Language/Armenian/Vocabulary/Numbers-and-Counting

Armenian → Vocabulary → Numbers and Counting

As a language teacher with 20 years of experience teaching Armenian, I am excited to introduce you to the world of numbers and counting in Armenian! In this lesson, we will dive into the basics of Armenian numbers and counting, and by the end of it, you will have a solid foundation to continue building on as you progress in your language learning journey.

Armenian Numbers

Armenian numbers have a unique and interesting origin. They were created by St. Mesrop Mashtots, who also invented the Armenian alphabet in the 5th century.

Armenian numbers consist of two numerical systems: the classical numerical system and the decimal numerical system.

The classical numerical system is based on the letters of the Armenian alphabet. In this system, each letter corresponds to a specific number. This system is not commonly used in modern Armenian but is important to know as it is still used in religious and traditional contexts.

The decimal numerical system is the most commonly used system in modern Armenian. In this system, the numbers 0-9 are used, along with place value to determine larger numbers.

Let's take a look at the Armenian numbers 1-10 in both the classical and decimal numerical systems:

Classical	Decimal	Armenian Word
1	Ա	մեկ (mek)
2	Բ	երկու (yerkou)
3	Գ	երեք (yerek)
4	Դ	չորս (chorss)
5	Ե	հինգ (hinng)
6	Զ	վեց (vets)
7	Է	յոթ (yot)
8	Ը	ութ (out)
9	Թ	ինը (iné)
10	Ժ	տաս (tass)

Note that the Armenian letters in the classical numerical system are also used in the Armenian alphabet.

Counting in Armenian

To count in Armenian, you typically use the decimal numerical system. To count from 1-10, you simply use the numbers we learned in the previous section. After 10, the numbers are formed by adding the numbers together. For example, to count to 11, you would say "tass + mek" (տաս+մեկ), which means "ten plus one". To count to 15, you would say "tass + hinng" (տաս+հինգ), which means "ten plus five".

Here are the Armenian numbers 11-20:

Decimal	Armenian Word
11	տասնմեկ (tassn-mek)
12	տասներկու (tassn-yerkou)
13	տասներեք (tassn-yerek)
14	տասնչորս (tassn-chorss)
15	տասնհինգ (tassn-hinng)
16	տասնվեց (tassn-vets)
17	տասնյոթ (tassn-yot)
18	տասնութ (tassn-out)
19	տասնինը (tassn-iné)
20	քսան (k'san)

From 20 onwards, numbers are formed by combining the numbers with the word "k'san" (քսան) meaning "twenty". For example, 21 is "k'san + mek" (քսան+մեկ), which means "twenty plus one".

It's important to note that Armenian numbers follow a gender and declension pattern. That means they change form based on gender and case. In future lessons, we will delve deeper into this concept and explore it further.

Using Numbers in Armenian

Now that we know some basic Armenian numbers, it's time to practice using them in context. Here are some common phrases and sentences that incorporate numbers in Armenian:

• Ի՞նչ ժամանիշ է: (Inch gamanish ye?) - What time is it?
• Հինգ րոպե (Hinng rope) - Five minutes
• Գե՜ցե՜ք երկու հազարներ, խնդիր չկա: (Gétsék'yerkou hazarnér, khndir chk'a) - Let's be two thousand happy, there is no problem.
• Մեր ընկեր մեկ մուլտիկուլտչի է: (Mer engér mek multi-kultchi ye) - Our friend is a multiculturalist.
• Առաջին հուշականությունը ունի յոթ հազար տասներկուների: (Arrajin hushakantyuniq'yot hazar tassn-yerkounyneri) - The first impression has seventy-two implications.

Now that you have learned the basics of Armenian numbers and counting, try practicing your new skills in your daily life. Count objects around you, ask for the time in Armenian, and try forming sentences that include numbers. With practice and dedication, your Armenian language skills will continue to grow and flourish.

Related Lessons

• Basic words
• Legal Terms
• Days of the Week
• Family
• Business Terms
• Time
• Common Expressions
• Computer
• Education and Learning
• Acronyms and Initialisms