Armenian is a rich and beautiful language spoken by millions of people around the world. Knowing how to greet someone in Armenian can leave a lasting impression and show your respect for the culture. In this guide, you will learn the formal and informal ways to say hello in Armenian, along with tips, examples, and regional variations. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Greetings:
1. Բարևեք (Barev-eq) – “Hello”
The most common way to say hello in formal Armenian is “Barev-eq.” It is typically used when addressing someone older or in a position of authority. “Barev-eq” can be used at any time of the day and is suitable for both formal and informal situations.
2. Ողջույն (Voghjuyn) – “Good Morning”
If you want to greet someone formally in the morning, you can say “Voghjuyn.” It is used until around noon and shows your courtesy and respect for the person you’re addressing.
3. Բարև ձեզ (Barev dzez) – “Hello to You” (plural/formal)
When greeting a group of people formally, you can use “Barev dzez” to address them with respect. It is commonly used in professional settings, business meetings, or formal events.
Informal Greetings:
1. Ողջույն (Voghjuyn) – “Hello”
Unlike many other languages, in Armenian, the same word “Voghjuyn” is used for both formal and informal greetings. It can be used to greet friends, peers, or people of the same age in any casual setting.
2. Բարև (Barev) – “Hi”
If you want to greet someone in a more casual way, you can say “Barev.” It is commonly used among friends, family members, or acquaintances. “Barev” is less formal than “Voghjuyn” and creates a friendly atmosphere in everyday conversations.
3. Ողջույն ես (Voghjuyn es) – “Hello to You” (singular/informal)
When addressing someone informally, you can use “Voghjuyn es” to say hello. This greeting is used when talking to an individual in a friendly setting, such as meeting someone for the first time or greeting a friend you haven’t seen in a while.
Tips for Greeting in Armenian:
– Politeness: Armenians value respect and politeness in their culture. Therefore, it is important to greet others with a warm and friendly tone.
– Eye Contact: When greeting someone in Armenia, maintaining eye contact is considered a sign of sincerity and respect. It shows that you are genuinely interested in the person you’re greeting.
– Handshake: In formal or business settings, it is common to offer a handshake along with the greeting. A firm handshake portrays confidence and respect.
– Smile: A smile goes a long way in any culture, including Armenian. It instantly creates a positive and friendly atmosphere when greeting someone.
Examples:
Formal:
Person A: Բարևեք, ողջույն: (Barev-eq, voghjuyn) – Hello, good morning.
Person B: Բարևեք, ողջույն, ի՞նչ եք՝ ամենավատ: (Barev-eq, voghjuyn, inch ek amena-vat) – Hello, good morning, how are you today?
Person A: Բարե՛ք, շատ լավ, ձեզ ի՞նչ ենք կարողանայ՝ օգտակար: (Barev-eq, shat lav, dzez inch enk karoganay, ogtakar) – Hello, I’m doing great, how can I assist you?
Informal:
Person A: Ողջույն, ինչպես ես։ (Voghjuyn, inchpes es) – Hi, how are you?
Person B: Բարե՛ք, բայց շատ ավելի լավ կլինեիք, ես հարցնեմ ձեզ։ (Barev-eq, bayts shat aveli lav klinyek, es hartsnem dzez) – Hello, I’m fine, but we could have a lot more fun, can I ask you something?
Remember that gestures and tone of voice play an important role in greetings. Adapt your greetings to the particular situation and the level of formality.
Regional Variations:
The Armenian language has some regional variations in how people greet each other. However, the formal and informal greetings mentioned above are widely understood and used across Armenia. They are the standard ways to greet people in the Armenian language.
Now that you have learned how to say hello in Armenian in both formal and informal contexts, you are ready to impress Armenians with your greetings. Remember to use the appropriate greeting based on the level of formality, maintain a warm tone, and show respect for the Armenian culture. Enjoy exploring the beauty of the Armenian language!
