Armenian is an old and unique language. With 39 letters in the alphabet it is a very rich language. Originally invented by Mesrop Mashtots back in the 5th century (known as the Golden Century for this same purpose), it was not only intended as an alphabet for language use, but cleverly also a numerical system as well as a prayer!
Ok, so the language is not the easiest but to help our guests travel around Armenia with a bit more confidence we have a very short selection of phrases to help. However if you have time, make sure you join one of our “Learn Armenian in 1.5 hours” sessions held for Free in the evenings at the Hostel. Enquire with our reception and they will let you know when the next session will be.
In Yerevan you will find most people can speak English (and sometimes other languages). Outside of Yerevan apart from Armenian, Russian is also acceptable. If you know Russian, even if its only a few words – use it! Even some of the common everyday words, the Russian is more commonly used rather than the pure Armenian word. Even some French and even Farsi words are used in conversation as well. So be brave and throw them into conversation it might help.
Basic Conversation
English | Armenian |
Hello | Barev |
How are you? | Vonts es? |
Thank you | Shnorhakal (often “merci” is acceptable) |
Please | Khndrem |
Yes | Ayo (colloquially “ha”) |
No | Voch (colloquially “che”) |
What is the time? | Djame kanisen eh? |
How much is this? | Es inch arje? |
What is your name? | Anooned inch eh? |
Where is? | Oor eh? |
Good Morning | Bari looys |
Good Night | Bari Gisher |
English | Armenian |
Bank | Baank |
Currency Exchange | Drami phokhanakoom |
Pharmacy | Apteka (Russian) or deghatoon |
Grocery Store | Mterayin |
Shop | Khanoot |
Bus Station | Avtokayan |
Train Station | kayaran |
Bus | Avtoboos |
Hospital | Hivandanotz |
Doctor | Bjishk |
Market | Bazar or shuka |
Toilet | Zugaran |
City Centre | Kentron |
Closed | Pak |
Open | Batz |
Church | Yekeghetsi |
Castle | Berd |
Lake | Lij |
Camera | Aparat (Russian word) |
Numbers
English | Armenian |
1 | Mek |
2 | Yerku |
3 | Yerek |
4 | Chors |
5 | Hing |
6 | Vetz |
7 | Yot |
8 | Oot |
9 | Ine |
10 | Tas |
20 | Ksan |
30 | Yeresoon |
40 | Karasoon |
50 | Hisoon |
60 | Vatsoon |
70 | Yotanasoon |
80 | Ootsoon |
90 | Inesoon |
100 | Haryur |
1000 | Hazar |
2000 | Yerku hazar |
100,000 | Haryur Hazar |
1,000,000 | Mek Milyon |
Days of the Week
English | Armenian |
Monday | Yerkushabti |
Tuesday | Yerekshabti |
Wednesday | Chorekshabti |
Thursday | Hingshabti |
Friday | Oorbat |
Saturday | Shabat |
Sunday | Kiraki |