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Comical and Funny Armenian Expressions

Student highlighting key phrases in an Italian dictionary.

Language learning isn’t just about grammar rules and vocabulary lists—it’s also about diving into the culture’s sense of humor and wit. Armenian, a language with a rich history and a wealth of expressive phrases, is no exception. Let’s explore some comical and funny Armenian expressions that might just bring a smile to your face or even cause a burst of laughter.

Տեսնել է վարդակատում (Tesnel e vardakatum)
This expression translates to “saw it in rose-colored glasses,” and can be used humorously to describe someone who is being overly optimistic or not seeing the reality of a situation.
Երբ նա նկարագրեց իր մասին, ես զգացի, որ տեսնել է վարդակատում:

Թույլ դառը (Toyul darr)
This funny idiom literally translates to “weak bear” and typically refers to someone who is not particularly strong or competent at a given task.
Երեխան խաղում էր բասկետբոլը որպես թույլ դառը:

Շատ է լսել կարապի մասին, բայց ջուրը չի տեսել (Shat e lsel karapi masin, bayts jure chi tesel)
This phrase means “He has heard a lot about the fish, but has never seen the water.” It’s humorously used for someone who talks about things with confidence but actually has little to no experience or knowledge about them.
Նա միշտ խոսում է ինվեստիցիայի մասին, բայց սարկարանը չի տեսել: Շատ է լսել կարապի մասին, բայց ջուրը չի տեսել:

Քույրիկներդ գնացել են, մնացել է կոշիկդ (Kyuriknerd gnatsel en, mnatsel e koshikd)
This peculiar expression means “Your slippers have gone on a journey, and your shoes are what’s left.” It describes a situation where a person’s expectations are not met, often in a humorous sense of disappointment.
Նա փոխարինել էր իր բոլոր հաճելի ծրագրերը տանը մնացողությամբ։ Քույրիկներդ գնացել են, մնացել է կոշիկդ:

Ծաղկոտ դեմք (Tsaghkot demq)
Directly translated as “floral face,” this term affectionately mocks someone with a fanciful, overly-decorative, or perhaps effeminate appearance.
Երբ նա հագեց հարսանյաց վեշը, բոլորը կարծեցին, որ նա ունի ծաղկոտ դեմք:

Ոտքին չի հասնում (Votqin chi hasnum)
This expression can be literally translated to “can’t reach his own feet,” and it’s a humorous way to point out someone who is either very short or someone who is clumsy and uncoordinated.
Երբ նա փորձեց բասկետբոլը, ամենը հասկացան, որ ոտքին չի հասնում:

These expressions are not only comical but also a part of everyday language in Armenia. They are a showcase of the colorful and humorous spirit with which Armenians view life. By learning these fun idioms, not only can you add a certain zest to your conversations, but you also gain a deeper understanding of how Armenians express laughter, humor, and irony. So, next time you’re chatting with an Armenian speaker, try slipping in one of these phrases and share a good laugh. Remember, language is not always serious business; often, it’s an excellent vehicle for joy and humor.

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