Question Words

1. Suna?

   What?

   Usage

   The shortest question word; pair it with pointing

2. Sumi?

   Where?

   Usage

   Asks for a place; add a place name and you are understood

3. Qaqugu?

   When?

   Usage

   For departure times or opening times

4. Kina?

   Who?

   Usage

   Asks about a person, e.g. who is in charge

5. Sooq?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason, e.g. a delay or a refusal

6. Qanoq?

   How?

   Usage

   Asks for a method, including how to get somewhere

7. Qassit?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks for a count of items or people

   Grammar Note

   Asks for a number; also used for telling the time

8. Qanoq akeqarpa?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   The key price question, in markets and shops alike

   Grammar Note

   From "aki" (price) plus "-qar-" (to have)

9. Sorleq?

   Which one?

   Usage

   Used to pick from, or point at, a set of options

10. Una suna?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Point at a dish or product and ask what it is

    Grammar Note

    "Una" means "this"; use it while pointing

11. Anartarfik sumiippa?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    One of the most-used questions on any trip

    Grammar Note

    "Anartarfik" is the toilet; "sumiippa" asks where it is

12. Qassinngorpa?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Asks the current time, handy when making a connection

13. Peqarpit?

    Do you have it?

    Usage

    Asks about stock or availability; name the item first

    Grammar Note

    "-qar-" (to have) plus "-pit" (second-person question); name the item first

14. Ajornanngila?

    Can you do it?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is possible or allowed

    Grammar Note

    Literally "is it not impossible" — the standard way to ask if something can be done

15. Akeqarpa?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

    Check whether luggage storage, Wi-Fi, etc. costs money

16. Akeqanngila?

    Is it free?

    Usage

    Confirms something is free, e.g. samples or a map

    Grammar Note

    Literally "does it have no price" — asks whether it is free

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