The Armenian language has been spoken since ancient times. Like any other, the Armenian language changed, developed, acquired new words and expressions, adapting to times and conditions. Dialects and adverbs of the language also appeared naturally, contributing to the development of new phraseological units, idioms and stable expressions. Officially, there are two Armenian languages – Eastern Armenian and Western Armenian. But besides them, Armenian has about 60 dialects, and these are 60 shades of one language, which create an incredibly voluminous and multifaceted Armenian speech.
Arriving in a new country, tourists learn basic words and expressions (link to the article) in order to communicate more easily with people and get closer to the culture of the local population. It is worth noting that the real flavor of the national language is reflected by stable phrases and expressions that cannot be translated verbatim/literally. These expressions reflect the spirit of the people, their attitude and perception of reality. We tried to collect the main phrases in the Armenian language that will help you get to know the way of thinking of the people and communicate more easily with the locals.
Cavt tanem (Ցավդ տանեմ)
A phrase that you will hear every now and then in the Armenian speech. "Cavt tanem" literally means "I will take away your pain" and expresses boundless love. Locals use it both when they want to express love and when they want to sympathize with a person.
Mernem djanit (Մեռնեմ ջանիդ)
A popular phrase that is used to describe great love. Word-for-word translation - is "I will die on your body" This means that the person who said this phrase loves the interlocutor so much that he is even ready to give his life for him. There are also synonymous phrases in the Armenian speech: «boit mernem" (բոյիդ մեռնեմ) and «mernem srtit" (մեռնեմ սրտիդ), which literally translate as "I will die for your growth" and "I will die for your heart" and have the same meaning.
Dzhigyart utem (Ջիգյարդ ուտեմ)
This is another phrase expressing love, but with an unusual translation. Literally, "dzhigyart utem" means "I'll eat your liver." Obviously, this phrase contains an incredibly strong love.
Hors/Mors arev (Հորս/Մորս արև)
This is one of the most used phrases in Armenia, with which the locals swear on the life of their father (Հոր) or mother (Մոր).The local population uses this expression so often that it has practically become an inseparable component of everyday speech. Therefore, the phrase "Hors arev" /"Mors arev" has many shades: it is used both in case of a promise, and in case of irritation and bad mood.
Achkits unknel (Աչքից ընկնել)
If someone wants to express their disappointment in a person in Armenian, then you can use the expression "achkits unknel". Literally, the phrase translates as "to fall from the eye" and in some sense it is similar to the English version of "You've sunk (fallen) in my esteem".
Koranam eu (Քոռանամ ես)
A phrase that you will hear in conversation with the older generation. "Koranam eu" translates as "to make me blind" and expresses sympathy, concern, regret. When something bad happens to a relative or friend, a person says "koranam eu", meaning "I'd rather be blind and not see it."
Achkt luys (Աչքդ լույս)
"Achkt luys" is a phrase that has no analogues in other languages, literally translated as "light to your eye". In fact, people congratulate you with this phrase and wish you all the best. Basically, this expression carries positive emotions, but sometimes it can be considered ambiguous and used with sarcasm. For example, sincerely "achkt luys, it's your son's birthday", or with a slight sneer "achkt luys, you were deceived".
Kti maz (Քթի մազ)
If in Armenia it is necessary to describe in one phrase a person who finds fault with everything, then they will simply say "kti maz" about him. Literally, the phrase translates as "hair in the nose" and means scrupulousness, grumpiness.