The Armenian language is a treasure trove of vivid and colorful expressions that can sometimes leave non-native speakers scratching their heads in confusion. These figurative expressions, often deeply rooted in Armenia’s rich history and culture, are not only funny but also reveal a lot about the Armenian way of thinking. In this article, we will explore some of the most amusing and intriguing idiomatic phrases in the Armenian language. Whether you’re learning Armenian or just curious about different languages, these expressions are sure to delight and entertain.
Historical and Cultural Context
To fully appreciate the humor and meaning behind these expressions, it’s helpful to understand a bit about Armenian history and culture. Armenia is one of the oldest countries in the world, with a history that dates back thousands of years. This ancient heritage is reflected in the language, which is full of references to traditional customs, folklore, and daily life.
Armenian culture places a strong emphasis on family, hospitality, and community. Many expressions reflect these values, often using vivid imagery and metaphors to convey complex ideas in a humorous way. Understanding these cultural nuances can give you deeper insight into the expressions and make them even more enjoyable.
Common Funny Figurative Expressions
1. Քանզի սիրտը չի տանում (Qanzi sirtd chi danum)
Translation: “Because his/her heart doesn’t carry it.”
This expression is used to describe someone who doesn’t have the heart to do something, usually something difficult or unpleasant. It’s similar to the English expression “can’t bring oneself to do something.” The imagery of a heart physically carrying a burden adds a humorous twist to the idea of emotional reluctance.
2. Հարսը տունը մտավ, պանիրն էլ հետը բերեց (Hars@ tun@ mtav, panirn el het@ berets)
Translation: “The bride entered the house, and she brought the cheese with her.”
In Armenian culture, cheese is often associated with good fortune and prosperity. This expression is used to describe a situation where someone brings good luck or positive change. The image of a bride bringing cheese adds a humorous and whimsical touch to the idea of bringing good fortune.
3. Կատուն ոտքով է լվանում (Katun votqov e lvanum)
Translation: “The cat is washing with its feet.”
This expression is used to describe someone who is doing something in an unconventional or inefficient way. It’s similar to the English expression “doing something backwards.” The image of a cat trying to wash itself with its feet is both funny and illustrative of the idea of doing something the wrong way.
4. Ձուկը գլխից է հոտում (Dzook@ glkhic e hotum)
Translation: “The fish stinks from the head.”
This expression is used to indicate that problems in an organization or group often start at the top. It’s similar to the English expression “a fish rots from the head down.” The imagery of a fish stinking from its head is both vivid and humorous, making the point in a memorable way.
5. Գարունը մեկ ծաղիկով չի գալիս (Garoon@ mek tsaghikov chi galis)
Translation: “Spring doesn’t come with one flower.”
This expression is used to remind someone that one positive sign doesn’t necessarily mean a complete change is coming. It’s similar to the English expression “one swallow doesn’t make a summer.” The imagery of spring needing more than just one flower is both poetic and humorous.
6. Գայլը գառան մորթի մեջ (Gayl@ garan morti mej)
Translation: “The wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
This expression is used to describe someone who is pretending to be something they are not, usually to deceive others. It’s identical to the English expression “a wolf in sheep’s clothing.” The imagery of a wolf disguised as a sheep is both humorous and effective in conveying the idea of deceit.
Expressions Rooted in Daily Life
7. Խոզի պես կերավ (Khozi pes kerav)
Translation: “He/she ate like a pig.”
This expression is used to describe someone who eats a lot or eats messily. It’s similar to the English expression “eating like a pig.” The imagery of someone eating like a pig is both funny and easy to understand, making it a popular expression in everyday conversation.
8. Ձեռքերը լվանալ (Dzerrker@ lvanal)
Translation: “To wash one’s hands.”
This expression is used to describe someone who is absolving themselves of responsibility for something. It’s similar to the English expression “to wash one’s hands of something.” The imagery of physically washing one’s hands to remove responsibility adds a humorous and tangible element to the idea.
9. Հացը կոտրել (Hats@ kotrel)
Translation: “To break the bread.”
This expression is used to describe the act of sharing a meal and, by extension, sharing good times and creating bonds with others. It’s similar to the English expression “breaking bread.” The imagery of breaking bread to symbolize sharing and togetherness is both warm and humorous.
10. Օձի լեզու (Odzi lezu)
Translation: “Snake’s tongue.”
This expression is used to describe someone who speaks in a deceitful or malicious way. It’s similar to the English expression “having a forked tongue.” The imagery of a snake’s tongue adds a vivid and humorous element to the idea of deceitful speech.
11. Աչքով տալ (Achkov tal)
Translation: “To give with the eye.”
This expression is used to describe the act of giving someone a meaningful look or signal. It’s similar to the English expression “to give someone the eye.” The imagery of giving something with one’s eye adds a humorous and intriguing twist to the idea of non-verbal communication.
Expressions Involving Animals
12. Աղվեսի պես խորամանկ (Aghvesi pes khoramank)
Translation: “Cunning as a fox.”
This expression is used to describe someone who is very clever and cunning. It’s similar to the English expression “sly as a fox.” The imagery of a clever fox adds a humorous and vivid element to the idea of cunning behavior.
13. Ձիու պես աշխատել (Dziu pes ashkhatel)
Translation: “To work like a horse.”
This expression is used to describe someone who works very hard. It’s similar to the English expression “to work like a horse.” The imagery of a hardworking horse adds a humorous and relatable element to the idea of hard work.
14. Խեցգետին քայլել (Khetsgetin kaylel)
Translation: “To walk like a crab.”
This expression is used to describe someone who is moving sideways or in a roundabout way. It’s similar to the English expression “to beat around the bush.” The imagery of a crab walking sideways adds a humorous and vivid element to the idea of indirect movement.
15. Փիղը բաժակների խանութում (Pigh@ bajakneri khanutum)
Translation: “An elephant in a china shop.”
This expression is used to describe someone who is clumsy or out of place in a delicate situation. It’s similar to the English expression “an elephant in a china shop.” The imagery of a large, clumsy elephant in a delicate setting adds a humorous and effective element to the idea of being out of place.
Expressions About Human Nature
16. Գլուխը ջարդել (Glukh@ jardel)
Translation: “To break one’s head.”
This expression is used to describe someone who is struggling with a difficult problem or situation. It’s similar to the English expression “to break one’s head over something.” The imagery of someone physically breaking their head adds a humorous and dramatic element to the idea of struggling with a problem.
17. Քարը տակից հանել (Khar@ takits hanel)
Translation: “To pull the stone from under.”
This expression is used to describe someone who is resourceful or able to achieve something difficult. It’s similar to the English expression “to pull a rabbit out of a hat.” The imagery of pulling a stone from under something adds a humorous and vivid element to the idea of resourcefulness.
18. Սառը ջուր լցնել (Sarr@ jur ltsel)
Translation: “To pour cold water.”
This expression is used to describe someone who is discouraging or dampening enthusiasm. It’s similar to the English expression “to pour cold water on something.” The imagery of pouring cold water adds a humorous and tangible element to the idea of discouragement.
19. Չոր փայտի մեջ կրակ վառել (Chor payti mej krak varel)
Translation: “To light a fire in dry wood.”
This expression is used to describe someone who is easily provoked or quick to anger. It’s similar to the English expression “to light a fire under someone.” The imagery of lighting a fire in dry wood adds a humorous and vivid element to the idea of quick anger.
20. Տերևի նման թափվել (Terevi nman t’apvel)
Translation: “To fall like a leaf.”
This expression is used to describe someone who is falling or failing in a gentle or inevitable way. It’s similar to the English expression “to fall like a leaf.” The imagery of a leaf gently falling adds a poetic and humorous element to the idea of failure or decline.
Conclusion
The Armenian language is rich with funny and figurative expressions that offer a unique glimpse into the culture and way of thinking of the Armenian people. These expressions, often rooted in historical and cultural contexts, use vivid imagery and metaphors to convey complex ideas in a humorous and memorable way. Whether you’re learning Armenian or simply interested in different languages, these expressions are sure to delight and entertain. So the next time you encounter an Armenian saying that leaves you puzzled, remember that there’s likely a funny and interesting story behind it. Happy learning!
