10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Armenian Language

Armenian is a treasure trove of history, culture, and surprises — but even many Armenians don’t know just how special their language is! Whether you’re a curious learner or a heritage speaker, here are 10 fun facts that will deepen your appreciation for this ancient yet living language.

It Has Its Own Alphabet

Unlike many languages that borrow alphabets (like English using Latin letters), Armenian boasts a unique script created in the 5th century by Mesrop Mashtots — and it’s still used today!

It’s One of the Oldest Indo-European Languages

Armenian belongs to the Indo-European family, like English, French, and Hindi — but it’s a completely independent branch with no close sister languages.

There Are Two Main Dialects

Eastern Armenian (spoken in Armenia, Iran, and Russia) and Western Armenian (spoken in the diaspora) differ in pronunciation, some grammar, and vocabulary — making them feel almost like cousins.

The Bible Was First Translated Into Armenian in the 400s

The Armenian translation of the Bible is considered a masterpiece of world literature, completed soon after the invention of the Armenian alphabet.

Some Words Have No English Equivalent

Armenian has unique words like “jan” (a term of affection added after someone’s name, and borrowed from Persian) or “kyank/gyank” (meaning both “life” and “dear”) that don’t translate neatly into English.

It Survived Centuries of Foreign Rule

Despite periods of domination by Persians, Ottomans, and Soviets, the Armenian language has remained strong and preserved its identity.

It Uses Lots of Poetic Expressions

Everyday Armenian is full of metaphors and vivid phrases — like calling someone “light of my eyes” or saying “may your feet be blessed” when welcoming them home.

It Has Loanwords from Many Cultures

You’ll find Persian, Turkish, Russian, and French words sprinkled into Armenian — a reflection of its geographic crossroads.

The Alphabet Has Hidden Symbolism

The original 36 Armenian letters were designed not just phonetically but also symbolically, with spiritual and philosophical meanings attached.

It’s Still Evolving Today

New words for technology, pop culture, and global trends keep entering Armenian, showing that even ancient languages stay fresh and adaptable.

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At Tun Online Armenian School, we help you uncover the beauty, depth, and living spirit of Armenian. Whether you’re starting from scratch or reconnecting with your roots, we make the journey exciting and meaningful.

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