Introduction to the Armenian Language
The Armenian language, known as Հայերեն (Hayeren) in its native tongue, is the official language of Armenia and is spoken by Armenians worldwide. It boasts a rich history that dates back thousands of years and is part of the Indo-European language family. Armenian has its own unique script, created by Mesrop Mashtots in 405 AD. This script and the language itself are imbued with cultural and historical significance. One of the most fascinating aspects of any language is its idiomatic expressions and famous phrases. In this article, we will explore some of the most famous phrases in the Armenian language, shedding light on their meanings and cultural contexts.
Greetings and Common Phrases
Understanding and using common greetings is essential when learning a new language. Here are some of the most frequently used phrases in Armenian:
Բարեւ ձեզ (Barev dzez)
This phrase means “Hello” and is the most common way to greet someone in Armenian. It is used in both formal and informal settings.
Բարի լույս (Bari luys)
Translating to “Good morning,” this phrase is a polite way to start the day.
Բարի երեկո (Bari yereko)
This phrase means “Good evening” and is typically used in the late afternoon and evening.
Ինչպես եք (Inchpes ek)
Meaning “How are you?” this phrase is used to inquire about someone’s well-being.
Շնորհակալություն (Shnorhakalutyun)
This lengthy word means “Thank you” and is a fundamental part of polite conversation.
Խնդրում եմ (Khndrum em)
This phrase means “Please” and is used to make polite requests.
Expressing Emotions
Emotions are a universal language, but expressing them in Armenian can add a layer of cultural richness.
Սիրում եմ քեզ (Sirum em qez)
This phrase translates to “I love you” and is used to express deep affection.
Ուրախ եմ (Urakh em)
Meaning “I am happy,” this phrase can be used to share joy and positivity.
Վախեցած եմ (Vakhetsats em)
This phrase means “I am scared” and is used to express fear or anxiety.
Հուզված եմ (Huzvats em)
Translating to “I am excited,” this phrase is used to convey excitement and anticipation.
Խնդրում եմ ներել ինձ (Khndrum em nerel indz)
This phrase means “Please forgive me” and is used to apologize sincerely.
Useful Travel Phrases
When traveling in Armenia, knowing some practical phrases can be incredibly helpful.
Որտեղ է զուգարանը (Vortegh e zoogaran@)
This phrase means “Where is the bathroom?” and is essential for any traveler.
Ինչ արժե սա (Inch arzhe sa)
Translating to “How much is this?” this phrase is useful when shopping in local markets.
Կարո՞ղ եմ օգնել ձեզ (Karoġ em oġnel dzez)
This phrase means “Can I help you?” and can be used to offer assistance.
Ես ուզում եմ…(Yes uzum em…)
Meaning “I want…”, this phrase can be followed by whatever you are looking for or need.
Կարելի է…(Kareli e…)
This phrase translates to “Is it possible…?” and is useful for making requests or inquiries.
Proverbs and Idiomatic Expressions
Armenian proverbs and idiomatic expressions offer a glimpse into the cultural wisdom and values of the Armenian people.
Գինի խմելով մարդը չի դառնում քաջ (Gini khmelov mard@ chi dar’num qaj)
This proverb means “By drinking wine, one does not become brave.” It emphasizes that true courage comes from within, not from external sources.
Կաղնին չի պտուղ տալիս առաջին տարում (Kaghnin chi ptugh talis arajin tarum)
Translating to “An oak tree does not bear fruit in its first year,” this proverb signifies that good things take time and patience.
Արագածը միշտ չէ, որ ձյունածածկ է (Aragats@ misht che, vor dzyunatsatsk e)
This idiom means “Mount Aragats is not always covered with snow,” implying that situations and appearances can change over time.
Ջուրը իր ճանապարհը կգտնի (Jury ir chanaparh@ kgtn@)
Translating to “Water will find its way,” this expression suggests that persistence and determination will lead to success.
Աղվեսը կաշին փոխում է, բայց՝ բնավորությունը երբեք (Aghves@ kashin p’vokhum e, bayts’ bnavorut’yun@ yerbek)
This proverb means “The fox changes its fur, but never its habits,” highlighting the idea that inherent traits are difficult to change.
Expressions of Wisdom
The Armenian language is rich with expressions that convey wisdom and life lessons.
Աչքը գեղի սիրտն է (Achk@ geghi sirdn e)
This phrase means “The eye is the heart of the village,” signifying the importance of perception and understanding in any community.
Աշխարհը չի ավարտվում (Ashkharh@ chi avartvum)
Translating to “The world does not end,” this expression is used to offer reassurance in difficult times, suggesting that life goes on.
Աստված տա ամենքին իր գործով (Astvats ta amenkin ir gortsov)
This phrase means “May God give everyone according to their deeds,” reflecting the belief in divine justice and the importance of actions.
Ճանաչիր ինքդ քեզ (Chanačir ink’d k’ez)
This famous phrase translates to “Know thyself,” emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and introspection.
Մարդու լեզուն է քարի կամուրջը (Mardou lezoun e kari kamurjh@)
This expression means “A man’s tongue is the stone bridge,” highlighting the power of speech and communication.
Expressions of Hospitality
Armenians are known for their hospitality, and the language reflects this cultural trait.
Բարի գալուստ (Bari galust)
This phrase means “Welcome” and is used to greet guests warmly.
Հյուրասիրում ենք (Hyurasirum enk)
Translating to “We are hosting you,” this phrase is often used when inviting someone to share a meal or join an event.
Կխնդրեմ նստեք (K’khntr’em n’stek)
This phrase means “Please sit down” and is a polite way to offer a seat to a guest.
Ինչո՞ւ չէք մնալու (Inchu cheq mnalu)
Translating to “Why won’t you stay?” this phrase is used to encourage guests to extend their visit.
Հաճելի է ձեզ հետ ծանոթանալ (Hajeli e dzez het tsanotanal)
This phrase means “It is nice to meet you” and is used to express pleasure in getting to know someone.
Expressions of Encouragement
Encouragement is a universal need, and Armenian has several phrases to uplift and motivate.
Դու կարող ես (Du karogh es)
This phrase means “You can do it” and is used to encourage someone to persevere.
Հաջողություն (Hajoghutyun)
Translating to “Good luck,” this phrase is often used to wish someone success in their endeavors.
Մի վախեցիր (Mi vakhetsir)
This phrase means “Don’t be afraid” and is used to reassure and comfort.
Շարունակիր (Sharunakir)
Translating to “Keep going,” this phrase encourages persistence and determination.
Քեզ կհաջողվի (Qez k’hajoghvi)
This phrase means “You will succeed” and is used to boost someone’s confidence.
Expressions of Gratitude
Gratitude is an important aspect of any culture, and Armenian has several ways to express it.
Շնորհակալ եմ (Shnorhakal em)
This phrase means “I am thankful” and is a heartfelt way to express gratitude.
Ապրես (Apres)
Translating to “Live long,” this phrase is often used to thank someone for their kindness or help.
Շնորհակալություն ձեր աջակցության համար (Shnorhakalutyun dzer ajakts’utyan hamar)
This phrase means “Thank you for your support” and is used to express appreciation for assistance or encouragement.
Հարյուր տարի ապրես (Haryur tari apres)
Translating to “May you live a hundred years,” this phrase is used to express deep gratitude and well-wishing.
Աստված օրհնի (Astvats orhni)
This phrase means “God bless you” and is often used to thank someone while offering a blessing.
Conclusion
The Armenian language is a treasure trove of expressions and phrases that reflect the rich cultural heritage and wisdom of the Armenian people. Whether you are greeting someone, expressing emotions, offering encouragement, or sharing wisdom, these famous phrases provide a window into the heart and soul of Armenia. By learning and using these phrases, you not only gain a deeper understanding of the language but also connect more meaningfully with Armenian culture and its people.
