Language/Armenian/Vocabulary/Idiomatic-Expressions
Hi Armenian learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will be learning Armenian idiomatic expressions that are commonly used in everyday conversation. These expressions are unique to the Armenian language and give insight into the rich culture and history of Armenia. By the end of this lesson, not only will you have improved your Armenian vocabulary, but you will also have a deeper understanding of the Armenian culture. So let’s get started!
Once you've mastered this lesson, take a look at these related pages: Days of the Week and Months of the Year & Count to 10.
What are Idiomatic Expressions?[edit | edit source]
Idiomatic expressions are a group of words whose meaning is not determined by their literal definition. Instead, they have a figurative meaning, making them unique to the culture or language in which they are used. For example, in English, we might say “break a leg” to wish success to a performer. This does not literally mean that we want the person to break their leg, but rather it is an expression that is used to wish success. Similarly, Armenian has many idiomatic expressions that add color and life to the language.
Examples of Armenian Idiomatic Expressions[edit | edit source]
Below is a list of Armenian idiomatic expressions along with their meanings and usage.
| Armenian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| մի հատ, երկու քառասուն (mi hat, yerku k’arasun) | mee hat, yer-ku ka-ra-soon | “one thread, two knots” meaning a difficult decision |
| ինչու տի, քեզ բիզնես (inchu ti, k’ez biznes) | in-chu dee, kez biz-nes | “what is it to you, it’s my business” meaning that’s none of your business |
| գութակալ ել մեղրի վրա (gutakal el meghri vra) | goo-ta-kal el meh-gree vra | “to put a straw on honey” meaning to make things worse |
| փոքր վախեն (pokr vakh-en) | po-k’r va-khen | “small soul” meaning a coward |
| կյանքի ուժի վրա (kyank’i uzhi vra) | kyan-ki oo-zhi vra | “on the power of life” meaning desperately |
Usage Examples[edit | edit source]
- Person 1: Շնորհակալ եմ (shnorhakal em) (thank you)
- Person 2: Նախկին էլ շատ փաթեթներ էր ունենում (nakhkin el shat pat’eter er unenoom) (he already had a lot of packages)
- Person 1: Իսկ տեսանելի չէր (isk tesaneli cher) (but he didn't seem happy)
- Person 2: Ոչ, այնպես չէր (voch, aynpes cher) (no, he wasn't like that)
- Person 1: Տեղեկատվական է որ… (teghakatvakan e vor) (it is known that...)
- Person 2: Գլխի վրա դիմանում են հոլովի էլ (glkhi vra dmanoom en hulovi yel) (they apply mustard on the head too)
Why Learn Idiomatic Expressions?[edit | edit source]
Learning idiomatic expressions is an important part of mastering any language. Not only do they help you communicate with native speakers, but they also help you understand the culture and values of the people who speak that language. Armenian idiomatic expressions, in particular, provide insight into the rich cultural history of Armenia, giving learners a deeper appreciation for the language. Additionally, many Armenian idiomatic expressions have no direct translation, making them unique to the Armenian language.
Practice with Native Speakers[edit | edit source]
To improve your understanding and usage of Armenian idiomatic expressions, we recommend practicing with native speakers. Polyglot Club is a great website to find language exchange partners. You can also find native speakers and ask them any questions.
Congratulations! You have now learned several Armenian idiomatic expressions. Keep practicing and incorporating these expressions into your conversations to improve your Armenian language skills. Don't forget to check out [Language/Armenian/Vocabulary|Vocabulary] and other [Language/Armenian|Armenian] lessons on the Polyglot Club website!
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Love Սեր սիրահետում
- Weather and Climate
- Time
- Computer
- Seasons
- Measurements and Quantity
- Armenian Idioms
- Vocabulary for the Future Indicative
- Survival vocabulary
- Farewell Հրաժեշտի արտահայտություններ
Sources[edit | edit source]
- 8 Armenian Expressions and Sayings That Will Make You Laugh
- The Most Popular Armenian Dictionaries | ASPIRANTUM
- Armenian Vocabulary - Idiomatic expressions