Armenian (հայերեն) is the official language of Armenia and one of the oldest Indo-European languages. Its alphabet, created in 405 by Saint Mesrop Mashtots, has 39 letters and is a pillar of Armenian identity. With this kit, you have the bare essentials to get by in Yerevan, at Tatev monastery or within the diaspora.
Armenian (հայերեն, hayeren) is the official language of the Republic of Armenia and the mother tongue of around seven million people worldwide, half of whom live outside the country within an active diaspora in France, the United States, Russia, Lebanon and Argentina. It is one of the oldest Indo-European languages attested in writing, with a continuous literary tradition dating back to the 5th century.
The Armenian alphabet, created in 405 by the monk Saint Mesrop Mashtots to translate the Bible, now has 39 letters and is a major identity marker. It distinguishes uppercase from lowercase and reads from left to right. The language exists in two standard forms: Eastern Armenian, spoken in Armenia, Iran and Russia, and Western Armenian, the language of the diaspora and the former Ottoman Empire. Both variants remain mutually intelligible but differ in pronunciation, some grammatical agreements and vocabulary.
Travelling in Armenia means discovering a country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the first nation in the world to adopt Christianity in 301 AD. Mount Ararat watches over the capital Yerevan, medieval monasteries such as Khor Virap, Tatev and Geghard punctuate the landscapes, and the cuisine, rich in herbs and cheeses, accompanies long conversations over coffee. This kit gathers the bare essentials to greet, find your way, order a meal and signal an emergency. You will also find cultural tips to respect the memory of the genocide, the codes of Armenian hospitality and toasting rituals. Memorise these phrases before leaving and you will earn the immediate trust of your hosts.
Here is how these phrases play out in real life. Each scene sets the stage and gathers the useful expressions.
You arrive at Zvartnots Airport in Yerevan in late morning. The immigration officer greets you politely and you reply with the formal expression. You wish him a good day before heading to baggage claim.
The taxi driver welcomes you with a warm good evening. You tell him your destination in central Yerevan, near Republic Square. When stepping out, you thank him with gratitude.
You sit on the terrace of a cafe on Northern Avenue. The waiter offers you the menu and asks if you would like an Armenian coffee. You answer yes or no and ask how he is, using the polite form.
You need urgent help and explain the situation to the hotel receptionist. You mobilise the essential verbs (to be, to have, to go, to come) to describe what happened and ask for a doctor to be called.
On the morning of departure, you thank your hosts for their welcome. Before leaving, you exchange a few words about daily habits using the verbs to eat, to drink, to sleep and to speak, then take your leave with emotion.
What you need to know before travelling to a arménien-speaking country.
Armenian exists in two standard forms: Eastern Armenian (spoken in Armenia, Iran, Russia) and Western Armenian (diaspora, former Ottoman Empire). Both are mutually intelligible but differ in pronunciation and some expressions. Ask your speaker which variant they use.
The Armenian alphabet was created in 405 by the monk Saint Mesrop Mashtots to translate the Bible. It now has 39 letters and remains a powerful symbol of identity. Recognising a few letters shows immediate respect.
The 1915 genocide remains a sensitive and central topic in collective memory. April 24, the commemoration day, is observed with gravity. Avoid minimising this event or using the Russian term to refer to the country.
Armenian hospitality is legendary: you will systematically be offered coffee or tea, and often sweets. Refusing entirely can offend. Accept at least one cup, even briefly, to honour the custom.
Armenia adopted Christianity in 301, the first country in the world to do so. The Armenian Apostolic Church is very present. When visiting a church, cover your shoulders, and women should bring a headscarf.
The toast (kenats) is central to meals. The host gives the first toast, often to ancestors or to the departed. Stand up for important toasts and avoid drinking before the first one.
Armenian brandy (Ararat) is a national pride, known as the cognac of Armenia. It is offered as a welcome or to celebrate a meeting. Try it neat, without ice, as tradition dictates.
In Armenia, informal address is common among friends and even strangers of the same age. With elders or in professional contexts, use the polite form Բարև ձեզ and the pronoun dzez. Follow your interlocutor's lead.
Preview. The full glossary (30 words) and all the phrases are in the PDF.
լսել
to hear / listen
տեսնել
to see
իմանալ
to know (a fact)
գիտենալ
to know
կարդալ
to read
գրել
to write
հասկանալ
to understand
ուզել
to want
անել
to do / make
սիրել
to love / like
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Every translation is cross-checked against at least two concordant sources among the references below.
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