The Armenian Language Alphabet: A Beginner’s Guide

The Armenian language is an Indo-European language spoken by millions of people in Armenia and Armenian communities around the world. It has a rich history that dates back thousands of years, with its own unique alphabet that was created in the early 5th century. Before the invention of the Armenian language alphabet, Armenian was mainly an oral dialect, and different writing systems were used to record it.

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The Armenian language alphabet was developed by Mesrop Mashtots around 405 AD. It was designed to fit the sounds of Armenian perfectly, making it easier to read and write. Over time, it played a key role in preserving Armenian literature, culture, and identity. Mastering this unique script is the gateway to unlocking Armenian texts, history, and traditions. In this blog, you’ll find a simple, beginner-friendly guide to its key features and letter names, making your first steps in Armenian writing easier than ever.

What Are the Main Features of the Armenian Language Alphabet?

The Armenian alphabet is a phonetic writing system, meaning that each letter corresponds to a specific sound. This makes pronunciation relatively straightforward once the letters are learned. Originally, the alphabet had 36 letters, but three more were added in later centuries to account for changes in pronunciation.

Some key features of the Armenian alphabet include:

• Distinct letter shapes – The letters are unique and do not resemble those of Latin or Cyrillic scripts.
• Left-to-right writing – Unlike some other scripts, Armenian is written and read from left to right.
• Capital and lowercase letters – Like in English, each letter has an uppercase and lowercase form.
• No special vowel markings – Unlike languages such as Arabic or Hebrew, vowels are fully written as part of the alphabet.

What Are the Names of the Armenian Letters?

Each letter in the Armenian alphabet has a specific name, just like in Greek or Hebrew. These names help learners remember the letters and their sounds. The names of the letters are based on their pronunciation and have remained largely consistent over the centuries.

The alphabet begins with “Ա” (Ayb) and ends with “Ք” (Keh) in its classical form. The additional letters added later are used in modern Armenian to represent specific sounds. Understanding these letter names is an important step in mastering the Armenian writing system.

Here’s a comprehensive chart to help you learn the Armenian language alphabet.

Letter	Name (Latin Transliteration)	Pronunciation (IPA)
Ա	Ayb	[ɑ] as in father
Բ	Ben	[b] as in boy
Գ	Gim	[ɡ] as in go
Դ	Da	[d] as in dog
Ե	Yeč	[jɛ] as in yes
Զ	Za	[z] as in zebra
Է	Ē	[ɛ] as in bed
Ը	Ët’	[ə] as in sofa
Թ	To	[tʰ] as in top (aspirated)
Ժ	Že	[ʒ] as in measure
Ի	Ini	[i] as in see
Լ	Liwn	[l] as in love
Խ	Xē	[χ] like Scottish loch
Ծ	Tsa	[ts] as in cats
Կ	Ken	[k] as in kite
Հ	Ho	[h] as in hat
Ձ	Dza	[dz] as in adze
Ղ	Ğat	[ʁ] like French r
Ճ	Če	[tʃ] as in church
Մ	Men	[m] as in man
Յ	Yi	[j] as in yes
Ն	Now	[n] as in nice
Շ	Sha	[ʃ] as in sheep
Ո	Vo	[vɔ] as in voice
Չ	Cha	[tʃʰ] as in chop (aspirated)
Պ	Pe	[p] as in pen
Ջ	Jhe	[dʒ] as in jam
Ռ	Ra	[r] rolled, like Spanish perro
Ս	Se	[s] as in sun
Վ	Ve	[v] as in van
Տ	Tiwn	[t] as in top
Ց	Ts’ə	[tsʰ] aspirated ts
Ու	U	[u] as in rule
Փ	P’ew	[pʰ] aspirated p
Ք	Keh	[kʰ] aspirated k
Օ	O	[o] as in note
Ֆ	Fe	[f] as in fish

More information about the Armenian Language Alphabet: FAQs

1.   What is the origin of the Armenian alphabet?

 The Armenian alphabet was created around 405 AD by Mesrop Mashtots, a linguist and religious leader. He designed it to fit the sounds of Armenian perfectly, helping to spread literacy and preserve Armenian culture. The alphabet played a crucial role in translating religious texts and developing Armenian literature.

2.   How many letters are in the Armenian alphabet?

 The Armenian alphabet originally had 36 letters, but later, three more were added, making a total of 39. Each letter represents a specific sound, making Armenian a phonetic language. The script has remained mostly unchanged for centuries and is still used in both Eastern and Western Armenian.

3.   What are the main differences between Eastern and Western Armenian?

 Eastern and Western Armenian are two main dialects of the language. They share the same alphabet but have differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and some grammar rules. For example, the same word may sound different in each dialect, and certain verb forms are used differently. Eastern Armenian is spoken in Armenia, while Western Armenian is common among diaspora communities.

4.   Is the Armenian alphabet still in use today?

 Yes, the Armenian alphabet is actively used in Armenia and among Armenian communities worldwide. It remains the standard writing system for books, newspapers, education, and daily communication. Despite the influence of digital technology, Armenian script continues to be widely taught and preserved.

5.   How can I learn to read and write in Armenian?

 The best way to learn the Armenian alphabet is to start by memorizing the letters and practicing writing them by hand. Using language apps, textbooks, and online resources helps reinforce learning. Taking lessons with a native Armenian teacher from Language Trainers is one of the most effective ways to improve quickly, as personalized instruction provides clear explanations and real-time feedback.

How to Start Writing in Armenian

Now that you know the letters of the Armenian language alphabet, the next step is learning how to write them correctly. Armenian script has a distinct calligraphic style, and practicing the strokes will help you recognize and reproduce the letters with ease.

Some tips to get started:

• Practice writing each letter by hand – This helps with memorization and improves familiarity with the shapes.
• Pay attention to letter connections – In handwritten Armenian, some letters flow naturally into the next.
• Start with simple words – Writing common words will reinforce letter recognition and pronunciation.
• Use lined paper or worksheets – This helps maintain uniform size and spacing for each letter.

Learn with a Native Teacher

One of the most effective ways to learn the Armenian language alphabet is by practicing with a native speaker. A qualified Armenian teacher from Language Trainers provides structured guidance, ensuring that you pronounce and write the letters correctly from the start. Personalized lessons allow you to progress at your own pace, receive instant feedback, and ask questions tailored to your learning needs. A teacher can also introduce real-life reading and writing exercises, making the process more interactive and engaging.

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By practicing regularly and working with a native tutor, you will gain confidence in reading and writing Armenian, bringing you one step closer to mastering the language. So, why wait? Contact Language Trainers now and get a free trial lesson!