Introduction to Relative Pronouns in Armenian Grammar

Armenian grammar boasts a rich and complex system of relative pronouns that serve to link nouns within sentences. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of relative pronouns in Armenian grammar, exploring their forms, functions, and providing examples to fully understand their usage in the language.

Understanding Relative Pronouns in Armenian

Relative pronouns in Armenian play a crucial role in constructing complex and grammatically correct sentences. These pronouns are utilized to refer back to a noun or pronoun mentioned earlier in the sentence, creating a relationship between the two elements. The two main types of relative pronouns in Armenian are որ (or) and ով (ov).

The Relative Pronoun որ (or)

The relative pronoun որ (or) functions to connect a subordinate clause with the main clause, similar to the English words “who,” “which,” and “that.” Consider the following example:

– Սա այն գիրքն է, որ իմ բարեկամին նվիրեց (Sa ayn girqn e, or im barekamin nvirets)
– This is the book that my friend gave me.

In this example, որ (or) refers back to գիրք (book) and establishes a relationship with the rest of the sentence.

The Relative Pronoun ով (ov)

The relative pronoun ով (ov) is used to denote possession and usually translates to “whose” in English. Take the following example:

– Սա այն տղայի գրքն է, ով իմ գարունը էր (Sa ayn tghayi girqn e, ov im garuny er)
– This is the boy’s book, whose pen was mine.

Here, ով (ov) is used to express the relationship between the two nouns, the boy and the pen.

Applying Relative Pronouns in Different Cases

In Armenian grammar, relative pronouns agree with the noun they modify in case, gender, and number. The two main relative pronouns, որ (or) and ով (ov), can each take different forms depending on the grammatical case.

Case Forms of որ (or)

1. Nominative: որ (or)
2. Genitive: որի (ori)
3. Dative: որին (orin)
4. Accusative: որը (ory)
5. Ablative: որից (orits)
6. Instrumental: որով (orov)
7. Locative: որում (orum)

Case Forms of ով (ov)

1. Nominative: ով (ov)
2. Genitive: ովի (ovi)
3. Dative: ովին (ovin)
4. Accusative: ովը (ove)
5. Ablative: ովից (ovits)
6. Instrumental: ովով (ovov)
7. Locative: ովում (ovum)

Final Thoughts on Armenian Relative Pronouns

Understanding and mastering the use of relative pronouns in Armenian grammar is essential to forming complex sentences and expressing intricate thoughts in the language. By learning the two main relative pronouns, որ (or) and ով (ov), as well as their respective case forms, you will be well on your way to achieving a high level of proficiency in Armenian.