Georgian for tourists: we learn the 12 most frequently used phrases or how to "pass" for a local.

1. Necessary words and expressions
2. Greeting
3. Appeal
4. Gratitude
5. The most used words and expressions
6. Just in case

Necessary words and expressions

In order to feel confident in any situation, it is necessary learn some of the most used words and phrases in Georgian.

Remember that an important element of a conversation or a friendly conversation is active gesticulation.

Greeting

1. Gamarjoba! (gamarjobat) — "Hello!"

The word is almost magical, it causes a smile on the face of a Georgian. And if you are going to buy something and start a dialogue with the seller with such a greeting, you will immediately win his favor. Two letters in a word — D and F — form one sound. About the same as the "j" sounds in the English-language name of the country — Georgia.

The word "gamarjoba", known throughout the post-Soviet space, literally translates not as a wish for health, but as a wish for victory. The wars that have been waged on the territory of Georgia for many centuries have also influenced the language of the country.

In response, it is customary to say: "gagvimardjos", that is, "victory to you, so that we win." Gagvimardjos is like toast at the family table. And if you are a guest at this feast, then eternal friendship is guaranteed to you.

Appeal

It is generally accepted to have an extremely respectful attitude towards the elderly, and to all strangers.

It would be possible to address by first name and patronymic, as is customary in Russia and some other countries. But in Georgia, the patronymic is used only in documents. And it sounds something like this: "Shota Otara son of Gigauri".

It is customary to begin an appeal to elders or strangers with the word batono — "sir, sir." Or kalbatono— "madam, madam." For example, batono Nadari, kalbatono Nino.

Genatsvale is one of the most famous Georgian words, also from the category of appeals. He does not have an exact translation, they interpret it in different ways: friend, dear, my soul. It would seem that you can only turn to the closest person in this way. But in Georgia, such an appeal can be heard at the table, on the street, and in transport.

Shen genatsvale, with the addition of the prefix "shen" — this is a real delight! You need to say it passionately, with a Georgian accent. At the same time, throw forward the hand, the tips of all the fingers of which are connected in a pinch upwards. And you are almost Georgian already! By the way, this gesture of admiration is often used by Italians.

Gratitude

Words of gratitude are in all languages of the world. After all, it is very important to thank a person for the good that he has done for you.

1. In Georgian, "thank you"—this is Madloba. That's how they thank you for something. Many thanks to Didi madloba, and thanks to gmadlobt.
2. In response to good wishes, they say "ganharet" (rejoice). For example: Health to you! — Ganharet!

There is no analogue of this word in the Russian language.

Another way to express gratitude to Georgians is "ukhrmesi madloba". Translated means the deepest thank you.

You can respond to good wishes with the phrase “gatakva”, that is, “please". The word is suitable for all types of appeals in formal and informal settings. Please note that it is better not to use some Georgian phrases in the official vocabulary.

The most used words and expressions

1. In all languages, the most commonly used words are "yes" and "no".

In Georgian, "yes" is:

• diah — respectfully, more often found in literature;
• ki is a neutral variant, it is also used in colloquial speech;
• ho (pronounced with a gasp) is a colloquial variant.

No — it's "macaw".

1. The important question is ra girs or "how much does it cost"? Knowing how to contact the seller on the market In Georgian, you can pretend to be a local resident. Then the price will be called "for locals", and not tourist. Even a strange accent will not prevent this, because there are many dialects in Georgia.

In emergency cases, on vacation, it may be necessary to ask for help from the police or local residents. "Damehmaret" — Help me or “Garden of aris police" — Where is the police? These phrases will be useful if a tourist needs urgent medical care.

Just in case

1. It is impossible not to fall in love in Georgia, so another necessary phrase. The confession "I love you" is pronounced like this: "me shen mikvarhar".
2. A popular Georgian saying, with the help of which locals often conduct a "check" of tourists: bakaki tskhalshi kikinebs or bakkhakhi tskhalshi khikkhinebs. It translates as: "a frog croaks in the water."

Only a native speaker can pronounce this phrase correctly. But even if you try to pronounce it, maximum hospitality and cordiality are provided to you.

1. Long live Georgia!" — Sakartvelos gaumardjos!

This is a declaration of love, admiration for the country. For Georgians, these are holy words, because they love their homeland immensely. "Sakartvelo", the country of Kartvels is the self—name of the Georgian state.