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Foundations

This, that, and the three-way system

Distinguish what is near the speaker, near the listener, or farther from both.

9 minute lesson

Three distances instead of two

Eastern Armenian has a three-way distinction. One series replaces a noun; another series comes before a noun. The same pattern appears in words for location.

Demonstrative system

UseNear speakerNear listenerFar from both
pronounսա — sa — this oneդա — da — that oneնա — na — that one over there
before a nounայս — ays — thisայդ — ayd — thatայն — ayn — that over there
locationայստեղ — aystegh — hereայդտեղ — aydtegh — there by youայնտեղ — ayntegh — over there

Examples

Սա ի՞նչ է։Sa inch’ e?What is this?Pronunciation: ch’ is aspirated, with a puff of air.
Այս գիրքը նոր է։Ays girk’ə nor e.This book is new.Pronunciation: k’ is aspirated; ə is a short “uh” sound.
Այնտեղ սրճարան կա։Ayntegh srcharan ka.There is a café over there.Pronunciation: gh is voiced and throaty; ch is unaspirated.

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