Armenia has its own unique alphabet, created by Mesrop Mashtots in 405 AD, and the Armenian language has no close relatives. While English is common enough in Yerevan’s restaurants and hotels, venturing beyond the capital means relying on basic Armenian or Russian. Even a handful of phrases will transform interactions - Armenians respond with genuine enthusiasm when visitors attempt their language.
Greetings and Basics
| English | Armenian | Pronunciation |
|---|
| Hello | Barev | ba-REV |
| Good morning | Bari luys | ba-ri LUYS |
| Goodbye | Tstesutyun | ts-te-su-TYUN |
| Please | Khndrem | khun-DREM |
| Thank you | Shnorhakalutyun | shnor-ha-ka-lu-TYUN |
| Yes | Ayo | ah-YO |
| No | Voch | VOCH |
| Excuse me | Neretseq | ne-re-TSEQ |
| Sorry | Neroghutyn | ne-ro-ghu-TYUN |
| How are you? | Inchpes eq? | inch-PES EQ |
Getting Around
| English | Armenian | Pronunciation |
|---|
| Where is…? | Vorteq e…? | vor-TEQ EH |
| How much is it? | Inchqan e? | inch-KAN EH |
| Left | Dzakh | DZAKH |
| Right | Ach | ACH |
| Stop here | Aysteq kanq | ay-STEQ KANK |
| Taxi | Taksi | TAK-si |
| Bus station | Avtokayan | av-to-ka-YAN |
| Airport | Odanavakayan | o-da-na-va-ka-YAN |
| Train station | Kayaran | ka-ya-RAN |
| I don’t understand | Yes chem haskanum | yes chem has-ka-NUM |
Food and Dining
| English | Armenian | Pronunciation |
|---|
| The menu, please | Menyu, khndrem | me-NYU khun-DREM |
| The bill, please | Hashivuh, khndrem | ha-shi-VUH khun-DREM |
| Water | Jur | JOOR |
| Delicious | Hameg | ha-MEG |
| Not spicy | Hamaemunqov ch’e | ha-me-MUN-kov CHE |
| I am vegetarian | Yes busaker em | yes bu-sa-KER EM |
| Bread | Hats | HATS |
| Coffee | Surj | SURJ |
| Beer | Garejur | ga-re-JOOR |
| Cheers! | Kenats! | ke-NATS |
Numbers
| Number | Armenian | Pronunciation |
|---|
| 1 | Mek | MEK |
| 2 | Yerku | yer-KU |
| 3 | Yereq | ye-REK |
| 4 | Chors | CHORS |
| 5 | Hing | HING |
| 6 | Vets | VETS |
| 7 | Yot | YOT |
| 8 | Ut | OOT |
| 9 | Inu | i-NU |
| 10 | Tas | TAS |
Emergency Phrases
| English | Armenian | Pronunciation |
|---|
| Help! | Ognutyun! | og-nu-TYUN |
| Hospital | Hivandanots | hee-van-da-NOTS |
| Police | Vostikanutyun | vos-ti-ka-nu-TYUN |
| I need a doctor | Bzhshki kariq unem | bzhsh-KI ka-RIK u-NEM |
| Call an ambulance | Shitapoghutyun kancheq | shi-ta-po-ghu-TYUN kan-CHEQ |
When attempting Armenian, do not worry about perfecting every sound - Armenians understand the alphabet is unfamiliar to most visitors. The “gh” sound is a soft guttural, and “kh” is similar to the Scottish “ch” in “loch.” Speak slowly, smile, and you will find that even imperfect attempts open doors across the country. One cultural note: Armenians nod their head slightly upward to mean “no” and tilt it to the side for “yes,” which can initially confuse visitors expecting European-style gestures.
Put your new phrases to use on a Yerevan walking tour - local guides appreciate the effort and can correct pronunciation on the go.
See Also
Plan Your Trip
✈️ Book your flights to Armenia
🛡️ Get travel insurance
📱 Stay connected with an eSIM
🚗 Rent a car
