What Languages Influenced Armenian Vocabulary?

Armenian is a fascinating language — ancient, rich, and full of surprises. One reason it feels so unique is that its vocabulary is a living record of history. Over centuries, Armenian absorbed influences from neighboring cultures, invaders, trade partners, and empires.

Let’s explore the languages that left their mark on Armenian and discover how they shaped the words we use today.

Persian Influence

Because of long periods of political and cultural connection, Armenian borrowed many words from Persian (Farsi). These include terms related to administration, clothing, food, and daily life. For example:

շալվար (shalvar) → trousers
շաքար (shakar) → sugar

This influence reflects centuries of Persian-Armenian interactions, especially during the medieval period.

Greek Contributions

Greek, especially during the Hellenistic and Byzantine eras, shaped Armenian religious, philosophical, and scholarly language. Many religious and scientific terms trace back to Greek origins. For example:

եկեղեցի (yekeghetsi) → church
հաստատութիւն (hastatut’yun) → institution

Arabic Borrowings

During the Arab Caliphate’s rule in the region, Armenian absorbed Arabic words, especially in areas like trade, law, and science. Examples include:

էմիր (emir) → emir (prince or commander)
հաքիմ (hakim) → wise man or physician

Turkish and Ottoman Impact

Centuries under Ottoman rule brought Turkish loanwords into Armenian, especially in daily conversation, food, and household items. Words like:

դոլմա (dolma) → stuffed vegetables
բաքալ (bakal) → grocer

Russian Influence

In modern times, especially during the Soviet era, Russian left a strong imprint on Armenian, particularly in technical, administrative, and educational terms.

Why It Matters

Understanding these influences doesn’t make Armenian less “pure” — it shows how adaptable and living the language is. It’s a reflection of Armenian resilience: a language that survives and thrives by absorbing what’s around it while maintaining its own deep roots.

Explore the Language More Deeply

Want to explore the stories behind Armenian words — or learn how to use them confidently in conversation?

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