Meet the Armenian alphabet
Armenian uses its own unique script with 39 letters (7 vowels). It’s written left to right, has uppercase and lowercase forms, and clear printed vs. handwritten styles. The shapes may look new, but the system is regular and beginner-friendly once you spot patterns.
You’ll see Eastern and Western Armenian in the wild. For learning to read, the alphabet is essentially the same, with small pronunciation differences. Start with Eastern Armenian sounds if you’re using most contemporary resources.
Tip for beginners: learn the letter names and a sound cue at the same time. Write each letter 5–10 times while saying its sound out loud.
- 39 letters total; left-to-right script.
- 7 vowel letters; the rest are consonants.
- Uppercase and lowercase pairs (like A/ա).
- Printed vs. cursive handwriting both used.
Key sounds and look-alike letters
Armenian has helpful consonant families. Many come in sets of three: voiced, voiceless, and aspirated (a little puff of air). Hearing this early makes reading smoother.
Vowels are consistent: once you learn them, you can usually sound words out accurately. Don’t chase a perfect English match—aim for a close, stable sound and refine with listening practice.
Watch for look-alikes and minimal pairs. A tiny stroke can change meaning, so slow down at first and trace each shape.
- բ / պ / փ = b / p / pʰ (aspirated)
- դ / տ / թ = d / t / tʰ
- գ / կ / ք = g / k / kʰ
- ծ / ձ / ց = ts / dz / tsʰ
- ճ / ջ / չ = ch / j / chʰ
- ր (flap r) vs. ռ (rolled r)
A simple 7-day plan for beginners
You don’t need hours a day. Short, focused sessions work best. Combine writing, reading aloud, and quick reviews. Keep all practice materials in one place (notebook, printable PDF chart, flashcards, and your favorite app).
If you miss a day, repeat the last step. Consistency beats intensity for alphabet learning.
- Day 1–2: Learn 6–8 letters daily. Write each 5–10 times; say the sound out loud.
- Day 3: Build syllables (ա, օ, ո + common consonants). Read CV/VC syllables.
- Day 4–5: Add the remaining letters. Mix old and new using spaced repetition.
- Day 6: Read short words; copy 10–15 words slowly, focusing on shape and spacing.
- Day 7: Dictation day: listen to words, write what you hear, then check.
Free online tools, PDFs, and apps
You can learn the Armenian alphabet entirely free with the right mix of online resources. Use a printable PDF chart beside your notebook, listen to native audio, and drill with bite-sized exercises.
Note on Duolingo: it doesn’t currently offer an Armenian course, but you can still borrow its habit-building approach and streak mindset while using other tools.
- Printable PDF alphabet chart: one page with uppercase/lowercase, names, and a sample word.
- Flashcards (Anki or any free online tool): one card per letter + 2–3 example words.
- YouTube pronunciation playlists for Eastern Armenian letters and syllables.
- Mobile alphabet app: search “Armenian alphabet app” for tracing and audio practice.
- Online typing keyboards: add an Armenian layout to practice real words early.
- Beginner word lists: start with greetings, days, foods, and place names.
Read your first Armenian words
Start with clear, common words. Read slowly, tapping each letter with your pencil. Then read again smoothly, paying attention to stress and any aspirated consonants.
Copy each word once in print and once in cursive so your eyes learn both styles.
- Հայաստան (Hayastan) = Armenia
- Երևան (Yerevan) = Yerevan
- բարև (barev) = hello
- այո (ayo) = yes; ոչ (voch) = no
- սեր (ser) = love; ջուր (jur) = water
FAQ
- How many letters are in the Armenian alphabet?
- Modern Armenian uses 39 letters (7 vowels). It’s a left-to-right script with uppercase and lowercase forms.
- Eastern vs. Western Armenian: which should I learn first?
- For beginners, start with Eastern pronunciation if your resources use it. The alphabet is shared; sounds differ slightly.
- What free online resources help beginners the most?
- A printable PDF chart, YouTube letter drills, free flashcards, and an alphabet tracing app cover all key skills.
- Does Duolingo teach Armenian?
- Not at the moment. Use Duolingo-style routines while learning with free online videos, PDFs, and flashcards.