Language/Armenian/Grammar/How-to-Use-Be

Armenian Grammar - How to Use "Be"

Hi Armenian learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will focus on how to use the verb "to be" in Armenian. Understanding how to use this verb is crucial for building basic sentences and mastering Armenian grammar. We will go over the different forms of the verb, patterns of usage, and provide cultural context so that you can fully understand how to use "be."

What is the Verb "To Be"?

The verb "to be" is one of the most commonly used verbs in English and Armenian. It is used to indicate a state of being or possession. In Armenian, the verb "to be" is translated to the word "լինել" (linel).

How to Use "To Be" in Armenian

The Armenian language has three basic forms of the verb "to be":

• Past Tense - եմ (em)
• Present Tense - եմ (em)
• Future Tense - կլինեմ (klinem)

Present Tense

The present tense form of "to be" is used in the following examples:

Armenian	Pronunciation	English
ես (es)	ehs	you are
եսք (esq)	esk	you all are
է (e)	eh	he/she/it is
ենք (enk)	enk	we are
եք (ek)	ek	you all are
են (en)	en	they are

Example Dialogues

• Person 1: իմ մայրը էր գնում: (im mayry er gnoum) (My mom was walking.)
• Person 2:ինչ եք անում? (inch ek anoum) (What are you doing?)
• Person 1: երբեք վազում եմ: (erbeq vazoum em) (Sometimes I run.)

Past Tense

The past tense form of "to be" is used with the auxiliary verb եմ (em) at the beginning of the sentence. Here are the different forms of the past tense:

Armenian	Pronunciation	English
էի (ei)	ei	I was
էիր (eir)	eyr	you were
էր (er)	er	he/she/it was
էինք (eink)	eink	we were
էիք (eik)	eik	you all were
էին (ein)	ein	they were

Example Dialogues

• Person 1: երկու օր անում էի կուտակել: (erku or anoum ei kutakel) (I was drinking for two days.)
• Person 2: Ինչու՞ եք անում այս ժամանակ: (Inchuu ek anum ays zhamanak?) (What were you doing at this time?)
• Person 1: Ունենք գրականություն, որը արդեն էլ բաց էր: (Unenk grakanut’yun, vor’e arent’ el bac’ er) (We had an open book.)

Future Tense

The future tense form of "to be" is used to indicate future states or actions. Here are the different forms of the future tense:

Armenian	Pronunciation	English
կլինեմ (klinem)	klinem	I will be
կլինես (klines)	klines	you will be
կլինի (klini)	klini	he/she/it will be
կլինենք (klinenk)	klinenk	we will be
կլինեք (klineq)	klineq	you all will be
կլինեն (klinen)	klinen	they will be

Example Dialogues

• Person 1: Մուտքագրում եմ մեկ օր կլինեմ բարի մանրամասներով: (Mut’kagrum em mek or klinem bari manramasnerov) (I will be entering with good details for one day.)
• Person 2: Ինչպե՞ս փորձարկեք դա: (Inchpes porzarkek’ da?) (How will you test it?)
• Person 1: Չէ՞, ես արդեն հանդիսացել եմ: (Che, es areden handistats’ets’ em) (No, I have already been there.)

Cultural Context

Armenian is an important language spoken in countries such as Armenia, Georgia, Russia, and the United States. Armenia has a rich cultural heritage that spans thousands of years, dating back to ancient times. The country is famous for its beautiful landscapes, ancient architecture, and its delicious cuisine.

Conclusion

To summarize, in Armenian, the verb "to be" is translated to the word "լինել" (linel) and has three basic forms: past tense, present tense, and future tense. Understanding how to use the verb "to be" is crucial for building basic sentences and mastering Armenian grammar. To improve your Armenian Grammar, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!

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➡ 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. 😎

Related Lessons

• Adverbs
• The Instrumental Case
• Negation
• Adjectives
• Questions
• Demonstrative pronouns
• This, That and the Other One
• The Past Perfect Tense
• Indefinite Article
• The Future Perfect Tense

Sources

• Armenian Grammar - How to Use "Be"
• Armenian/Grammar - Wikibooks, open books for an open world
• Armenian language - Wikipedia