Basic Georgian words and phrases: a mini phrasebook
Words and phrases you will use on day one.
Short answer
The most useful Georgian words are gamarjoba, hello; madloba, thank you; ki or diakh, yes; ara, no; tu sheidzleba, please; bodishi, sorry; ra ghirs, how much; and nakhvamdis, goodbye. In a cafe you will need tsqali, water, and puri, bread, and in toasts you will hear gaumarjos, long live.
Why
- Diakh is the formal 'yes', ki is neutral, and the informal 'yes' is kho.
- Tu sheidzleba literally means 'if possible' and is used for 'please' in requests.
- Gaumarjos means 'long live!' and is heard in toasts.
Details
A few more useful phrases: sad aris?, where is it?; ver gavige, I did not understand; dzalian gemrieli kerdzia, such a delicious dish.
Tip
Save the phrasebook on your phone and show the word if it's hard to pronounce.
What may differ
Transliteration of Georgian words is approximate, so the spelling may differ slightly between phrasebooks.
People also ask
- What are basic Georgian words for tourists?
Sources
The transliteration is approximate; the Georgian spelling gives the pronunciation most accurately.
Russian-Georgian phrasebookRelated questions
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What language is spoken in Svaneti and Mingrelia?
The official language of Georgia, including Svaneti and Mingrelia, is Georgian, and the Svans have their own language and folklore.
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What does the phrase 'too late to drink Borjomi' mean?
'Too late to drink Borjomi' is a Russian colloquial saying meaning it's too late to fix things and action should have been taken earlier.
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Which is correct: Sighnaghi or Signagi?
In Russian the town's name is written as Signakhi or Signagi, and both try to render the Georgian spelling of its name.
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What does 'aba' mean in Georgian?
Aba is a conversational Georgian word that roughly means 'well', 'so' or 'come on'.


