Language

 

The Georgian language is truly distinct; an isolate language with no connection to Indo-European, Turkic, or Arabic language groups from the surrounding regions, Georgian stands alone. With some extremely tricky consonant clusters, Georgian is notoriously difficult for many foreigners but locals are always pleasantly pleased to hear their language usually spoken by the less than 4 million Georgians in the world being attempted by their guests from other countries. The Georgian written language also has its own unique alphabet, extremely beautiful and full of curving, swerving shapes. Even if you do not succeed in speaking Georgian almost all Georgians are bi-lingual, with the older generations speaking Russian as a second language and the younger generations increasingly speaking English, Arabic, and European languages.

While the Georgian language and alphabet does maintain an infamous reputation for being extra difficult, have no fear! Here is a short guide to essential Georgian terms and phrases:

 

 Essential words to know:

        What it looks like:

გამარჯობა!
დილა მშვიდობისა
ნახვამდის!
მალდობა
სად არის
რა არის
ერთი, ორი, სამი
დიახ, ხო
არა
ბოდიში
კარგი
მე მქვია
ვერ გავიგე

How it’s pronounced:

Gamarjoba!
Dila mshvidobisa
Naxvamdis
madloba
sad aris
ra aris
erti, ori, sami
diax, xo
ara
bodishi
kargi
me mk via
ver gavige

What it means:       

Hello!
Good Morning
Goodbye
Thankyou
Where is?
What is?
one, two, three
yes (fml), yes, (infml)
no
Sorry, excuse me
OK, good
My name is
I don't understand