerib’ = ustedes se escucharán
ke’rab’i rib’eb’ = ellos se escucharán
E. Conjugations with CHI-
1. Intransitive
chinwa’aq = que coma yo choowa’aq = que comamos

chatwa’aq = que comas tú chexwa’aq = que coman ustedes
chiwa’aq = que coma él che’wa’aq = que coman ellos
chinaasik’ = que me busques tú

chinixsik’ = que me busque él
chineesik’ = que me busquen ustedes
chine’xsik’ = que me busquen ellos
choohaasik’ = que nos busques tú

choxsik’ = que nos busque él
chooheesik’ = que nos busquen ustedes
choohe’xsik’ = que nos busquen ellos
chatinsik’ = que te busque yo

chatixsik’ = que te busque él
chatqasik’ = que te busquemos
chate’xsik’ = que te busquen ellos
chexinsik’ = que les busque yo a ustedes

chexxsik’ = que les busque él a ustedes
chexqasik’ = que les busquemos a ustedes
chexxsik’eb’ = que les busquen ellos a ustedes
chinsik’ = que lo busque yo

chasik’ = que lo busques tú
chixsik’ = que lo busque él
chiqasik’ = que lo busquemos
chesik’ = que lo busquen ustedes
che’xsik’ = que lo busquen ellos

cheb’insik’ = que los busque yo

chinsik’eb’ = “ “ “ “
chaasik’eb’ = que los busques tú
chixsik’eb’ = que él los busque a ellos
che’qasik’ = que los busquemos nosotros
chiqasik’eb’ = “ “ “ “
cheesik’eb’ = que ustedes los busquen
che’xsik’eb’ = que ellos los busquen
Obj. = Reflexive
chinsik’ wib’ = que yo me busque

chaasik’ aawib’ = que tú te busques
chixsik’ rib’ = que él se busque
chiqasik’ qib’ = que nosotros nos busquemos
cheesik’ eerib’ = que ustedes se busquen
che’xsik’ rib’ = que ellos se busquen
chinaawab’i = que me escuches tú

chinrab’i = que me escuche él
chineerab’i = que me escuchen ustedes
chine’rab’i = que me escuchen ellos
choohaawab’i = que nos escuches tú

choorab’i = que nos escuche él
chooheerab’i = que nos escuchen ustedes
choohe’rab’i = que nos escuchen ellos
chatwab’i = que te escuche yo

chatrab’i = que te escuche él
chatqab’i = que te escuchemos
chate’rab’i = que te escuchen ellos

chexwab’i = que les escuche yo a ustedes

chexrab’i = que les escuche él a ustedes
chexqab’i = que les escuchemos a ustedes
chexrab’iheb’ = que les escuchen ellos a ustedes
chiwab’i = que lo escuche yo

chaawab’i = que lo escuches tú
chirab’i = que lo escuche él
chiqab’i = que lo escuchemos
cheerab’i = que lo escuchen ustedes
che’rab’i = que lo escuchen ellos
che’wab’i = que los escuche yo

chiwab’iheb’ = “ “ “ “
chaawab’iheb’ = que los escuches tú
chirab’iheb’ = que los escuche él
che’qab’i = que los escuchemos
chiqab’iheb’ = “ “ “
cheerab’iheb’ = que los escuchen ustedes
che’rab’iheb’ = que los escuchen ellos
Obj. = Reflexive
chiwab’i wib’ = que yo me escuche

chaawab’i aawib’ = que tú te escuches
chirab’i rib’ = que él se escuche
chiqab’i qib’ = que nosotros nos escuchemos
cheerab’i eerib’ = que ustedes se escuchen
che’rab’i rib’eb’ = que ellos se escuchen
F. Conjugations with MI-
1. Intransitive
minwa’ak = que no coma yo moowa’ak = que no comamos

matwa’ak = que no comas tú mexwa’ak = que no coman ustedes
miwa’ak = que no coma él me’wa’ak = que no coman ellos

minaasik’ = que no me busques tú

minixsik’ = que no me busque él
mineesik’ = que no me busquen ustedes
mine’xsik’ = que no me busquen ellos
moohaasik’ = que no nos busques tú

moxsik’ = que no nos busque él
mooheexsik’ = que no nos busquen ustedes
moohe’xsik’ = que no nos busquen ellos
matinsik’ = que no te busque yo

matxsik’ = que no te busque él
matqasik’ = que no te busquemos
mate’xsik’ = que no te busquen ellos
mexinsik’ = que no les busque yo a ustedes

mexxsik’ = que no les busque él a ustedes
mexqasik’ = que no les busquemos a ustedes
mexxsik’eb’ = que no les busquen ellos a ustedes
minsik’ = que no lo busque yo

maasik’ = que no lo busques tú
mixsik’ = que no lo busque él
miqasik’ = que no lo busquemos
meesik’ = que no lo busquen ustedes
me’xsik’ = que no lo busquen ellos
meb’insik’ = que no los busque yo

minsik’eb’ = “ “ “ “ “
maasik’eb’ = que no los busques tú
mixsik’eb’ = que él no los busque a ellos

me’qasik’ = que no los busquemos nosotros
miqasik’eb’ = “ “ “ “ “
meesik’eb’ = que ustedes no los busquen
me’xsik’eb’ = que ellos no los busquen
Obj. = Reflexive
minsik’ wib’ = que yo no me busque

maasik’ aawib’ = que tú no te busqaues
mixsik’ rib’ = que él no se busque
miqasik’ qib’ = que nosotros no nos busquemos
meesik’ eerib’ = que ustedes no se busquen
me’xsik’ rib’ = que ellos no se busquen
minaawabi = que no me escuches tú

minrab’i = que no me escuche él
mineerab’i = que no me escuchen ustedes
mine’rab’i = que no me escuchen ellos
moohaawab’i = que no nos escuches tú

moorab’i = que no nos escuche él
mooheerab’i = que no nos escuchen ustedes
moohe’rab’i = que no nos escuchen ellos
matwab’i = que no te escuche yo

matrab’i = que no te escuche él
matqab’i = que no te escuchemos
mate’rab’i = que no te escuchen ellos
mexwab’i = que no les escuche yo a ustedes

mexrab’i = que no les escuche él a ustedes
mexqab’i = que no les escuchemos a ustedes
mexrab’iheb’ = que no les escuchen ellos a ustedes
miwab’i = que no lo escuche yo

maawab’i = que no lo escuches tú
mirab’i = que no lo escuche él
miqab’i = que no lo escuchemos
meerab’i = que no lo escuchen ustedes
me’rab’i = que no lo escuchen ellos
me’wab’i = que no los escuche yo

miwab’iheb’ = “ “ “ “ “
maawab’iheb’ = que no los escuches tú
mirab’iheb’ = que no los escuche él
me’qab’i = que no los escuchemos
miqab’iheb’ = “ “ “ “
meerab’iheb’ = que no los escuchen ustedes
me’rab’iheb’ = que no los escuchen ellos
Obj. = Reflexive
miwab’i wib’ = que yo no me escuche

maawab’i aawib’ = que tú no te escuches
mirab’i rib’ = que él no se escuche
miqab’i qib’ = que nosotros no nos escuchemos
meerab’i eerib’ = que ustedes no se escuchen
me’rab’i rib’ = que ellos no se escuchen
G. Conjugations with O-
1. Intransitive
inwa’ak = yo comí oowa’ak = nosotros comimos

atwa’ak = tú comiste exwa’ak = ustedes comieron
owa’ak = él comió e’wa’ak = ellos comieron

inaasik’ = me buscaste
inixsik’ = él me buscó
ineesik’ = ustedes me buscaron
ine’xsik’ = ellos me buscaron
oohaasik’ = nos buscaste

ooxsik’ = él nos buscó
ooheesik’ = ustedes nos buscaron
oohe’xsik’ = ellos nos buscaron
atinsik’= te busqué
atxsik’ = él te buscó
atqasik’ = te buscamos
ate’xsik’ = ellos te buscaron
exinsik’ = les busqué a ustedes

exxsik’ = él les buscó a ustedes
exqasik’ = les buscamos a ustedes
exxsik’eb’ = ellos les buscaron a ustedes
onsik’ = yo lo busqué
aasik’ = tú lo buscaste
ohsik’ = él lo buscó
oqasik’ = nosotros lo buscamos
oheesik’ = ustedes lo buscaron
e’xsik’ = ellos lo buscaron
eb’insik’ = yo los busqué a ellos

onsik’eb’ = “ “ “ “ “
aasik’eb’ = tú los buscaste a ellos
ohsik’eb’ = él los buscó a ellos
e’qasik’ = nosotros los buscamos a ellos
oqasik’eb’ = “ “ “ “ “
oheesik’eb’ = ustedes los buscaron a ellos

e’xsik’eb’ = ellos los buscaron a los otros
Obj. = Reflexive
onsik’ wib’ = yo me busqué

aasik’ aawib’ = tú te buscaste
ohsik’ rib’ = él se buscó
oqasik’ qib’ = nosotros nos buscamos
oheesik’ eerib’ = ustedes se buscaron
e’xsik’ rib’ = ellos se buscaron
inaawabi = me escuchaste
inrab’i = él me escuchó
ineerab’i = ustedes me escucharon
ine’rab’i = ellos me escucharon
oohaawab’i = me escuchaste
oorab’i = él me escuchó
ooheerab’i = ustedes nos escucharon
oohe’rab’i = ellos nos escucharon
atwab’i= te escuché
atrab’i = él te escuchó
atqab’i = te escuchamos
ate’rab’i = ellos te escucharon
exwab’i = les escuché a ustedes

exrab’i = él les escuchó a ustedes
exqab’i= les escuchamos a ustedes
exrab’iheb’ = ellos les escucharon a ustedes

owab’i = yo lo escuché
aawab’i = tú lo escuchaste
orab’i = él lo escuchó
oqab’i = nosotros lo escuchamos
eerab’i = ustedes lo escucharon
e’rab’i = ellos lo escucharon
e’wab’i = yo los escuché a ellos

owab’iheb’ = “ “ “ “ “
aawab’iheb’ = tú los escuchaste a ellos
orab’iheb’ = él los escuchó a ellos
e’qab’i = nosotros los escuchamos a ellos
oqab’iheb’ = “ “ “ “ “
eerab’iheb’ = ustedes los escharon a ellos
e’rab’iheb’ = ellos los escucharon a los otros
Obj. = Reflexive
owab’i wib’ = yo me escuché

aawab’i aawib’ = tú te escuchaste
orab’i rib’ = él se escuchó
oqab’i qib’ = nosotros nos escuchamos
eerab’i eerib’ = ustedes se escucharon
e’rab’i rib’eb’ = ellos se escucharon
II. Intercalation in Verb Conjugations
Certain particles may be inserted into the conjugation to increase the meaning of the verb.
This process is called intercalation.
A. Direction of action―particles -ox and -ol
These two particles indicate direction of the action relative to the speaker, and are added
directly to the tense marker (preceding any pronouns) in the following manner:
nak- ===> nokox-, nokol-

taa- ===> tox-, tol-
x- ===> xox-, xol-
ki- ===> kox-, kol-
chi- ===> chox-, chol-
mi- ===> mox-, mol-
These are used with both transitive and intransitive conjugations. At times they are
pronounced -ux or -ul.
1. The particle -ol indicates that the action of the verb takes place towards the speaker. For all
intransitive conjugations the future suffix –q is used for all intransitive conjugations, regardless
of tense.
Examples:
Maare jo’q’ehaq tolexwil wi’chik. Maybe someday I’ll come and see you again.
Molinaawaatina wulaj, maa’anihaqin. Don’t come to talk to me tomorrow, I won’t be home.
2. The particle -ox indicates that the action of the verb takes place away from the speaker. In this
case the future suffix -q is used for all intransitive conjugations, regardless of tense. (Note that
the verb ok = “to enter” employs the suffix –aq also, as shown in the example below.)
Examples:
Toxinwa’aq aran. I’ll go eat there.
Wulaj toxatwaatina. Tomorrow I’ll go talk to you.
Koxe’okaq sa’ kab’l. They went and entered into the house.
B. Totality―the particle laj
The particle laj is added to the tense marker in a similar fashion, and indicates that the
action was completed on many subjects or objects.
Examples:
K’iila sachb’a-ch’oolej kilaje’xb’aanu. They did many miracles.
Xlaje’nume’ sa’ tenamit. All of them passed through the town.
C. Diminutive―the particle ch’ina
The term ch’ina = “small” is used to form a diminutive form of a verb. Its use is quite
common.In this case it is added directly before the verb, rather than as a part of the conjugation,
and follows the pronouns.
Examples:
Yal k’anjelak sa’ kab’l naxch’inab’aanu. She just does her little chores in the home.
Junpaat ajwi’ tooch’inahilanq. We’ll just rest a little minute.
APPENDIX II
VERB DERIVATIONS
This appendix shows many of the patterns by which verbs may be formed from other
elements of speech, and vice versa. Some, such as the formation of the passive voice verbs, were
presented in the body of the grammar and are not included here.
I. Verbs Derived from Nouns
A. The most common way of forming a verb from a Q’eqchi’ noun is by addition of the suffix
-ak to form an intransitive verb, or the suffix -ank for a transitive verb.
Examples:
aatin = word kab’l = house
aatinak = to speak kab’lak= to build
aatinank = to talk to kab’lank = to build something
k’anjel = work k’a’uxl = mind, thought
k’anjelak = work k’oxlak = to think
k’anjelank = to work on k’oxlank = to think about
(Note the importance of the short “a” in the intransitive form, which serves to distinguish
it from the passive voice form of the transitive―for example, elq’ak = “to steal” with a long
vowel becomes elq’aak = “to be robbed”!)
B. Some nouns employ the suffix -ik and -ink in the same fashion. This is the form used
exclusively for nouns borrowed from Spanish.
Examples:
b’alaq’ = deceit trab’aaj = job
b’alaq’ik = to be deceitful trab’ajik = to work (in a job)
b’alaq’ink = to deceive trab’ajink = to work on something
C. The suffix -ibk with its variations forms an intransitive verb generally related to hunting
something.
Examples:
kar = fish; karib’k = to fish
aj yo = hunter; yohob’k = to hunt
tap = crab; tapib’k = to hunt crabs
II. Verbs derived from adjectives
A. Intransitive Verbs
Appendix II Verb Derivations
1. The most common way of forming an intransitive verb from an adjective is by using the suffix
“-o’k”, which indicates that the subject of the verb becomes what the adjective describes.
Because the difference between nouns and adjectives is so vague in Q’eqchi’, this form can also
be used with nouns.
Examples:
chaab’il = good chaab’ilo’k = to become better
q’an = ripe q’ano’k = to ripen
2. Some adjectives employ the suffix “-aak”, which has a similar meaning except that it implies a
more gradual process.
Examples:
q’an = ripe q’anaak = to gradually ripen
q’un = soft q’unaak = to become soft
3. The suffix “-erk” with variations, is used to form verbs relating to illness.
Examples:
yaj = sick yajerk = to become sick
xox = rash xoxerk = to get a rash
sik = palsied sikirk = to develop palsy
B. Transitive verbs
The suffix “-ob’resink” is used to form a transitive verb from an adjective or noun. This
is related to the intransitive suffix “-o’k”, and means to make the object of the verb into what the
adjective describes.
Examples:
saq = white
saqo’k = to become white
saqob’resink = to make white
chaab’il = good
chaab’ilo’k = to become better
chaab’ilob’resink = to make better
In a few cases this suffix is shortened to “-resink” with a somewhat similar meaning.
Example:
kaw = hard, strong
kawo’k= to harden, become stronger
kawresink = to prepare
Verb Derivations Appendix II
kawob’resink = to strengthen, make hard
It should also be noted that in a few of the Q’eqchi’-speaking areas, the transitive root of
verbs ending with “-sink” ends with the final “s”. Hence, toorosob’tesi = “he will bless us”
becomes toorosob’tes.
III. Derivations from Intransitive Verbs
A. Forming transitive verbs
1. The suffix “-sink” may be added to some of the intransitive verbs to form a related transitive
one.
Examples:
kamk = to die kamsink = to kill
ok = to enter oksink = to bring in
waklik = to rise waklesink = to raise something up
2. The suffix “-tesink” is used with some intransitive verbs in a similar fashion.
Examples:
wa’ak = to eat wa’tesink = to make eat (ritually)
kalaak = to get drunk kaltesink = to intoxicate
B. Expressing action as an event
The suffix “-ik” or “-jik” may be added in place of the final “-k” of many intransitive
verbs to indicate a single occurrence of the action of the verb. In this case a Possessive Pronoun
is generally used to indicate the subject of the verb.
Examples:
chalk = to come
xchalik = his coming
wakliik = to rise up
xwaklijik chi yo’yo = his rising to life (resurrection)
At times, particularly in Senahú, this form is used to indicate that the action has taken
place for once and for all.
Example:
Ma eechalik? Have you come here to stay?
IV. Instrument and place of action
There are suffixes which may be added to both transitive and intransitive verbs to
indicate an instrument used to perform an action, or the place in which it is done.
A. Instrument of an action
The instrument is indicated with the suffix “-leb’.”
Examples:
na’ok = to know na’leb’ = idea, concept
tz’iib’ank = to write tz’iibleb’ = writing instrument
pech’ok = to work wood pech’leb’ = woodworking tool
B. Place of an action
A related suffix, “-leb’aal” or “-eb’aal”, is used to indicate the place where the action is
performed.
Examples:
ok = to enter okeb’aal = entrance
puch’uk = to wash clothes puch’leb’aal = laundry
V. Derivations from Monosyllabic Verb Roots
As you have already learned, Q’eqchi’ contains a very large series of verb roots which
consist of a single syllable with a short vowel. These can be derived into a wide variety of forms,
both conjugated verbs and other unconjugated forms. This rich variation lends a great deal of
color and beauty to the Q’eqchi’ language.
A. Transitive forms
1. The most basic transitive form is that which employs the suffix “-ok” (or “-uk”, if the vowel in
the verb root is “u”). This form, of course, was presented in discussion of the transitive verbs.
Examples:
loq’ok = to buy k’utuk = to show
k’amok = to carry bak’ok = to tie up
2. The suffix “-ink” indicates a repetitive action.
Examples:
loq’ok = to buy loq’ink = to buy many things
k’atok = to burn k’atink = to burn many objects
3. The suffix “-lenk” indicates an action which is done carelessly, without precision.
Examples:
sachok = to lose sachlenk = to waste
b’ak’ok = to tie bak’lenk = to tie things carelessly
B. Intransitive forms
1. Some of the verbs with the “-ok” transitive ending have a corresponding intransitive form in
which the “-ok” is replaced simply by “-k”. The meaning is simply an intransitive form of the
verb.
Examples:
sachok = to lose sachk = to get lost
titz’ok = to bore titz’k = to get bored
chupuk= to put out (a light) chupk = to go out
2. The suffix “-q’iik” is used to form an intransitive verb which indicates a sudden, unexpected,
and out-of-place verbal action.
Examples:
sutuk = to encircle sutq’iik = to return suddenly
b’asok = to fold b’asq’iik = unexpected bending action (a
branch giving way to cause a
fall, for example)
C. Stative verbs
There are a series of verbs which indicate a body position or other condition of the
subject. These are termed Stative verbs. There is an intransitive and transitive form, and a
corresponding adjective which will be presented later.
1. The intransitive form indicates that the subject appears in the position indicated by the verb
root, and is formed by adding the suffix “-laak” to the verb root.
Examples:
k’ojlaak = to sit yoklaak = to lie down
yo’laak = to be born wiq’laak = to kneel
sumlaak = to marry tuqlaak = to calm down
Some verb roots take instead the suffix “-liik.”

Examples:
xaqliik = to stand, stop still wakliik= to rise up
2. The transitive form indicates that the object is placed in the position indicated by the verb.
(Compare the examples below to the transitive ones above). It is indicated by a repetition of the
root vowel, followed by the suffix “-b’ank”.
Examples:
k’ojob’ank = to place in sitting position
yokob’ank = to lay a person down
wiq’ib’ank = to place in kneeling posture
xaqab’ank = to set standing up, to stop
tuqub’ank = to calm, to settle
D. Descriptive action verbs
These are a series of derivations which describe the action of the verb in great detail.
These forms are generally conjugated with NAK.
1. Repetitive action
a) A verb indicating small, rapid repetative motion is formed by repeating the first consonant of
the root and adding the suffix “-ot” (or “-ut” if the vowel in the root is “u”).
Examples:
nawalwot = something small flapping in the wind
napurput = the flap of a small bird’s wings
nak’osk’ot = the ticking of a watch
b) A similar verb indicating larger and slower repetitive motion is formed by lengthening the root
vowel, then adding the suffix “-an” to the root. (Compare these examples to those above.)
Examples:
nawaalan = trees waving in the wind
napuuran = the slow flap of a large bird’s wings
nasaalan = the staggering of an intoxicated person
c) Repetative motion over a long period of time or associated with movement is indicated by
repeating the root a second time minus the first consonant, and adding the suffix “-nak”.
Examples:
najuyuynak = movement of a brook
nat’uyuynak = a hanging object swaying while being carried

nach’ururnak = water gushing from a spout
2. Sudden appearance
a) The sudden appearance or action of a subject in a way indicated by the verb root is expressed
with the suffix “-b’ak”. This indicates a single very brief action.
Examples:
narepb’ak = flash of a camera
narachb’ak = splash from a stone in the water
nalapb’ak = a stake sticks in the ground when thrown
b) The suffix “-lok” (or “luk” if the root vowel is “u”) is used to show a more complex sudden
appearance, or multiple simultaneous sudden actions. (Compare these examples to those above.)
Examples:
nareplok = flash of lightning
narachlok = splattering of mud
napumluk = large explosion
3. The appearance of multiple objects is expressed by repeating the vowel of the root and adding
the suffix “-xink”. (This is related to a nonconjugated form shown below.)
Examples:
naq’otoxin = many turns in the road (from q’ot = “curve”)
nat’uyuxin = appearance of many things hung from the ceiling
E. Non-conjugated forms
1. Stative adjectives
An adjective which is closely related to the Stative verbs presented above may be formed
by repeating the initial consonant of the root followed by the vowel “o” (or “u” if that is the root
vowel). This form was also presented in Chapter 13, section I.C.2.
Examples:
xaqliik = to stand, stop xaqxo = standing, stationary
tz’apok= to shut tz’aptz’o = closed
chunlaak = to sit chunchu = seated
2. Numeral classifiers
a) The use of numeral classifiers was described in Chapter 18, section I.F. Numeral classifiers are
fromed from the verb root by adding the suffix “vowel-l”.
Examples:
t’ort’o = spherical t’orol = spherical object
b’asb’o= folded basal = folded object
b) In some cases the numeral classifiers serve as adjectives, especially when they describe a
defect.
Examples:
K’atal li wa. The tortilla is burned.
Yok’ol intel. My arm is cut.
c) A related noun may be formed by adding the suffix “ -al” to this derivation. This noun is
always possessed.
Examples:
xyok’olal = his wound
xb’asalil = its kink or fold
3. Stative noun
This is formed by the suffix “-am”, and indicates a condition related to the verb root. It is
usually possessed.
Examples:
terto = elevated xteram = his height
xaqxo = standing xxaqam = his standing form
yo’yo = alive xyu’am = his life
4. Expression of sudden action
The suffix “-aamil” (probably related to the “-am” suffix above) indicates an action that
occurs suddenly.
Examples:
xaqliik = to stand xaqaamil = appeared suddenly standing
sachok = to lose sachaamil = vanished suddenly
5. Appearance of multiple objects
The suffix “vowel-x” forms an adjective which describes multiple objects in the position
indicated by the verb root. This form is related to the verb suffix “-xink” presented above, and is
frequently repeated twice.
Example:
Q’otox q’otox li b’e. The road is very winding.
APPENDIX III
GLOSSARIES
I. Family Relations
Words expressing family relationships are nearly always possessed, and in Q’eqchi’ they
can appear unaltered only with a Possessive Pronoun.
(x)na’ = mother
(x)yuwa’ = father
(x)na’ (x)yuwa’ = parents (collective term)
(x)na’chin = grandmother, godmother
(r)ixa’an = grandmother
(x)yuwa’chin = grandfather, godfather
(x)mama’ = grandfather
(r)alal = son
(x)k’ajol = son (archaic term)
(r)alal (x)k’ajol = sons and daughters, descendents (collectively)
(x)yum = son (of mother)
(x)rab’in = daughter (of father)
(x)ko’ = daughter (of mother)
(r)as = older brother
(r)iitz’in = younger brother
(r)as (r)iitz’in = brothers and sisters, fellow man
(r)anab’ = sister
(x)chaq’na’ = oldest sister
(r)ixaqil = wife
(x)b’eelom = husband
(x)sum = spouse
(x)b’aalk = brother-in-law
(r)ixnam = sister-in-law
(r)alib’ = daughter-in-law
(x)hi’ = son-in-law
(r)imam = grandchild
(r)ikan = uncle
(r)ikan na’ = aunt
(r)ikaq’ = niece, nephew
(r)ech alal = relatives
junkab’al = household, family
sumlaak = get married
sumsu = married
When these terms of family relationship are not possessed, they must be modified with
the suffix “-b’ej”.
Examples:
113
Glossaries Appendix III
Li K’ajolb’ej. The Son (of God).

A’an iitz’inb’ej chiwu. He is younger than I.
Laa’in asb’ejin chawu laa’at. I am older than you.
Ma eeriitz’in eerib’? Are you brothers?
II. Body Parts
A. Basic body part terms
Like terms of family relationship, body parts are generally possessed, and must have a
Possessive Pronoun.
(x)tib’el = flesh, body

(x)junxaqalil = body (of a living person, implies standing)
(x)tz’ejwal = body, male organ
(x)jolom = head
(r)u = face, eyes
(r)ilob’aal = appearance, face
xnaq’ (r)u = eyes, face
xsa’ (r)u = eyes
(x)peekem = forehead
(r)u’uj = nose
(x)xik = ears
(r)e = mouth
xtz’uumal (r)e = lips
ruuch (r)e = teeth
(x)ka’ = molars
ru’uj (r)aq’ = tongue
xko (r)e = cheek
(x)ja’aj = throat
(x)kux = neck
(x)tel = arm
xb’een (x)tel = shoulder
(r)uq’ = hand
rit (r)uq’ = elbow
ru’uj (r)uq’ = fingers
(r)ixii’ij = nails
(x)maq’ab’ = chest
(x)ch’ool = chest, heart, being
re (x)ch’ool = front of chest
(r)aam = heart, soul
(x)tu’ = woman’s breast; breast milk
Appendix III Glossaries
(x)xukuy = rib
(x)sa’ = stomach, belly
(r)ix = back
xxaal li (r)it = waist
juruch’ = spine
xk’uub’ (x)sa’ = pelvis, uterus
(r)it = seat, anus
(r)a’ = leg
xb’een (r)aq = knee
(r)oq = foot
rit (r)oq = heel
ru’uj (r)oq = toes
(x)musiq’ = breath, spirit
(r)oq (r)uq’ = hands and feet (i.e. general health)
When unpossessed, the body parts carry the suffix “-ej”. Rarely, the suffixed form can
also be possessed, indicating an illness of the part mentioned.
Examples:
Xik chi oqej. Going by foot (without mentioning who).
Yoo injolomb’ej. I have a head cold.
Sa’ej. Gastrointestinal illness.
B. Other body terms
Certain terms which indicate materials like “flesh” and “blood” of which the body are
made, may be possessed or unpossessed without alteration. However, when they are possessed as
a part of a person’s body, they must carry the suffix “-el” or its equivalent.
tib’ = flesh, meat

intib’ = my meat (to eat)
intib’el = my flesh, my body
b’aq = bone
xb’aq = bone in his possession
xb’aqel= his bones, bones of his body
kik’ = blood
xkik’el = his blood
tz’uum = skin, leather
xtz’uum = his leather
xtz’uumal = his skin
is = hair
rismal = his hair
ich’ = veins, tendons

rich’mul = his veins, tendons
C. Body functions and illness
kaw = healthy, strong

yaj = ill; pregnant
ra = painful
tiiwk = to ache
yajerk = to get sick
usaak = to get well
k’iraak = to be healed
k’irtesink = to heal
tiq = hot, fever
xox = sores, rash
tiqob’ = sweat
tiqob’ak = to sweat
numesa’ = diarrhea
xa’wak = to vomit
b’an = remedy, medicine
b’anok = to treat
yo’laak = to be born
wan sa’ yu’am = pregnant
yo’yo = alive
kamk = to die
kamenaq = dead
chu’ = urine
chu’uk = to urinate
k’ot = excrement
k’otak = to defecate
Examples:
Ma yajat? Are you sick?
Yajin, raa lin jolom. I’m sick, my head hurts.
Maare wulaj tat-usaaq. Maybe tomorrow you’ll feel better.
Yoo li tiq chirix. He has a fever.
Yoo xnumesa’, ut yoo chi xa’wak. He has diarrhea and is vomiting.
D. Grooming
atink = to bathe
ch’ajok = to wash (hands)
xiyab’ = comb
jot’ok = to brush
t’e’ok (x)jolom = to comb hair
b’esok = to cut hair
aj b’esonel = barber
tz’uluk = to braid
johok = to shave
mach = beard, chin
cham (r)ismal = long hair
t’uru’ = bald
E. Clothing
aq’ej, (r)aq’ = clothing

t’ikr = cloth
tiq’ib’ank = to clothe
tiqto = clothed
t’usub’ank = to uncover, make bare
k’ehok chi(r)ix = put on clothes
isink chi(r)ix = take off
xaab’ = shoes
k’aamal xaab’ = shoelaces
po’ot = huipil (native blouse worn by women)
uq = corte (native skirt)
k’aamal uq = belt for skirt
peraaj = shawl
wex = pants
kamiis = shirt
siinch = belt
k’aamal sa’ = sash, waistband used in healing
punit = hat
kadeen = necklace
bak’ok = to tie
lanok = to fold
setok = to cut with scissors
b’ojok = to sew
pikok = to embroider
kemok = to weave, knit
puchuk = to launder
chirib’ank = to spread out
ji’ok = to iron
tab’ = headstrap
iiq = burden
iiqank = to carry (a burden)
chakach = basket
b’itonk = to carry on head
paqonk = to carry over shoulder
III. Food
A. Staples
tzakemq = food
ixim = corn (plant, and grain)
k’ux = corn on the cob (toasted)
wa = tortilla, food
xorb’il = tortilla (regions around Senahú)
k’orech = toasted tortilla
tz’u’uj = tayuyo (tortilla mad with beans and chile)
ob’en = tamal
xep = tamal with whole beans
xut = tamal with mashed beans in center
poch = plain corn tamal
iswa = sweet corn tamal
kaxlan wa = bread
aros = rice
kenq = beans
ke’b’il kenq = mashed beans
B. Meats
tib’ = meat
xtib’el wakax = beef
xtib’el li aaq = pork
ak’ach = turkey
kaxlan = chicken
saaseb’ = liver
mol = eggs
kar = fish
tap = crab
pur = edible river snail
kaalt = soup
xkaaltil ak’ach= turkey soup (caldo de chunto—regional ceremonial dish)
C. Vegetables
q’ap = green beans

pix = tomato
ik = chile pepper
paaps = potato
is = sweet potato
tz’in = yuca
ch’ima = huisquil (chayote squash)
ru’uj ch’ima = huisquil greens
q’een = herbs
o = avocado
q’ib’ = pacaya flower
k’um = pumpkin
D. Fruits
ki’il q’een = fruits (lit. “sweet herbs”)

tul = banana
chin = orange
raxtul = injerto
sal tul = zapote
pata = guayaba
ch’op = pineapple
chi’ = nance
mansaan = apple
tokan = berry (blackberry, strawberry)
utz’aal = sugar cane
E. Drinks
uk’a = drink
ha’ = water
preesk = punch
b’oj = cane liquor
kape = coffee
k’atb’il wa = coffee substitute made from tortillas
uq’un = atol, hot sweet drink made from grain
mox = liquid hot cereal
F. Seasonings
atz’am = salt
ik = chile
k’aj ik = chile powder
aanx = garlic
kab’ = raw sugar cake
xya’al kab’ = honey, syrup
asuukr = sugar
xeeb’ = beef fat
manteek = pork lard
seb’ooy = onion
kakaw = cocoa beans
xayaw = achiote
pens = allspice
G. Flavors, textures
xsahil = flavor of something

sa = flavorful
ki’ = sweet
k’a = bitter
ra re = sour
ch’am = spoiled
sununk = fragrant
chu = stinky
tiq = hot
ke = cold
q’ix = warm
q’an = ripe
q’ano’k = ripen
rax = green (unripe)
sas = thick
ha’ = watery
kaw = hard
q’un = soft
chaqi = dry
chaqik = to dry out
t’aqt’aq = wet
t’aqresink = to wet something
xb’ook = vapor of something
H. Utensils
sek’ = dish
b’aas = glass
sel = gourd
kuchiiy = knife
ch’iich’ = knife
kuchaar = spoon
kuk = earthen jar
uk’al = pot
hoom = huacal (coconut-like shell bowl)
ka’ = grindstone
k’il = earthen griddle
I. Related verbs and terms
tz’okaak = to be hungry
wa’ak = to eat (intransitive)
tzekank = to eat
uk’ak = to drink
tz’ub’uk = to suck from straw, etc.
wa’ok = to eat tortillas
tiwok = to bite, eat meat
lowok = to eat fruit, soft things
k’uxuk = to chew, eat crunchy things
nuq’uk = to swallow
k’uub’ank = to prepare food
ke’ek = to grind masa (intransitive)
ke’ok = to grind something (transitive)
q’em = masa, corn dough
k’aj = flour
yatz’ok = squeeze or press liquid out
xya’al = juice, liquid of something
xyu = sauce of something
xorok = to form tortillas
xorb’il = tortilla
chiq’ok = to cook
woqxink = to boil
pomok = to roast
pomb’il = roasted
k’ilink = to toast on a griddle
k’ilinb’il = griddle fried
k’orechinb’il = heated until crispy (a tortilla)
xeel = leftovers, uneaten portion given to take home
122
APPENDIX IV
GREETINGS
Following is a list of common greetings and polite expressions in Q’eqchi’. You will note
that there is considerable regional variation in these expressions, but you will quickly become
familiar with those commonly used in your area.
Ch’ona’. Hello (to a woman, or a group).
Ch’owa’. Hello (to a man).
Wa’chin. Hello (to a man, eastern areas).
Sach’ool. Response to all of the above.
Chan xawil? How are you?
Maak’a’ jo’ xaq a’in. Just fine (response).
Ut laa’at, ma sa aach’ool? And you, is your heart happy?
Sa, b’antiox. It is happy, thank you.
B’aanu usilal. Do a favor (i.e. “please”).
B’antiox. Thank-you.
Us. Good (you’re welcome); that’s fine.
Maak’a’ naxye. You’re welcome.
Chakuy inmaak. Pardon me.
Matk’oxlak. That’s fine, don’t worry about it.
Nume’k wan. Excuse me, let me through.
Numen. Pass on through.
Qab’aanu! Hello! (Greeting given approaching a house—“Chona’!” is

used in Cobán.)
Greetings Appendix IV
Okan. Come on in.
Okanqex. You (plural) come in.
Hilank wan. Could we (I) please rest?
Hilan. Rest (sit down).
Hilanqex. Rest, sit down (plural).
Inwan, b’i’. Goodbye, then.
He-us. Goodbye (response).
Jo’wan chik. See you later.
Wulaj chik. See you tomorrow.
Chawilaq aawib’. Take care.
Cheril eerib’. Take care (all of you).

APPENDIX V
PRAYER
Vocabulary:
li Qaawa’ = the Lord

(x)Musiq’ = (his) Spirit
li Musiq’ej = the Spirit
saant, santil = holy
loq’laj = sacred, esteemed
choxa = heaven
osob’tesink = to bless
(r)osob’tesihom = blessing given by
tenq’ank = help
taxaq = term of respect
jo’kan taxaq = so be it (sometimes used for “amen”)
maak = sins
kuyuk = to pardon, endure
b’antioxink = to thank
tz’aamank = to ask for something
patz’ok = to ask
At inYuwa’ li wankat sa’ choxa. My Father who art in heaven.

At qaChoxahil Yuwa’. Our Heavenly Father.
Naqab’antioxi aawe naq wanko arin chi We thank thee that we are met here today.
ch’utch’u anajwan.
B’antiox xaq aawe naq xqanumsi li loq’laj Thank thee that we have passed this sacred day.
kutan a’in.
Naqab’antioxi li qatzakemq, li qochoch, lix We thank thee for our food, our homes, the health
kawilal li qoq quq’. of our bodies.
Naqatz’aama chaawu naq choohaatenq’a We ask thee to help us throughout this day.
chiru li kutan a’in.
Choohaawosob’tesi taxaq sa’ li Help us in our homes (dwellings).
qamuheb’aal.
Chak’e taxaq qe laa wosob’tesihom. Give us thy blessing.
Chahoyaq taxaq laa Musiq’ sa’ qab’een. Pour down thy Spirit upon us.
Naqatz’aama naq chakuyeb’ li qamaak li We ask that thou wilt pardon the sins we do from
naqab’aanu wulaj wulaj. day to day.
Sa’ xk’ab’a’ li Jesukristo. In the name of Jesus Christ.

Sa’ xk’ab’a’ li Jesukristo, laa Walal. In the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ.
Sa’ xk’ab’a’ li qaKolonel Jesukristo. In the name of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Amen. Amen.
APPENDIX VI
GLOSSARY OF RELIGIOUS TERMS

(based on the new scripture translation)
Aaronic Priesthood Tijonelil re Aaron

abominable tz’eqb’eetal
abomination tz’eqb’eetalil
abridged k’osb’il ru
accountable teneb’anb’il, naru chi teneb’aak
admonish xtijb’al
adultery muxuk sumsu
adversary li xik’ na’ilok (r)e
afflict tawasink
affliction ch’a’ajkilal
agency xtaql (x)ch’ool, xtaql ch’oolej
almighty nimajwal
altar artal
amen amen
angel anjel
anoint yuluk
Annointed One li Yulb’il
apostasy q’etok paab’ank
apostate aj q’etol paab’ank
apostle apostol
ark (of Noah) jukub’ kab’l
armor kolb’a-ib’ aq’ej
armor of righteousness kolb’a-ib’ aq’ej re li tiikilal
Articles of Faith Eb’ lix Raqalil li Paab’aal
assembly ch’utlajik
atone, atonement tojok rix maak, xtojb’al rix li maak
authority wankilal k’eeb’il
authorize k’ehok (x)wankil
authorized, with authority k’eeb’il (x)wankil
auxiliary organization (in Church) k’anjenel ch’uut
baptism kub’iha’
baptize kub’sink (x)ha’
bear record ch’olob’ank xyaalal
believe paab’ank
Bible Li Santil Hu
bishop obiisp
bishopric obispil
blameless maak’a’ (x)jitb’al
blaspheme xmajewankil li Dios
bless osob’tesink
blessed osob’tesinb’il
blessing li osob’tesink (general)
(r)osob’tesinkil (blessing received by)
(r)osob’tesihom (blessing given by)
boast xnimankil rib’
body tz’ejwalej (only unpossessed); xaqalil,
(x)tib’el
bondage moosil
bonds of iniquity xb’ak’leb’ li maa’usilal
born again xyo’la wi’chik
bow down before xkub’sinkil rib’ chiru
branch ruq’, uq’ej
breastplate xramb’al ru ch’oolej
Bridegroom li B’eelomej
bring forth k’ehok chi k’utmank (cause to appear)
uuchink rik’in (bring forth fruits or works)
bring to light k’amok chi saqenkil
bring to pass k’ehok chi uxmank
broken heart and contrite spirit yot’b’il (x)ch’ool ut tuulan (x)musiq’
build up waklesink
burnt offerings k’atb’il mayej
call upon (God) xpatz’b’al xk’ab’a’ (li Dios)
captivity preexil
carnal re li tz’ejwalej
celestial choxahil
celestial kingdom choxahil awa’b’ejihom
charity tz’aqal rahok
chaste saq ru (x)ch’ool
chasten q’usuk
chastity saq ru ch’oolej
church iglees
circumcision xsetb’al xtz’uumal li tz’ejwalej
cleave unto jilok rik’in
clerk aj tz’iib’anel
come forth k’utmank
Comforter aj K’ojob’anel ch’oolej
command taqlank
commandment taqlahom
compassion toq’ob’ank (r)u
concubine moosil ixaqilb’ej
condemn jitok (make accusation)
xk’eeb’al li maak sa’ xb’een (attribute sin)
xk’eeb’al sa’ tojb’a-maak (affix punishment)
confer (authority) k’ehok sa’ (x)b’een
conference ch’utub’aj-ib’
confirm k’ojob’ank
confound sachok (x)na’leb’
conscience reek’ob’aal (x)ch’ool
constrain elajink
contention wech’ok-ib’
contrite tuulan
conversion xjalajik (x)ch’ool
convert jalb’il xch’ool
be converted jale’k xch’ool
correlation xk’eeb’al xtusub’ankil ru
corrupt, be corrupted po’jenaq, po’e’k
council ch’utam, sa’ ch’utam
Council of the Twelve lix Ch’utameb’ li Kab’laju
counsel k’ehok (x)na’leb’
counselor (general) aj k’ehol na’leb’
counselor (in a presidency) tenq’ aj k’ehol na’leb’
countenance (r)ilob’aal
covenant sumwank
to covenant ok sa’ sumwank
to make a covenant xk’uub’ankil jun sumwank
covenant people tenamit re li sumwank
create yo’ob’tesink
creation yo’ob’tesink; of something: (x)yo’ob’tesinkil
Creator aj Yo’ob’tesinel
creature li yo’ob’tesinb’il
crucifixion xkamik chiru krus
crucify k’ehok chiru krus, kamsink chiru krus
cry unto (the Lord) elajink chiru (li Qaawa’)
damnation tojb’a-maak
to damn k’ehok sa’ tojb’a-maak
darkness q’ojyin
deacon aj tenq’anel
death li kamk
be put to death k’ehe’k chi kamk
cause to be put to death k’ehok chi kamsiik
decree taqlanb’il aatin
to decree xtaqlankil xyeeb’al naq . . .
deliver kolok chaq
deliverer aj kolol (r)e
demands of justice li elajinb’il xb’aan li tiik ruhil na’leb’
depend upon chapcho chiru
destroyer aj sachonel
destroying angel anjel aj saschonel
destruction li sache’k, (x)xsachlijik
devil aj tza
diligence yalok q’e
diligent yalb’il xq’e
discern xtz’ilb’al rix
disciple tzolom
dispensation (of the gospel) xk’ojlajik (li evangelio)
dissension jachok-ib’
divide xjachb’al ru
divine choxahil
divinity choxahilal
doctrine tzol’leb’
Doctrine and Covenants Tzol’leb’ ut Sumwank
dominion awa’b’ejil, lix awa’b’ejil
duty li teneb’anb’il sa’ (x)b’een
dwindle in unbelief lajk chi maak’a’ (x)paab’aal
edify waklesink li (r)aam
elder (priesthood office) xb’eenil
Elder (title) Elder
elect sik’b’il ru
endless maak’a’ (r)oso’jik
endowment tiqib’aak, (x)tiqib’ankil
ends of the earth xmaril li ruchich’och’
endure to the end kuyuk toj sa’ roso’jik
enlighten kutanob’resink
ensample k’utb’il na’leb’
enter into (his) rest ok sa’ li(x) hilob’aal
entice q’unb’esink (x)ch’ool
envy kaqalink
epistle hu
equity, equality juntaq’eetalil
establish xaqab’ank, xaqab’ank (x)wankil
estate (x)wanjik
eternal chi junelik, junelik
Eternal Father Junelik Yuwa’b’ej
eternal life junelik yu’am, (x)yu’am chi junelik
eternity li junelik q’e kutan
all eternity anchal li junelik q’e kutan
everlasting junelik nakana, junelik wan, junelik taawanq
everlasting covenant li sumwank li junelik nakana
evil ink’a’ us, li ink’a’ us
evil one li maa’us
exalt taqsink (x)loq’al
exaltation taqenaqil loq’al
example li na’ile’ chixb’aanunkil
follow example xb’aanunkil lix b’aanuhom
set example xb’aanunkil chi(r)u li tento taa’uxq
one’s example li k’a’ru x’ile’ chixb’aanunkil
excommunicate isink chaq
be excommunicated isimank chaq
exercise faith (in) xk’anjelankil (x)paab’aal (chirix)
exhort tz’aamank chiru, elajink chiru
expedient aajel ru
expound ch’olob’ank
faith paab’aal
faith in xpaab’ankil, paab’aal chirix
faithful tiik chi paab’ank
faithfully chi xaqxo (x)ch’ool
fall t’ane’k, li t’ane’k
fall away xjalb’ehinkil rib’
fall into transgression t’ane’k sa’ li q’etok aatin
fallen t’anenaq
family junkab’al
Family Home Evening Q’ojyin re Junkab’al
Father Yuwa’b’ej
fellowship (with) wank sa’ komonil (rik’in)
filled with the Spirit nujenaq rik’in li Musiq’ej
filthiness tz’ajleb’aal ru (unpossessed), xtz’ajnil (r)u
filthy tz’aj ru
firmament heelam
firstborn xb’een yo’lajenaq (chiru)
First Presidency Xb’eenil Awa’b’ejil
firstfruits xb’een ruuchinihom
flatter sahob’resink (x)ch’ool
flattery sahil aatin
flesh tz’ejwalej (unpossessed only); (x)tib’el
fold korral
forbidden fruit ru che’ xyehe’ naq ink’a’ taak’uxmanq
forever chi junelik, chi junajwa
forever and ever chi junelik q’e kutan
forgive kuyuk maak, xkuyb’al (x)maak
fornication yumb’eetak ko’b’eetak
forsake kanab’ank, kanab’ank (x)junes
foundation (of a building) xk’ojob’ankil
lay foundations xk’eeb’al xk’ojob’ankil
foundation of the world xk’ojlajik li ruchich’och’
four quarters of the earth xkaajachalil li ruchich’och’
free ach’ab’anb’il
freedom li ach’ab’aak
full purpose of heart x’anchalil li rajom (x)ch’ool
fulness (x)tz’aqalil
fulness of the gospel xtz’aqalil li evangelio
fulness of joy xtz’aqalil li sahil ch’oolejil
fulness of times xtz’aqalil ru li kutan
furnace k’atleb’aal
gall of bitterness xk’ahil li yot’e’k
garment aq’ej, loq’laj aq’ej
Garden of Eden Awimq Eden
genealogy resilal li xe’toonal
general authorities jolomil aj b’eresinel
General Conference Jolomil Ch’utub’aj-ib’
generation tasal tenamit
gift maatan
gird up your loins b’ak’omaq lee yitoq
glad tidings sahil esilal
glorify nimank (x)loq’al
glory loq’alil, (x)loq’al
Godhead Roxichal li Dios
godliness choxahilal
Good Shepherd Chaab’il aj Ilol Karneer
good tidings chaab’il esilal
goodness chaab’ilal
gospel evangelio
govern jolomink
government xjolomil tenamit
grace usilal
graven image yiib’anb’il jalam-uuch
great and dreadful day xnimal ru ut xuwajel kutan
greediness rahok eechej
guile b’alaq’il
guilty wan (x)maak
guiltless maak’a’ (x)maak
harden heart xkawob’resinkil li (r)aam
hardness of heart xkawil li (r)aam
harlot ixq aj yumb’eet
harrow tawasink
harvest li q’olok
hearken ab’ink chi(r)u
heart, might, mind, and strength (x)ch’ool, (x)metz’ew, (x)k’a’uxl, (x)kawilal
heathen li maak’a’ xnawom chirix li Dios
heaven choxa
Heavenly Father Choxahil Yuwa’
heed (give heed) k’ehok (x)xik
hell li xb’alb’a
high priest taqenaqil aj tij
high priesthood taqenaqil tijonelil
high council taqenaqil ch’utam
high councilor aj taqenaqil ch’utam
holiness santilal
holy sant, santil
Holy Ghost Santil Musiq’ej
Holy One of Israel lix Santil Dios laj Israel
Holy Spirit Loq’laj Musiq’ej
Holy Spirit of promise Loq’laj Musiq’ej re yeechi’ink
honest maak’a’ (x)b’alaq’
honesty xmaak’a’il li b’alaq’
hope yo’onink
house of Israel xjunkab’al laj Israel
humble tuulan (x)ch’ool
humility tuulanil, tuulanil ch’oolej
hymn b’ich
idol pak’b’il dios
idolatry loq’onink pak’b’il dios
ignorant/ignorance maak’a’ xnawom
image jalam-uuch
immersion chi sub’b’il rub’el ha’, sub’e’k sa’ ha’
immortal ink’a’ nakam
immortality li kole’k chiru li kamk
in the name of sa’ lix k’ab’a’
in the flesh sa’ li tz’ejwalej
incorruption li ink’a’ naq’a
indignation xik’ na(r)eek’a
indolent/lazy aj q’em
industriousness sak’ahil
infinite maak’a’ roso’jik
infirmity xmajelal (x)kawilal
inherit eechanink
inheritance reechanihom, eechanihomej
iniquity maa’usilal, b’aanunk maa’usilal
inspire musiq’ank
inspired musiq’anb’il
instrument in the hands of God k’anjeleb’aal sa’ ruq’ li Dios
integrity x’anchalil (x)ch’ool
intelligence li wankilal chi k’oxlak
intercession b’aanunk (r)uuchil
interpret xk’utb’al xyaalalil
interpretation of tongues xk’utb’al xyaalalil li jalanil aatinob’aal
interpreters k’utleb’aal aatin
isles of the sea ch’och’ sa’ xyi palaw
Israelite aj Israelita
jealous aj sowen
jealous God jun Dios aj sowen
jealousy li sowenak
Jerusalem Jerusalen
Jew aj judio
joy xsahil (x)ch’ool, sahil ch’oolejil
judge aj raqol aatin
to judge raqok aatin
judgment raqb’a-aatin (legal action)
xchaab’ilal xna’leb’ (wisdom)
judgment seat raqleb’aal aatin
judgments of God lix raqb’a-aatin li Dios
just tiik xna’leb’ (person)
tiik ru (principle)
justice tiik ruhil na’leb’, li k’a’ru tiik ru
someone’s justice xtiikal ru (x)na’leb’
justification tiikob’resink (r)u
justify tiikob’resink (r)u
negative setting xk’eeb’al choq’ tiik xch’ool
keys laaw, xlawil
kingdom awa’b’ejihom
kingdom of God rawa’b’ejihom li Dios
knowledge (x)nawom
latter days roso’jik li kutan, roso’jikil kutan
law chaq’rab’
leader aj jolominel
light of Christ xsaqen li Kristo
long-suffering najt royb’eenihom
lowly of heart kub’enaq (x)ch’ool
magnify (calling) xnimob’resinkil ru (xb’oqb’al)
make an end xk’eeb’al xraqik
manifest, manifestation k’utb’esink, xk’utb’esinkil
marvelous work and a wonder sachb’a-ch’oolejil k’anjel ut jun eetalil
matchless maak’a’ xjuntaq’eetankil
mediator aj b’aanunel uuchil
meek tuulan, q’un (x)ch’ool
meekness tuulanil
Melchisedek Priesthood tijonelil re Melkisedek
meridian of time xjachleb’aal ru li kutan
messenger aj k’amol esil
might xnimal xmetz’ew
might, mind and strength xmetz’ew, xk’a’uxl, xkawilal
mighty (person) kaw (x)metz’ew
Mighty One of Israel li Nim Xmetz’ew re laj Israel
millenium li jun mil chihab’
minister k’anjelak chi(r)u
ministering of angels xk’anjeleb’ li anjel
ministering spirits musiq’ej aj k’anjenel
ministry k’anjel sa’ li paab’aal
miracle sachb’a ch’oolej, sachb’a-ch’oolejil k’anjel
miraculous sachol ch’oolej, sachb’a-ch’oolej
misery rahilal
mission taqlanb’il k’anjel, mision
missionary aj k’amol aatin, kaqlanb’il aj k’anjel
mortal li nakam
mortality wan li kamk sa’ xb’een
Most High li Q’axal Taqenaq Xwankil
Most High God Dios q’axal taqenaq
mystery muqmuukil na’leb’
nation tenamit, nimla tenamit
nation, kindred, tongue, people tenamit, junkab’al, aatinob’aal, teepal
natural man ruchich’och’il winq
needy maak’a’ wan re
new and everlasting covenant ak’ ut junelikil sumwank
nurture and admonition of the Lord xch’olanihom ut xtijom li Qaawa’
oath xaqab’anb’il aatin
make an oath ok sa’ xaqab’anb’il aatin
obey ab’ink chiru
obscurity aak’ab’
offering mayej
office opiis
officiate k’anjelank
omnipotent q’axal nim xwankil
Only Begotten Junaj Yo’lajenaq
Only Begotten Son K’ajolb’ej/Ralal Junaj Chirib’il
Only Begotten of the Father Junaj Yo’lajenaq chiru li Yuwa’b’ej
opposition chixka’pak’alil
ordain k’ojob’ank
ordinance k’ojob’anb’il k’anjel
outer darkness najtil aak’ab’
parable jaljookil ru aatin
paradise hilob’aal na’ajej
patience (x)kuyum, li kuyuk
patient aj kuyunel, wan (x)kuyum
patriarch yuwa’b’ejil aj k’anjel
patriarchal blessing rosob’tesihom li yuwa’b’ejil aj k’anjel
peace tuqtuukilal
Pearl of Great Price Q’ol Nim Xtz’aq
penitent yot’b’il (x)ch’ool
perdition li sachk
perfect tz’aqal re ru
perfection tz’aqalil re ru
persecute rahob’tesink
perverse po’b’il (x)ch’ool
pillar of fire xaqal xam
plan k’uub’anb’il na’leb’
plan of salvation k’uub’anb’il na’leb’ re li kolb’a-ib’
plates perpookil ch’iich’
ponder k’oxlank sa’ (x)ch’ool (intransitive)
xtz’ilb’al rix sa’ (x)ch’ool (transitive)
poor neb’a’
posterity (r)alal (x)k’ajol
powerful nim (x)wankil
pray tijok
prayer li tijok
preach jultikank aatin (intransitive)
xjultikankil (transitive)
precept na’leb’
premortal naq maji’ nayo’la
prepare the way xkawresinkil li b’e
prepare the way of the Lord xkawresinkil lix b’e li Qaawa’
presence of the Lord chiru li Qaawa’, chiru rilob’aal li Qaawa’
preside jolomink
presidency awa’b’ejil
president awa’b’ej
Presiding Bishop Obiisp aj Jolominel
press forward xtiikisinkil (r)ib’ chi uub’ej
pride q’etq’etil
proud aj q’etq’et
priest aj tij
priestcraft tijok chi tojb’il
priesthood tijonelil
Primary Tzoleb’aal reheb’ li Kok’al
Prince of Peace Awa’b’ej re Tuqtuukilal
principle na’leb’, raqal chi na’leb’
probation xyalb’al (r)ix
proclamation jek’inb’il aatin
promise yeechi’ihom
prophecy profeetil aatin
prophesy aatinak jo’ profeet (intransitive)
ch’olob’ank jo’ profeet (transitive)
prophet profeet
prosper usaak
proud aj q’etq’et
prudent seeb’ chi na’leb’ank
publish puktesink (a book), puktesink resil
puffed up nimob’resinb’il (r)ib’
punishment tojb’a-maak
pure saq ru
purify saqob’resink (r)u
purpose ajom
purse or scrip k’uleb’aal chi moko champa
put on immortality xk’eeb’al chi(r)ix li ink’a’ nakam
put to death xk’eeb’al chi kamk
quick (alive) yo’yo
quicken xk’eeb’al (x)yu’am
quorum molam
Quorum of the Twelve xmolameb’ li Kab’laju
read rilb’al xsa’ (a specific document)
rilb’al li tz’iib’anb’il (to one’s self)
xyeeb’al li tz’iib’anb’il (read to others)
xyaab’asinkil (read aloud)
reap q’olok
rebel po’resink (x)ch’ool
rebellion xpo’jik (x)ch’ool, po’resink ch’oolej
rebuke ch’iilank
recommend xhuhil li k’ulub’aak
reconcile k’amok wi’chik (r)ib’ sa’ usilal (rik’in)
record tz’iib’anb’il esil
redeem tojok –ix
Redeemer aj Tojol ix
redemption tojb’al –ix
refine saqob’resink –u
regulate tuqub’ank
reign (r)awa’b’ejil
to reign awa’b’ejink
Relief Society Komonil re Tenq’ank
rely xkanab’ankil rib’ chi(r)u
remission of sins risinkil li maak
remnant rela’
remorse yot’e’k
remorse of conscience xyot’ik li reek’ob’aal (x)ch’ool
repent jalok –k’a’uxl
repentance jalb’a-k’a’uxlej
repentant jalb’il –k’a’uxl
reprove ch’iilank
responsibility teneb’anb’il sa’ xb’een
restoration xk’ojob’ankil wi’chik
restore k’ojob’ank wi’chik
resurrection wakliik chi yo’yo (x)wakljik chi yo’yo
reveal k’utb’esink
revelation k’utb’esinb’il na’leb’, li k’utb’esink
revelator aj k’utb’esinel
reverence oxloq’ink, roxloq’inkil li Dios
revile hob’ok
rights li (x)k’ulub’
righteous tiik (a thing), tiik (x)ch’ool (a person)
righteousness tiikilal
rise from the dead wakliik chaq sa’ xyanqeb’ li kamenaq
rod of iron b’arb’ookil ch’iich’
rumors of wars resil li pleet
rule taqlank
ruler aj taqlanel
sabbath hilob’aal kutan
sacrament loq’laj wa’ak
sacred loq’, loq’laj
sacrifice mayej, li mayejak
to sacrifice mayejak
saint aj santil paab’anel
same yesterday, today, and forever juntaq’eet ewer, anajwan, ut chi junelik
sanctification li santob’resink
sanctify santob’resink
sanctuary santil muheb’aal
save kolok
Savior aj Kolonel, aj Kolol (r)e
scourge rapleb’
scribe aj tz’iib’anel; (Biblical:) aj tz’iib’
scriptures eb’ li loq’laj hu
seal xk’eeb’al xtz’apb’al
tz’apok (seal up)
tz’apok sa’ junajil (r)ik’in (seal to ____)
sealing tz’ape’k sa’ junajil
search (scriptures) xtz’ilb’al rix
Second Coming xkab’ xk’ulunik li Qaawa’
second death xkab’ kamk
secret combinations muqmuukil molam
seed (r)iyajil, iyaj
seer aj ilol na’leb’
sensual (a person) aj atawinel
set apart xaqab’ank
Seventy aj Setenta
shed blood hoyok kik’
shepherd aj ilol karneer
sickle setleb’ ch’iich’
sign eetalil
similitude wank choq’ reetalil
sin maak
smite sak’ok
sober tiik (x)k’a’uxl
soberness tiikil k’a’uxlej
x’anchalil (x)k’a’uxl (a single person)
tiik ruhil aatin (words of soberness)
solemn assembly ch’utlajik re tiik ruhil k’a’uxlej
Son K’ajolb’ej
Son of God Ralal li Dios
Son of Man Ralal li Winq
son of perdition alalb’ej re li sachk
soothsayer aj q’e
sorcerer aj tuul
Sorcery tuulak
sorrow rahil ch’oolejil
soul aamej, (r)aam
spare one’s life xkolb’al (x)yu’am, kanab’ank chi yo’yo
spirit musiq’ej
spirit of prophecy musiq’ej re profeetil aatin
spirit of revelation musiq’ej re k’utb’esink
spirit world ruchich’och’ reheb’ li musiq’ej
spiritual re musiq’ej, musiq’ejil
spiritual death kamk re li musiq’ej
spirituality musiq’ejil na’leb’
spoil maq’b’il, maq’ok
spot (x)tz’ajnil
spotless maak’a’ (x)tz’ajnil
stake oqech
stake of Zion roqechal Sion
stand as testimony against/about wank chixch’olob’ankil li yaal chirix
stature (x)xaqam
statute k’uub’anb’il aatin
steadfast xaqxo junelik
steal elq’ak
steward mertoom
stewardship mertoomil
stiffnecked jip (x)k’a’uxl
storehouse k’uuleb’aal kab’l
strait and narrow path laatz’ ut ka’ch’in ruhil b’e
struggle yalok-u
stubble roq waj
subjection rub’el xwankil
Sunday School dominkil tzoleb’aal
supplication tz’aamank
swallowed up sub’b’il rib’
swear xaqab’ank aatin
symbol reetalil
tabernacle muheb’aal
talent maatan
teacher aj tzolonel (priesthood office, scriptural)
aj k’utunel (classroom)
teachings xk’utum, li naxk’ut
telestial teleestil
telestial kingdom teleestil awa’b’ejihom
temple santil ochoch
temporal re li yu’am a’in
tempt aalenk
temptation li aaleek
terrestrial terrestil
terrestrial kingdom terrestil awa’b’ejihom
testify ch’olob’ank, ch’olob’ank xyaalal
testimony xnawom (x)ch’ool
thrust in sickle xchik’b’al li(x) setleb’ ch’iich’
tidings esil, esilal
tithing lajetqil
tongues jalanil aatinob’aal
tradition na’leb’ kanab’anb’il
transfiguration xjaltesinkil ru
transgression q’etok aatin
transgressor aj q’etol aatin
translation jaltesink ru aatin
translated (a person) jaltesinb’il xjunxaqalil
tree of life che’ re li yu’am
tribes teep, xteepal
true and living God tz’aqal ut yo’yookil Dios
unbelief maak’a’ xpaab’aal
unchastity muxuk-ib’
uncircumcised ink’a’ xk’uluk re reetalil li sumwank
ungodly moko sant ta
united sa’ junajil
united order k’anjelil re junajil
unpardonable sin maak ink’a’ naru xkuyb’al
uprightly chi tiik
vain jo’maajo’
vanity jo’maajo’il na’leb’
veil tz’apleb’ t’ikr
vengeance eeqajunk
vessel (container) k’uleb’aal
vicarious chi uuchilej
virtue saq ruhil na’leb’ (concept)
saq ru xyu’am (person)
vision k’utb’esinb’il matk’
visitation ula’aniik
walk uprightly b’eek chi tiik
warn xtijb’al
war pleet
wars and rumor of wars li pleet ut li esil chirix li pleet
watchman aj k’aak’alenel tenamit
waves of the sea xb’oolam li palaw
weakness xq’unal xmetz’ew
weeping, wailing, gnashing of teeth yaab’ak, ayaynak, k’uxuxink ruuch-e
whoredoms yumb’eetak ko’b’eetak
wicked aj maak (noun)
maa’us aj ___, ink’a’ us aj ___ (adjective)
wickedness maa’usilal
widow xmalka’an
wilderness yamyookil ch’och’
will rajom (x)ch’ool
will and pleasure li na(r)aj ut li nasaho’ wi’ (x)ch’ool
will of God rajom li Dios, rajom xch’ool li Dios
wisdom chaab’il na’leb’, xchaab’ilal (x)na’leb’
with full purpose of heart chi anchal li rajom (x)ch’ool
witness aj yehol nawom
wonder (verb) sachk (x)ch’ool (be amazed)
xpatz’b’al rib’ sa’ xch’ool (contemplate)
wonder (noun) sachb’a-ch’oolej, eetalil
work k’anjel, k’anjelak
works of darkness k’anjel re q’ojyin
worship loq’onink
worshipers li neke’loq’onink
worthiness k’ulub’ejil
worthy k’ulub’ej, (x)k’ulub’
wound (x)toch’olal
wrath josq’il
yoke iiqleb’

Q'eqchi' Grammar Guide for Missionaries

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Q'eqchi' Grammar Guide for Missionaries

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Q’EQCHI’ GRAMMAR

Chapter 1: Parts of speech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..............................

Vowels generally are pronounced as they are in Spanish.

I—Similar to Spanish; mouth more relaxed.

U—Similar to Spanish, but with the mouth more relaxed.

II. The Consonants

Ch’—Glottalized form of “ch”.

H―Similar to the English “h”, only softer.

K—Same as in English, or as “c” or “qu-” in Spanish.

K’—Glottalized form of “k”.

Q’—Glottalized form of “q”.

T’—Glottalized form of “t”.

Tz’—Glottalized form of “tz”.

“queen” or “quaint”. In a final position it is pronounced as in English. In the middle of a word, it

III. The accent

IV. The Old Q’eqchi’ Alphabet

Old and New Alphabets:

In Q’eqchi’, unlike English, Spanish, or other European languages, it is possible to form a

II. General Pronouns

Example: winq = man

winqin = I am a man winqo = we are men

maawa’in = I’m not maawa’o = we’re not

III. The Past

IV. The Future

I. Location―the verb wank

wankin = yo estoy wanko = nosotros estamos

maa’anihin = yo no estoy maa’aniho = no estamos

wanqin = yo estaré wanqo = nosotros estaremos

maa’anihaqin = no estaré maa’anihaqo = no estaremos

II. Possession and the Possessive/Active Pronouns

A―For words beginning with consonant:

in- = my qa- = our

Example: punit = hat

li + in = lin li + qa = li qa- (no contraction)

B―For words that begin with vowel:

Example: ochoch = house

Only two of these form contractions with the article “li.”

li + aaw- = laa w- li + eer- = lee r-

Ra li woq. My foot hurts.

Example: ik’in = with

chiwu = in front of me chiqu = in front of us

I. The Intransitive Infinitive

xik = to go tzolok = to learn

II. Imminent action

A―Use of the preposition “-e”

B―Use of the preposition chi

III. Ongoing action

B―The present participle

yookin = I am doing yooko = we are doing

Ma yookat chi loq’ok? Are you shopping?

yooqin = I will be doing yooqo = we will be doing

I. Formation of transitive infinitives

insik’b’al = to seek me qasik’b’al = to seek us

wilb’al = to see me qilb’al = to see us

paab’ank = to believe, obey

inpaab’ankil = to believe me qapaab’ankil = to believe us

wab’inkil = to hear me qab’inkil = to hear us

II. Use with simple sentences

III. Use with chi―dependent phrases

chinsik’b’al = to seek me chiqasik’b’al = to seek us

chiwab’inkil = to hear me chiqab’inkil = to hear us

B―Use with expression of ongoing action