Start Here: Your Free Online Path
Armenian can look daunting, but beginners succeed by starting small and staying consistent. Focus on the script, pronunciation, core phrases, and daily exposure. You don’t need paid courses—there are plenty of quality free options online.
Set a clear goal for 30 days: learn the alphabet, 300–400 beginner words, and basic sentence patterns. Keep sessions short (15–25 minutes) and repeat often. Track progress in a simple notebook, spreadsheet, or a habit app.
- Define your goal: A1 greetings, travel, daily life
- Commit to 15–25 minutes, 5 days a week
- Alternate skills: reading, listening, speaking, writing
- Review with spaced repetition to lock in memory
Master the Armenian Alphabet
Learning the Armenian alphabet early pays off fast. The letters map consistently to sounds, which helps pronunciation and reading from day one. Practice handwriting too—it reinforces memory and makes signs and menus readable.
Print a free PDF alphabet chart (upper/lowercase, example words) and post it near your desk. Say the letter name, the sound, and a sample word aloud. Five focused minutes daily is enough to move quickly.
- Start with 8–10 letters, then add small batches
- Write each letter 10 times; read simple syllables
- Use online alphabet drills with audio for feedback
- Quiz yourself: shuffle letters, read random words
Beginner Basics: Phrases, Pronunciation, Grammar
After the alphabet, build a phrase toolkit for greetings, directions, food, and numbers. Pair audio with text so you hear authentic rhythm and stress. Record yourself and compare—this is the fastest way to improve.
Keep grammar simple: subject–object–verb word order, present tense, plural nouns, and basic cases in set phrases. Learn patterns in chunks, not rules in isolation, so you can speak sooner.
- Hello / Hi: Barev
- Thank you: Shnorhakalutyun
- Please / You’re welcome: Khndrum em / Khndrum
- Yes / No: Ayo / Voch
- I want coffee: Yes uzum em surch
- How much is it?: Inchqan e?
Best Free Apps and Resources (Duolingo and more)
Use a mix of app practice, PDFs, and native content. Duolingo is a good daily trigger for beginners, but don’t rely on it alone—add listening, reading, and real phrases from multiple sources.
Collect a small toolkit you’ll actually open every day. Save offline PDFs for quick reviews, follow one or two YouTube channels, and keep an SRS deck for vocab.
- Duolingo app: quick drills; build a daily streak
- Memrise or Clozemaster: phrase-based vocab practice
- YouTube: short beginner Armenian lessons with captions
- Anki/Quizlet: spaced repetition decks you can customize
- Free PDF downloads: alphabet charts, verb tables, phrasebooks
Simple 30-Day Study Plan (A1–A2)
Follow this lightweight plan to build momentum. Adjust time up or down, but keep the sequence and reviews.
- Week 1: Alphabet (full set), sounds, 80 core words; daily Duolingo
- Week 2: Greetings, numbers, food; read simple words; 10–15 min listening
- Week 3: Present tense patterns; short dialogues; write 3–4 sentences daily
- Week 4: Travel phrases, directions; slow native audio; mini-conversations
- Every day: 10 min SRS review + 5 min alphabet refresh + 5 min speaking
FAQ
- Is Armenian hard for English-speaking beginners?
- Armenian is different from English, but at A1–A2 you can progress quickly by mastering the alphabet, set phrases, and present-tense patterns. Consistent, short, daily practice wins.
- Should I learn Eastern or Western Armenian first?
- Most free online beginner materials focus on Eastern Armenian (used in Armenia). Choose the variety you’ll use most and stick with it for consistency at the beginner level.
- Can I learn Armenian online for free without any app?
- Yes. Use free PDFs (alphabet charts, phrasebooks), YouTube lessons, online dictionaries, and SRS decks. Apps help with structure, but you can build your own routine entirely with free resources.
- Is Duolingo enough to learn Armenian?
- Duolingo is a solid habit builder, but it’s not enough alone. Pair it with listening practice, speaking aloud, reading the alphabet, and a vocab SRS. Mix app drills with real phrases.
- How long to reach A1–A2 in Armenian?
- With 20–30 minutes a day, many beginners reach solid A1 in 6–8 weeks and early A2 in 3–4 months. Results vary, but steady review and exposure speed things up.