Ways to say it
| Armenian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| գրկում | grkum | /ɡəɾˈkum/ (Eastern Armenian) /kəɾˈɡum/ (Western Armenian) |
| գրկախառնություն | grkaxaṙnutʻyun |
The Armenian language offers different ways to express a hug depending on whether you are using a noun or a verb. The noun գրկում refers to an affectionate embrace. To express the action of hugging, the most common verb is գրկել, though փարվել can also be used if the nuance implies clinging to or wrapping oneself around someone or something.
What does it mean word for word?
The noun գրկում is derived from the root meaning 'arm' or 'lap' (գրկան), literally referring to the act of using one's arms to enclose someone.
Which one should you use?
գրկում is the standard word for a hug, whereas գրկախառնություն is a more formal or literary term used to describe a more profound or poetic embrace.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ɡəɾˈkum/. It sounds like the [g] in [g]ood, the [ə] in [a]gain, the [k] in s[c]an, the [u] in c[oo]l and the [m] in [m]ine.
Did you know?
- In Armenian culture, a hug is often accompanied by a light kiss on both cheeks, alternating from right to left.
- The root of գրկում also describes a 'lap', meaning the word for 'hug' is linguistically tied to the space created when sitting with someone.
- Using the more formal գրկախառնություն in a casual setting with friends might actually sound unintentionally dramatic or overly romantic.
Examples in context
- Սա շատ ջերմ գրկում էր:Sa shat jerm grkum er:This was a very warm hug.
Example conversation
Lilian and Aram are saying goodbye at the airport.
- Լիլիան LilianԱրամ, մի վերջին գրկում:Aram, mi verjin grkum:Aram, one last hug.
- Արամ AramԻհարկե, Լիլիան, արի գրկվենք:Iharke, Lilian, ari grkvenc:Of course, Lilian, let's hug.
- Լիլիան LilianՇնորհակալություն, սա շատ հաճելի էր:Shnorhakalutyun, sa shat hacheli er:Thank you, this was very pleasant.
- Արամ AramՀաջող ճանապարհ, Լիլիան:Hajogh chanaparh, Lilian:Safe travels, Lilian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hug” translations and entries գրկում, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
