The Most Mispronounced Words in Armenian (and How to Fix Them)

Even fluent Armenian speakers sometimes stumble over certain words — and for learners, these tricky terms can feel like tongue twisters! But here’s the good news: once you know which words often cause trouble, you can focus on fixing them and boost your confidence fast. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the most commonly mispronounced Armenian words, why they’re challenging, and the simple techniques you can use to pronounce them correctly.

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Why Are These Words So Hard?

Armenian has sounds that don’t exist in English (like the subtle difference between “ք” and “կ,” or the unique Armenian “Ղ” sound). Add in fast native speech, local accents, and unfamiliar letter combinations — and even basic words can trip up a learner.

But you’re not alone! Here are some of the words learners and even native speakers often slip on.

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Top Tricky Words (and How to Fix Them)

• Ղեկավար (ghekavar/ghegavar) → meaning “leader”

Why it’s tricky: That tough “Ղ” sound!

Fix it: Practice the guttural sound by first clearing your throat gently, then shaping it into the word.

• Ծիծեռնակ (tsitsernak/dzidzernag) → meaning “swallow” (the bird)

Why it’s tricky: Double “ծ” and “ց” sounds together.

Fix it: Break it into parts: tsi-tser-nak, slowly speeding up as you get comfortable.

• Սիրելի (sireli) → meaning “beloved”

Why it’s tricky: Learners often stress the wrong syllable.

Fix it: Stress the last syllable softly: si-re-LI.

• Հրեշտակ (hreshtak/hreshtag) → meaning “angel”

Why it’s tricky: The “հր” at the start can be hard for non-native speakers.

Fix it: Practice breathing out slightly on the “հ” before moving into the “ր” smoothly.

• Պատասխանատվություն (pataskhanatvutyun/badaskhanadvutyun) → meaning “responsibility”

Why it’s tricky: It’s a long word!

Fix it: Divide it up: pat-a-skhan-at-vu-tyun, focusing on one chunk at a time.

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Simple Techniques That Work

• Record Yourself → Play it back to hear where you slip, then correct.
• Shadow Native Speakers → Listen to audio and repeat in real-time.
• Use a Mirror → Watch how your mouth shapes unusual sounds.
• Slow Down First → Speed will come later — focus on clarity first.

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Boost Your Pronunciation With a Teacher

At Tun Online Armenian School, we help students master tricky sounds with live coaching, fun speaking exercises, and personalized feedback. Whether you’re just starting or refining your fluency, we make sure you sound as confident as you feel.

Tun Online Armenian School is available online to students in 30+ countries. Students can log in and learn Eastern or Western Armenian at a pace that suits them, and it features lessons, quizzes and interactive games to make learning fun.

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