LingoflyThe article -ը / -ն
Definiteness is an ending, not a separate word. Plain coffee is սուրճ (surj); the coffee, the one we both have in mind, is սուրճը (surjə). For example: “Սուրճը (surjə) համեղ (hamegh) է” — The coffee (this one) is tasty. A rule from the Western Armenian course: worked out on examples, not memorized as a wording.
How it works
Definiteness is an ending, not a separate word. Plain coffee is սուրճ (surj); the coffee, the one we both have in mind, is սուրճ (surj)ը (surjə).
The choice is simple: after a consonant — -ը, after a vowel or before a word that starts with a vowel — -ն. The ending tells the listener: a particular thing is meant.
By example
How the rule settles in your head
A rule is not memorized from an explanation. It is memorized from an attempt to use it and a mistake — that is why the app delivers it mixed in with words, not as a separate lesson: it resurfaces exactly where you forgot it.
Frequently asked
How to show a noun is definite?
Definiteness is an ending, not a separate word. Plain coffee is սուրճ (surj); the coffee, the one we both have in mind, is սուրճը (surjə).
What the ending on a noun means?
Definiteness is an ending, not a separate word. Plain coffee is սուրճ (surj); the coffee, the one we both have in mind, is սուրճը (surjə).
Surj vs surjə which is right?
Definiteness is an ending, not a separate word. Plain coffee is սուրճ (surj); the coffee, the one we both have in mind, is սուրճը (surjə).
What does it look like in a Western Armenian example sentence?
“Սուրճը (surjə) համեղ (hamegh) է” (surjə hamegh e) — The coffee (this one) is tasty. A rule is easier to test on sentences like this than to memorize as a wording: what surfaces in conversation is the sentence.