Language/Armenian/Vocabulary/Idiomatic-Phrases

Armenian → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Idiomatic Phrases

Welcome to our lesson on Armenian idiomatic phrases! Idioms are an essential part of any language, as they convey meanings that go beyond the literal definitions of words. They add color and depth to conversations, making them more engaging and relatable. In Armenian, idiomatic expressions are used frequently in everyday interactions, reflecting the culture, humor, and wisdom of the Armenian people.

In this lesson, we will explore twenty common Armenian idiomatic phrases that you can use in daily conversations. Each phrase will be accompanied by its pronunciation and English translation to facilitate your understanding. After that, we will engage in some exercises to help solidify your learning. So, let’s dive into the fascinating world of Armenian idioms!

Importance of Idiomatic Expressions

Idiomatic phrases are crucial for several reasons:

• Cultural Insight: Understanding idioms gives you a glimpse into Armenian culture and values.

• Enhanced Communication: Using idioms makes your speech sound more natural and fluent.

• Expressiveness: Idioms can convey emotions and sentiments effectively.

Now, let's get into the heart of the lesson!

Common Armenian Idiomatic Phrases

Here are twenty idiomatic phrases that you will find useful in everyday conversations. Each phrase is presented in a table format for clarity.

Armenian	Pronunciation	English
ձեռքը ձեռքում ունենալ	dzyrky dzyrkum unenal	To have something under control
ձայն տալ	dzayn tal	To give a voice (to someone or something)
խելքը գլխին ունենալ	khelky glkhin unenal	To be in one's right mind
լուսին տեսնել	lusin tesnel	To see the moon (to have a romantic view)
հողի վրա կանգնել	hoxi vra kangnel	To stand on the ground (to be realistic)
աչք փակել	achk' pak'el	To close one's eyes (to ignore)
իր վրա վերցնել	ir vra verc'nel	To take something upon oneself
ջուր խմել	jur khmel	To drink water (to calm down)
ծաղիկ տալ	tsaghik tal	To give a flower (to show affection)
ձյունը հանել	dzuyne hanel	To take away the snow (to lighten a burden)
ձեռքերն ուտել	dzyrker'n utel	To eat one's hands (to be very busy)
հեծանիվ վարել	hetzaniv varel	To ride a bicycle (to go through life smoothly)
մի քանի ժամ անց	mi kani zham anc	A few hours later
լեզուն բերանում ունենալ	lezun beranum unenal	To have a tongue in one's mouth (to speak freely)
թռչունը բռնել	trch'uyne brnel	To catch a bird (to seize an opportunity)
սիրտը բացել	sirty bacel	To open the heart (to be vulnerable)
քարերը մի տեղ հավաքել	k'areyry mi tegh havakel	To gather stones in one place (to unite efforts)
ծովի մեջ երազել	tsovi mej yerazhel	To dream in the sea (to have big dreams)
ոտքը հողի վրա պահել	votky hoxi vra pah'el	To keep one's feet on the ground
առավոտյան գինի խմել	aravotyan gini khmel	To drink wine in the morning (to celebrate life)
մի կողմը մյուսին տալ	mi koghmy myusiny tal	To give one side to the other (to compromise)

These idioms can be used in various contexts, from casual conversations with friends to more formal discussions. Understanding and using these expressions will not only improve your language skills but also enable you to connect with native speakers on a deeper level.

Practice Exercises

Now that you have learned these idiomatic phrases, it’s time to practice! Below are ten exercises that will help you apply what you have learned.

Exercise 1: Match the Idiom with Its Meaning

Match the Armenian idiom with its correct English meaning.

Armenian Idiom	Meaning
1. ձեռքը ձեռքում ունենալ	A. To open the heart
2. աչք փակել	B. To be in one's right mind
3. սիրտը բացել	C. To have something under control
4. խելքը գլխին ունենալ	D. To ignore

Solution:

1-C, 2-D, 3-A, 4-B

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct idiomatic phrase.

1. When you want to take responsibility for a project, you say you will ______________.

2. If you are feeling overwhelmed, sometimes you just need to ______________.

3. In order to achieve your dreams, you need to ______________.

Solution:

1. իր վրա վերցնել

2. աչք փակել

3. ծովի մեջ երազել

Exercise 3: Translate the Phrases

Translate the following idiomatic phrases into Armenian.

1. To give a voice

2. To catch a bird

3. To drink wine in the morning

Solution:

1. ձայն տալ

2. թռչունը բռնել

3. առավոտյան գինի խմել

Exercise 4: Create Sentences

Use the following idioms to create sentences in English.

1. լուսին տեսնել

2. հողի վրա կանգնել

Solution:

1. After the beautiful dinner, we saw the moon together.

2. I always try to be realistic about my goals.

Exercise 5: Identify the Idiom

Identify the idiomatic expression in the following sentences.

1. When things get tough, I always keep my feet on the ground.

2. She decided to open her heart to her friends.

Solution:

1. ոտքը հողի վրա պահել

2. սիրտը բացել

Exercise 6: Choose the Correct Idiom

Choose the correct idiom to complete the sentence.

1. When discussing our plans, we must ________.

• A. gather stones

• B. take a bird

Solution:

B. take a bird (which refers to seizing an opportunity)

Exercise 7: True or False

Determine if the following statements about idioms are true or false.

1. "ձայն տալ" means to give a voice. (True)

2. "ջուր խմել" means to drink coffee. (False)

Solution:

1. True

2. False

Exercise 8: Role Play

In pairs, create a short dialogue using at least three idiomatic expressions you learned.

Solution:

Example dialogue:

A: I think we should keep our feet on the ground when discussing the budget.

B: Agreed! Let’s not ignore the challenges we might face.

A: And remember, we need to catch the bird when the opportunity arises!

Exercise 9: Listening Practice

Listen to a native speaker use idiomatic phrases in a sentence and write them down.

Solution:

(Teacher will provide sentences for students to listen to.)

Exercise 10: Reflection

Write a short paragraph reflecting on how idiomatic expressions can enrich your conversations in Armenian.

Solution:

Idiomatic expressions add depth to language and help convey emotions and cultural nuances. Using idioms in conversations can make my speech sound more natural and relatable, allowing me to connect better with native speakers.

In this lesson, we have explored the world of Armenian idiomatic phrases. By incorporating these expressions into your vocabulary, you’ll enhance your conversational skills and gain a deeper understanding of the Armenian language and culture. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep using these idioms in your daily conversations!

Table of Contents - Armenian Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Basic Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

Alphabet and Pronunciation

• Armenian Alphabet
• Pronunciation Rules

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-20
• Telling Time

  ---

Basic Sentence Structure

• Subject-Verb-Object
• Yes/No Questions

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Describing Relationships

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Noun Gender and Plurals
• Personal Pronouns

  ---

Food and Dining

• Common Foods
• Eating Out

  ---

Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Asking for Directions

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Descriptive Adjectives
• Adverbs of Time, Manner, and Place

  ---

Armenian Traditions and Customs

• Holidays and Celebrations
• Traditional Music and Dance

Sources

• 8 Armenian Expressions and Sayings That Will Make You Laugh
• 8+ Funny Armenian Phrases To Keep Close - Ling App
• The Most Popular Armenian Dictionaries | ASPIRANTUM

Other Lessons

• Fruits
• Colors gowyner գույներ
• Count from 1 to 10
• Legal Terms
• Greetings Ողջույն
• How to Say Hello and Greetings
• Nature
• Mathematics Vocabulary
• Armenian Idioms
• Food and Drinks