What Language Is Spoken in Peru?

Official Languages of Peru

✅ Spanish (Español) is the main official language, spoken by about 83% of the population.
✅ Quechua and Aymara are also official in regions where they are spoken.
✅ There are over 40 Indigenous languages spoken in Peru, mainly in the Amazon.

📌 Fun Fact: Peru has the largest population of Quechua speakers in the world!

How Many People Speak Spanish and Other Languages in Peru?

Peru has a population of about 34 million people, and while Spanish is dominant, Indigenous languages remain an important part of the culture.

✅ Spanish is spoken nationwide and is used in government, education, and media.
✅ Quechua and Aymara are official in regions where Indigenous communities are present.
✅ Many Peruvians are bilingual, especially in Indigenous communities.

📌 Fun Fact: The word "Llama" comes from Quechua, one of Peru’s Indigenous languages!

Spanish: The Main Language of Peru

Spanish has been spoken in Peru since the Spanish conquest in the 16th century and is now the dominant language in government, business, and daily life.

✅ Spanish in Peru has regional accents and words influenced by Indigenous languages.
✅ The Andean regions have a unique Spanish dialect influenced by Quechua.
✅ The coastal Spanish dialect is considered the standard version of Peruvian Spanish.

Common Spanish Words and Phrases in Peru

✅ Spanish in Peru has some unique words, like "chamba" (job) and "chela" (beer).
✅ Peruvians use "usted" (formal "you") more often than in other Spanish-speaking countries.

📌 Did you know? Peruvians often borrow Quechua words in everyday Spanish, like "chullo" (a woolen hat with ear flaps)!

Quechua: The Language of the Incas

Quechua was the language of the Inca Empire and is still spoken by millions of Peruvians today.

✅ About 13% of Peruvians speak Quechua, mainly in the Andes Mountains.
✅ It is an official language in some regions of Peru.
✅ Many Quechua words are used in Peruvian Spanish and English (e.g., "puma," "condor," "quinoa"!).

📌 Fun Fact: The name "Cusco", the ancient Inca capital, comes from Quechua and means "navel of the world"!

Common Quechua Words and Phrases

✅ Quechua has no written form traditionally—it was passed down orally for centuries.
✅ The Peruvian government promotes Quechua education to preserve the language.

📌 Did you know? The famous Machu Picchu means "Old Mountain" in Quechua!

Aymara: The Language of Southern Peru

Aymara is spoken mainly in southern Peru, near Lake Titicaca, as well as in Bolivia and Chile.

✅ About 2% of Peruvians speak Aymara.
✅ It is an official language in Puno and surrounding areas.
✅ Aymara has a unique sound system and grammar different from both Spanish and Quechua.

📌 Fun Fact: The Aymara calendar is one of the oldest in the world and is based on the movements of the sun and moon!

Common Aymara Words and Phrases

✅ Aymara is less widely spoken than Quechua but is still important in Peruvian culture.

📌 Did you know? The totora reed boats used on Lake Titicaca were designed by the Aymara people!

Amazonian Indigenous Languages

Peru’s Amazon region is home to over 40 Indigenous languages, spoken by different tribes and communities.

✅ Some of the most spoken Amazonian languages include Shipibo, Asháninka, and Aguaruna.
✅ These languages are not related to Spanish, Quechua, or Aymara.
✅ The Peruvian government works to preserve these languages through education programs.

📌 Fun Fact: Many Amazonian languages are spoken but not written, and some have fewer than 1,000 speakers left!

English in Peru: A Growing Second Language

While not an official language, English is widely spoken in tourism, business, and education.

✅ Most young Peruvians learn English in school.
✅ English is common in major cities like Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa.
✅ Many Peruvians working in tourism speak basic English.

📌 Did you know? Peru ranks moderately in global English proficiency but is improving due to tourism and international trade!

Why Does Peru Have So Many Languages?

1️⃣ Inca History – Quechua and Aymara were spoken long before the Spanish arrived.
2️⃣ Colonial Influence – Spanish became the dominant language after Spain colonized Peru in the 1500s.
3️⃣ Geographical Diversity – Peru has mountains, jungles, and coasts, leading to many different languages and cultures.
4️⃣ Indigenous Rights – The government recognizes Indigenous languages and promotes bilingual education.

📌 Fun Fact: Some Peruvian children grow up speaking three languages—Spanish, Quechua, and English!

FAQs About Languages in Peru

What is the official language of Peru?

➡️ Spanish is the main official language, but Quechua and Aymara are also official in some regions.

Do people in Peru speak English?

➡️ Yes, but mostly in big cities and tourist areas.

How many languages are spoken in Peru?

➡️ Over 40 languages, including Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, and Amazonian languages.

Is Quechua still spoken in Peru?

➡️ Yes! About 13% of Peruvians speak Quechua, mostly in the Andes Mountains.

Where is Aymara spoken in Peru?

➡️ Mainly in southern Peru, near Lake Titicaca.