Many everyday Armenian expressions will put a smile on your face, even if unintended! These are some Armenian sayings that will make you laugh!
Ahhh… Armenia and Armenians. Sometimes, I think about how we came to exist as a nation and after so many centuries, still retain our culture, traditions, and language.
I believe that one of the main reasons is that we don’t really take ourselves all that seriously to begin with. We laugh at ourselves and have an inherent sarcasm that we only truly understand ourselves.
Many things have helped Armenia retain its… Armenianness (for lack of a better word) over the years.
We still follow some of our ancient Pagan traditions, have 20-minute-long toasts at gatherings, and quote famous writers while flipping the khorovats (Armenian BBQ).
One of the answers to being able to speak a language all our own is that we truly have a language all our own! Also, our language has Eastern and Western Armenian dialects.
Our perseverance and everyday hustle and challenges have helped us develop a national character and we have many idioms, phrases, and sayings that have evolved throughout the years.
What I can say about Armenian expressions, sayings, idioms, and phrases?
Well, sometimes they are downright ridiculous and humorous and while they may be second nature to Armenians when translated directly, foreigners will inevitably be amused (and confused)!
In this post, we highlight some popular Armenian idioms and Armenian phrases that we say without really thinking… but may confuse a foreigner or non-Armenian speaker in the process!
Common Armenian Expressions
1. Ցավդ տանեմ – Tsavd tanem
“Tsavd tanem” means taking away your pain or let me take your pain away. Is often used when the person is so dear to you and caring or just wants to show that he is kind to you, even if he is a stranger.
2. Գլուխ արդուկել – Glugh ardukel
“Glugh ardukel” is one of the funniest ones and it means Ironing the head, which means BS’ing, someone, talking nonsense, and not saying anything all that useful (ie. beating around the bush).
3. Սրտիդ մեռնեմ – Srtid mernem
“Srtid mernem” translates very strangely to non-Armenians and it means I will die on your heart, also known as used as I will die on your body. Crazy right?
The Armenian saying is often used mostly by elders toward youngsters in appreciation of their young life and time they will live long and happy.
4. Աչքս մտար – Atchk mtnel
“Atchk mtnel” means Entering my eye and it is used when someone is doing something good, pleasant, and useful to someone else and that person shows appreciation by saying you are in my eye now and kind of special to me.
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5. Գլխի վրա պահել – Glkhi vra pahel
“Glkhi vra pahel” means Holding someone on the head which means taking care of someone on a high level and certifying all needs.
6. Զոքանջդ քեզ կսիրի – Zokhannchd qez ksiri
“Zokhannchd qez ksiri” is another funny one and I’m not sure where it came from but it means Your mother-in-law loves you and is said when someone or a group of people are getting to eat and someone else is showing up at that time (by accident but still at the right time).
7. Մորս արև – Mors arev
“Mors arev” means Sun of my mother and is used when someone promises something on their Mother or Father. The sun is interpreted as ‘life’.
8. Քթի մազ – Qti maz
“Qti maz” is yet another ridiculous and funny Armenian idiom that means “Nose hair” and is used toward picky people. Also, it talks about people who are delaying the process of something happening because of their pickiness.
These are just a few examples of Armenian idioms, phrases, and expressions that have been used for many centuries in Armenia and by Armenians around the world. And, you can even use them on your next trip to Armenia!
I’m sure that each nation has its own interesting language with many idioms and phrases that are unique!
Let us know in the comments your favorite Armenian expressions and phrases or your favorite in your own native tongue!
How to Learn Armenian?
Armenian is a rich, old language with several dialects, but the most famous ones are Western Armenian and Eastern Armenian.
If your dream is to learn either of them and know this beautiful language, check out Tun Online Armenian School. They offer fantastic and professional online lessons.
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it’s really funny!
Thank you for this Interesting information)
Thank you for reading 🙂
“Your mother-in-law loves you” – this is still in use widely in Egypt in the same exact meaning. though, in its Arabic version. I wonder how is this even possible? hahaha
Even in Syria we use this phrase, now I am half Armenian and Half Syrian I can confirm that both have similar cultures
We have some of them in Turkish especially getting on eye (gözüme girdin)
Its possible! Its possible to see similar expressions other languages.