Language/Armenian/Vocabulary/Proverbs-and-Maxims

Armenian → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Proverbs and Maxims

Welcome to our lesson on Armenian proverbs and maxims! Proverbs are essential components of any language, serving as a window into a culture's values, wisdom, and humor. They encapsulate life lessons and practical insights passed down through generations. In Armenian culture, proverbs are particularly cherished, often reflecting the rich history and the resilience of the people.

In this lesson, we will explore 20 traditional Armenian proverbs, their meanings, and how they can be used in everyday conversation. We will also engage in various exercises to help you practice and internalize these sayings in your language journey. By the end of this lesson, you will not only have expanded your vocabulary but also gained a deeper appreciation for Armenian culture.

The Importance of Proverbs in Armenian Culture

Proverbs in Armenian culture serve multiple purposes:

• Wisdom: They provide insights into life, relationships, and human nature.

• Cultural Identity: Proverbs reflect the values and beliefs that shape Armenian identity.

• Communication: They can effectively convey messages in a concise and memorable way.

Structure of the Lesson

This lesson is structured as follows:

1. Introduction to Proverbs: What they are and why they matter.

2. 20 Armenian Proverbs: Detailed examples with translations and pronunciations.

3. Exercises: Opportunities to practice using these proverbs in context.

Understanding Proverbs

Before we dive into our examples, let's clarify what a proverb is. A proverb is a short, commonly known expression that conveys a truth or a piece of advice based on common sense or experience.

Characteristics of Proverbs

• Universal: Many proverbs can be found in various cultures.

• Concise: They often use few words to express a broader idea.

• Timeless: The wisdom in proverbs remains relevant across generations.

20 Traditional Armenian Proverbs

Let’s explore 20 traditional Armenian proverbs, their meanings, and how to use them.

Armenian	Pronunciation	English
Աղթակը չդիպչի, բլիթն էլ չի ընկնի։	Aghtaky ch'dipchi, blit'n el ch'i ynk'ni.	If you don’t touch the pot, the pancake won’t fall. (Don't interfere if things are going well.)
Ով որ չի աշխատում, նա էլ չի ուտի։	Ov vor chi ashkhatum, na el chi uti.	He who does not work, shall not eat. (Work is necessary for sustenance.)
Քո բարին, իմ բարին։	Ko barin, im barin.	Your good is my good. (Sharing good fortune strengthens relationships.)
Երբ գետը չորանա, ձկները էլ չեն լինի։	Erb get'e ch'orana, dzk'ner'e el ch'en lini.	When the river dries up, there will be no fish. (When resources are depleted, so are the benefits.)
Շունը չէ, որ շնան։	Shun'e ch'e, vor shnan.	A dog is not born to bark. (People have roles they fulfill according to their nature.)
Հին շունը նոր tricks չի սովորում։	Hin shun'e nor tricks chi sovoroom.	An old dog doesn’t learn new tricks. (It's hard to change established habits.)
Տունը տանիքով է, ոչ թե պատերով։	Tun'e tanikov e, voch te paterov.	A house is with a roof, not with walls. (The structure of a thing is as important as its appearance.)
Դիակի բերանն է, որ ծարավը գցում է։	Diaki beran'n e, vor tsarav'y gts'ume.	It’s the dead’s mouth that throws out the thirst. (Desire can lead to unexpected consequences.)
Ով ուզում է, նա միշտ էլ կհասնի։	Ov uzum e, na misht el kh'asni.	Whoever wants it, will always achieve it. (Determination leads to success.)
Մարդը պետք է իր գործին լինի։	Mard'e petq e ir gorts'in lini.	A person should focus on their work. (Concentration leads to better outcomes.)
Լավն էլ է մեղքից։	Lav'n el e mehq'its'd.	Good can also come from sin. (Positive outcomes can arise from negative situations.)
Ամբողջ աշխարհն է մի գիրք, իսկ ով չի ճանապարհորդում, նա միայն մի էջ է կարդում։	Amboghch' ashkhar'n e mi girk', isk ov chi chanaparhordum, na miayn mi ej e kardum.	The whole world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page. (Travel broadens one's horizons.)
Երբեմն լավ է փակել բերանը, քան բացել։	Erbemen lav e pak'el beran'e, kan bap'el.	Sometimes it's better to close your mouth than to open it. (Silence is often more beneficial than speaking.)
Իմ սենյակում, իմ կանոնները։	Im senyakyum, im kanonnery.	In my room, my rules. (Everyone has their own space and authority.)
Ով չի լսում, նա էլ չի սովորի։	Ov chi lsum, na el chi sovori.	He who does not listen, will not learn. (Active listening is crucial for gaining knowledge.)
Կյանքը քաղցր է, բայց կռիվը՝ անհանգիստ։	K'yank'e k'aghc'r e, bayts k'riv'e - anhank'ist.	Life is sweet, but the struggle is restless. (Life has its pleasures, but challenges remain.)
Չկա Երկիր առանց ջրի։	Chka Yerkr arants jri.	There is no Earth without water. (Essentials are necessary for existence.)
Ով ուզում է կռվել, նա էլ կռվում է։	Ov uzum e k'rvel, na el k'rvum e.	He who wants to fight, fights. (People will follow their desires.)
Բարի ճանաչել է, իմաստություն է։	Bari chanach'el e, imastut'yun e.	To recognize good is wisdom. (Acknowledging goodness is a sign of wisdom.)
Սերն իր հետևանքներն ունի։	Sern ir het'evank'ner'n uni.	Love has its consequences. (Every action, especially love, has effects.)

Exercises

Now that we have familiarized ourselves with these proverbs, let’s put your knowledge to the test! Here are 10 exercises for you to practice.

Exercise 1: Matching Proverbs

Match the Armenian proverb to its English translation.

Armenian Proverb	English Translation
1. Ով չի աշխատում, նա էլ չի ուտի։	A. The whole world is a book...
2. Աղթակը չդիպչի, բլիթն էլ չի ընկնի։	B. He who does not work, shall not eat.
3. Ամբողջ աշխարհն է մի գիրք...	C. If you don’t touch the pot...

Solution:

1 - B

2 - C

3 - A

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the proverbs with the correct words.

1. Աղթակը չդիպչի, բլիթն էլ չի _______.

2. Ով ուզում է, նա միշտ էլ _______.

3. Կյանքը քաղցր է, բայց _______՝ անհանգիստ.

Solution:

1. ընկնի (ynk'ni)

2. կհասնի (kh'asni)

3. կռիվը (k'riv'e)

Exercise 3: True or False

State whether the following statements about the proverbs are true or false.

1. The proverb "Շունը չէ, որ շնան" suggests that everyone can learn new things regardless of age.

2. "Մարդը պետք է իր գործին լինի" emphasizes the importance of focusing on work.

3. "Դիակի բերանն է, որ ծարավը գցում է" reflects the idea that desires can lead to unexpected consequences.

Solution:

1. False

2. True

3. True

Exercise 4: Create Sentences

Using the following proverbs, create your sentences in English.

1. Ամբողջ աշխարհն է մի գիրք...

2. Ով չի լսում, նա էլ չի սովորի։

Example Solutions:

1. Traveling is essential because the whole world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.

2. It is important to listen to others because he who does not listen, will not learn.

Exercise 5: Choose the Correct Proverb

Select the correct proverb that fits the situation.

1. If someone is lazy and always expects everything to be handed to them:

• A. Աղթակը չդիպչի, բլիթն էլ չի ընկնի։

• B. Ով չի աշխատում, նա էլ չի ուտի։

Solution: B

Exercise 6: Translation Practice

Translate the following Armenian proverb into English:

1. Լավն էլ է մեղքից։

Solution: Good can also come from sin.

Exercise 7: Discuss with a Partner

In pairs, discuss the meanings of the following proverbs and share personal experiences that relate to them.

1. Սերն իր հետևանքներն ունի։

2. Երբեմն լավ է փակել բերանը, քան բացել։

Example Discussion Points:

• How love has various effects in your life.

• Situations where keeping silent was more beneficial than speaking.

Exercise 8: Identify the Theme

Identify the theme of the following proverb:

"Քո բարին, իմ բարին."

Solution: This proverb emphasizes the theme of shared good fortune and mutual support.

Exercise 9: Proverbs in Context

Write a short dialogue including at least two of the proverbs learned in this lesson.

Example Dialogue:

A: "I feel overwhelmed by work."

B: "Remember, Աղթակը չդիպչի, բլիթն էլ չի ընկնի; just let it be for now."

Exercise 10: Reflection

Reflect on the proverb "Երբեմն լավ է փակել բերանը, քան բացել." and write a short paragraph about a time when you learned the importance of silence.

Example Reflection:

There was a moment in a meeting when I chose to remain quiet instead of voicing my concerns. Later, I realized that my silence preserved the harmony of the group, proving that sometimes it is indeed better to keep one's mouth shut.

Conclusion

In this lesson, we explored the beauty and significance of Armenian proverbs. By integrating these sayings into your language practice, you not only enrich your vocabulary but also embrace the culture that shapes the Armenian identity. Remember, every proverb carries a lesson; use them wisely in your conversations!

Table of Contents - Armenian Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Greetings and Introductions

• Basic Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

Alphabet and Pronunciation

• Armenian Alphabet
• Pronunciation Rules

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Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-20
• Telling Time

  ---

Basic Sentence Structure

• Subject-Verb-Object
• Yes/No Questions

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Describing Relationships

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Noun Gender and Plurals
• Personal Pronouns

  ---

Food and Dining

• Common Foods
• Eating Out

  ---

Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Asking for Directions

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Descriptive Adjectives
• Adverbs of Time, Manner, and Place

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Armenian Traditions and Customs

• Holidays and Celebrations
• Traditional Music and Dance

Other Lessons

• Around the House
• Clothes
• Months of the year
• Numbers and Counting
• Nature
• How to say Good Bye?
• Business Terms
• Love Սեր սիրահետում
• Feelings and Emotions
• Languages Lezowner Լեզուներ