Armenian Family Words and Their Meanings

When you set out to learn Armenian, it may start with flashcards, grammar drills, and pronunciation practice — but soon you’ll realize that mastering Armenian is about much more than just words. It’s about stepping into a cultural Family is at the heart of Armenian culture. Whether you’re visiting relatives, learning the language, or just curious about Armenian life, knowing family-related words opens the door to understanding the deep bonds that connect generations.

Here’s a gentle guide to some of the most common and meaningful Armenian family words.

👨‍👩‍👧 Basic Family Words

• Մայր (mayr) — Mother
• Հայր (hayr) — Father
• Քույր (kuyr) — Sister
• Եղբայր (yeghbayr) — Brother
• Տատիկ (tatik) — Grandmother
• Պապիկ (papik) — Grandfather
  

These are the foundational words every Armenian learner should know, often used with love and respect in daily conversation.

💕 Affectionate Terms

• Մամա (mama) — Mom (affectionate)
• Պապա (papa/baba) — Dad (affectionate)
• Տատ (tat) — Grandma (shortened)
• Պապ (pap) — Grandpa (shortened)
  

You’ll hear these everywhere in Armenian families — they carry warmth, closeness, and tenderness.

🌳 Extended Family Words

• Քեռի (k’erri) — Uncle (mother’s side)
• Հորեղբայր (horeghbayr) — Uncle (father’s side)
• Մորաքույր (morakuyr) — Aunt (mother’s side)
• Հորաքույր (horakuyr) — Aunt (father’s side)
• զարմիկ (zarmik) — Cousin (male)
• զարմուհի (zarmuhi) — Cousin (female)
  

These terms help Armenians define family ties more precisely, reflecting the importance placed on knowing your roots.

🏡 Why These Words Matter

In Armenian culture, family is not just who you live with — it’s a larger network of care, history, and support. Learning these words helps you connect more deeply with Armenian relatives, understand cultural traditions, and feel at home in the language.

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