Learning a new language can be an exciting and enriching experience. If you’re starting on your journey to learn Armenian, one of the first steps is building up your vocabulary. Armenian is an Indo-European language with its own unique script and a rich literary tradition. Here are some essential Armenian vocabulary words for beginners that will help you get started.
Բարև (barev) – Hello
A pivotal word in any language, it’s how you’ll greet people in Armenian.
Բարև, ինչպես եք? (Barev, inch’pes eq?) – Hello, how are you?
Շնորհակալ եմ (shnorhakal em) – Thank you
An essential phrase to show appreciation.
Շնորհակալ եմ օգնության համար: (Shnorhakal em ognotyan hamar) – Thank you for your help.
Լավ (lav) – Good
This word is versatile and can describe an object, a situation, or a feeling.
Այսօրը լավ օր է։ (Aysory lav or e) – Today is a good day.
Այո (ayo) – Yes
An affirmative response to a question or statement.
Այո, ես կուզենայի: (Ayo, es kuzenayi) – Yes, I would like that.
Ոչ (voch) – No
The negative counterpart to ‘yes’, expressing disagreement or denial.
Ոչ, ես չեմ կարող: (Voch, es chem karogh) – No, I can’t.
Հայ (hay) – Armenian
Used to refer to anything related to the Armenian people, culture, or language.
Ես հայ եմ։ (Es hay em) – I am Armenian.
Լեզու (lezu) – Language
A crucial word for language learners to know.
Անգլերենը բարդ լեզու է: (Anglereny bard lezu e) – English is a difficult language.
Գիրք (girk) – Book
A tool for learning and a source of knowledge, especially important for language students.
Ես նոր գիրք եմ կարդում: (Es nor girk em kardum) – I am reading a new book.
Անուն (anun) – Name
The word you’ll need when introducing yourself or someone else.
Մեր պարոնայքի անունը Վարդան է: (Mer paronayqi anuny Vardan e) – Our teacher’s name is Vardan.
Դպրոց (dprots) – School
A place where learning happens, and where you might be using your new language skills.
Ես դպրոց եմ գնում: (Es dprots em gnum) – I am going to school.
Ընկեր (yngerner) – Friend
Someone to practice speaking Armenian with.
Մեր ընկերը շատ լավ մարդ է։ (Mer yngernery shat lav mard e) – Our friend is a very good person.
Աշխատանք (ashkatanq) – Work
Work might be a topic of conversation, or where you apply your language skills.
Նա հիմա աշխատանքում է: (Na hima ashkatanqum e) – He/She is at work right now.
Starting with these basic words and phrases will pave the way for more advanced conversations and help you get comfortable with the structure and sound of the Armenian language. Remember, practice is key in language learning, so don’t hesitate to use these words as often as you can with native speakers or fellow learners. Stay persistent, and you’ll be on your way to fluency!