There are many interesting words in the Armenian language that often require context to be understood when translating into other languages, as their literal translation might not convey the intended meaning.
In this article, I’ve selected a few humorous expressions and popular idiomatic phrases that have fascinating logical structures in Armenian and are frequently used in daily conversation. As someone who worked as a translator in Armenia for English and French, I found that translating such expressions was often a real dilemma. Here are a few examples that might be helpful for those learning Armenian.
Տնաշեն (tnashen):Literally translated, it means “house builder” or someone who “enriches a house.” It might also suggest someone capable of achieving something, as "շինել" (shinel) means “to build.” However, Տնաշեն is used in contexts where someone’s actions or words are so surprising that it prompts disbelief or amazement. It could imply, “What on earth are you saying or doing? Is that even possible?” The expression reflects astonishment or disbelief.
Մուննաթ (munnat):This word is used when someone is very displeased and responds to a question in a rude or abrupt tone or makes a curt remark expressing dissatisfaction. The phrase մուննաթ գալ (munnat gal) means “to grumble” or “to show irritation.”
More Positive Situations
Համով տղերք (hamov tgherk):The Armenian language is known for its unique and tender colloquial expressions. For example, during a performance, I heard someone joking about Աբարանցիներ (abarantsiner, people from Abaran, a region in Armenia). They said, “I have good friends from Abaran; they’re very Համով տղերք (hamov tgherk).” If translated literally, it means “delicious boys,” but the speaker meant “very nice and cheerful people.”
Or the word զոռով (ts zorov):which means by force or “compulsively.”
Միամիտ (miamit): ( in translation it represents- one minded)It refers to someone naive or simple-minded. In some other situations it may also mean unexpected or unaware.
Մազալու մարդ (mazalu mart):This phrase describes an samusing or surprising person.
Դու դեմք ես (Du demk es):Translated literally, it means “You are a face,” but the intended meaning is “You are clever, funny, agile and resourceful.”
Բզիկով մարդ (bzikov mart):This phrase describes someone with odd behavior. For instance, when someone says, բզիկը բռնել է (bzike brynel e, “the buzzer caught them”), it means they’re acting unusually or irrationally, expressing eccentricity or performing unexpected actions uncharacteristic of their usual behavior.
Cultural Terms
Մաղարիչ (magharich):This refers to a gratitude ceremony common in Armenian culture. A Մաղարիչ happens when someone achieves success, such as getting accepted into their desired university or having a long-awaited child. For example, a father might bring a large cake to work to treat colleagues or invite friends and relatives to a restaurant to celebrate the occasion. It represents an Armenian’s cultural obligation to share their joy with their community.
Թամադա (tamada):A Caucasian cultural figure not limited to Armenian traditions but found in neighboring countries as well. The Թամադա is the man chosen during a grand feast to propose toasts and share stories over each drink.
In short, by exploring the Armenian language, one can also uncover the spirit of its people. What similar words do you know?
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