Learning a new language opens the door to understanding a culture, and part of that culture is how people relate to their natural environment. In Azerbaijani, like in many languages, there is a rich vocabulary related to nature and the environment. Here is a list of terms that can enhance your understanding and appreciation of Azerbaijani nature.

Mühit (Environment)
The Azerbaijani word for ‘environment’ is mühit. This term encompasses the natural world, the conditions and influences that affect the growth, health, and survival of organisms within it.
Azərbaycanın mühit qorunması üçün səylər artırılır. (Efforts to protect the environment in Azerbaijan are increasing.)

Ətraf (Surrounding)
Ətraf mənzərə çox gözəldir. (The surrounding scenery is very beautiful.)

Tez-tez (Often)
‘Tez-tez’ describes the frequency of an action or occurrence, being synonymous with ‘often’.
Ətrafda tez-tez guşlar görmək olar. (You can often see birds around here.)

Tabiat (Nature)
Tabiat refers to the natural, physical, or material world and its phenomena. It conveys the intrinsic beauty, diversity, and interconnectedness of living and non-living things.
Azərbaycanın tabiatı çox zəngindir. (The nature in Azerbaijan is very rich.)

Dağ (Mountain)
Azerbaijan features a diverse range of mountain landscapes, making ‘dağ’ an important word in describing its topography.
Qafqaz dağları Azərbaycanın ən hündür nöqtələrindəndir. (The Caucasus Mountains are among the highest points in Azerbaijan.)

Dəniz (Sea)
The term ‘dəniz’ is used to describe vast bodies of saltwater. The Caspian Sea, which borders Azerbaijan, is central to the country’s ecology and economy.
Xəzər dənizi dünyanın ən böyük gölüdür. (The Caspian Sea is the world’s largest lake.)

Meşə (Forest)
Forests cover a significant portion of Azerbaijan’s territory, providing habitats for numerous species. ‘Meşə’ is a term that highlights the importance of these ecosystems.
Azərbaycan meşələri nadir bitki növlərinə ev sahibliyi edir. (Azerbaijan’s forests are home to rare plant species.)

Nehir (River)
There are several major rivers in Azerbaijan offering crucial water sources for both human use and natural habitats. ‘Nehir’ refers to these flowing bodies of freshwater.
Kür nehri Azərbaycanın ən uzun çayıdır. (The Kura River is the longest river in Azerbaijan.)

Bitki (Plant)
‘Bitki’ refers to plants and signifies the vegetation that forms a part of Azerbaijan’s natural landscapes and biodiversity.
Azərbaycanın müxtəlif iklim zonalarında çox sayda bitki növü yetişir. (Many types of plants grow in the various climate zones of Azerbaijan.)

Çiçək (Flower)
The word ‘çiçək’ is used for flowers, highlighting the beauty and diversity of Azerbaijan’s flora.
Baharda Azərbaycan çiçəklərə bürünür. (In spring, Azerbaijan is covered with flowers.)

Qoruyucu (Protective)
Environmental protection is critical, and ‘qoruyucu’ refers to anything that provides protection, often used in the context of conservation efforts.
Qoruyucu tədbirlər sayəsində nəsli kəsilməkdə olan növlər qorunur. (Protective measures help to preserve endangered species.)

Understanding these environmental and nature terms can connect you more deeply to Azerbaijani culture and the stunning natural landscapes of the country. Whether you’re having a conversation with a local, reading about the country’s ecological initiatives, or exploring the great outdoors of Azerbaijan, these terms will surely enrich your experience and appreciation of the natural world as seen through the Azerbaijani language.