Understanding the nuances of a new language can often be a challenging yet rewarding experience. When learning Armenian, one common area of confusion for English speakers is differentiating between the terms for ‘for’ and ‘why’. In Armenian, these concepts are expressed with the words Կո (Ko) and Ինչու (Inchu), respectively. This article aims to clarify these terms, their uses, and how to distinguish between them effectively.

Կո (Ko) – ‘For’

The Armenian word Կո (Ko) is used to indicate purpose, reason, or benefit, similar to the English word ‘for’. Understanding its various applications can help you use it accurately in conversation.

Կո
Used to indicate the purpose or reason behind an action.
Ես գնացել եմ խանութ կո հացի:
(I went to the store for bread.)

նպատակ
Purpose or aim.
Իմ նպատակն է սովորել նոր լեզու:
(My purpose is to learn a new language.)

պատճառ
Reason or cause.
Պատճառը, կո որը ես ուշացա, տրաֆիք էր:
(The reason I was late was traffic.)

շահ
Benefit or advantage.
Այս վարժությունները շատ շահավետ են ձեր առողջության համար:
(These exercises are very beneficial for your health.)

Using Կո in Different Contexts

The word Կո can be used in various contexts, just like its English counterpart ‘for’. Here are a few examples to illustrate its versatility:

կո + noun
Used to indicate the purpose of an item or action.
Ես գնել եմ գիրքը կո իմ եղբորը:
(I bought the book for my brother.)

կո + verb infinitive
Used to indicate the reason for doing something.
Ես սովորում եմ կո հաջողության հասնել:
(I am studying to succeed.)

կո + time expression
Used to indicate the duration of an action.
Ես գնացի արձակուրդ կո մեկ շաբաթ:
(I went on vacation for one week.)

Ինչու (Inchu) – ‘Why’

On the other hand, Ինչու (Inchu) is the Armenian word for ‘why’, used to inquire about the reason or purpose behind an action or situation.

Ինչու
Used to ask for the reason behind an action or event.
Ինչու ես ուշացար այսօր:
(Why were you late today?)

հարց
Question or query.
Իմ հարցը շատ պարզ է: Ինչու ես ուզում այս աշխատանքը:
(My question is very simple: Why do you want this job?)

պատճառ
Reason or cause (also used with Կո).
Ինչու ես չես եկել երեկույթին: Ինչու պատճառը:
(Why didn’t you come to the party? What was the reason?)

բացատրություն
Explanation or justification.
Ես սպասում եմ բացատրության: Ինչու դու դա արեցիր:
(I am waiting for an explanation: Why did you do that?)

Using Ինչու in Different Contexts

Ինչու is primarily used to ask questions about reasons and purposes. Here are a few examples to show its application:

Ինչու + verb
Used to ask why someone is performing an action.
Ինչու դու սովորում ես այս լեզուն:
(Why are you studying this language?)

Ինչու + noun
Used to inquire about the reason for an object or situation.
Ինչու այս գիրքը սեղանին է:
(Why is this book on the table?)

Ինչու + adjective
Used to ask why a certain quality or state exists.
Ինչու է նա այնքան տխուր:
(Why is he so sad?)

Practical Differences and Common Mistakes

Understanding the distinct uses of Կո and Ինչու is crucial for clear communication in Armenian. Here are some common mistakes and tips to avoid them:

Confusing purpose with reason
Sometimes learners confuse Կո and Ինչու because both can relate to reasons. Remember, Կո is used to express the purpose or benefit of an action, while Ինչու is used to ask for the reason behind an action.
Սխալ: Ինչու գնացիր խանութ կո հացի:
Ճիշտ: Ես գնացի խանութ կո հացի:
(Wrong: Why did you go to the store for bread?)
(Correct: I went to the store for bread.)

Mixing up question and statement forms
Another common mistake is using Կո in place of Ինչու when asking a question.
Սխալ: Կո դու ուշացար:
Ճիշտ: Ինչու դու ուշացար:
(Wrong: For you were late?)
(Correct: Why were you late?)

Using the wrong preposition
Prepositions can be tricky. Ensure you are using Կո correctly in contexts that express purpose or benefit.
Սխալ: Ես սովորում եմ Ինճու հաջողության հասնել:
Ճիշտ: Ես սովորում եմ կո հաջողության հասնել:
(Wrong: I am studying why to succeed.)
(Correct: I am studying to succeed.)

Conclusion

Mastering the usage of Կո and Ինչու in Armenian will significantly enhance your communication skills and understanding of the language. By distinguishing between the purpose (Կո) and the reason (Ինչու) behind actions and events, you can convey your thoughts more precisely and avoid common pitfalls.

Remember, practice is key. Use these words in your daily conversations, write them in sentences, and soon they will become second nature. Happy learning!