Signification
Advising someone to act wisely.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is often accompanied by a gesture of tapping one's temple with the index finger to emphasize using the brain. In the diaspora, this phrase is a way for parents to instill 'Armenian values' of prudence and social awareness in their children living in different cultures. In the capital, the phrase is sometimes used sarcastically among friends when someone does something obviously silly. In villages, 'being smart' is closely tied to hard work and not wasting resources. It's a very practical, grounded piece of advice.
Use with kids
This is the #1 phrase to use if you are babysitting or teaching Armenian children.
Watch the tone
If said too loudly, it can sound like you are calling the other person stupid.
Signification
Advising someone to act wisely.
Use with kids
This is the #1 phrase to use if you are babysitting or teaching Armenian children.
Watch the tone
If said too loudly, it can sound like you are calling the other person stupid.
The Plural Power
Use 'Խելացի եղեք' when talking to a group to sound like a natural leader or mentor.
The 'Khalk' factor
Remember that being 'smart' in Armenia often means being socially savvy, not just good at math.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'to be' (եղիր or եղեք).
Անի, դպրոցում խելացի ____:
Ani is one person and a child, so we use the informal singular 'եղիր.'
Which phrase is best for telling a child to behave?
Choose the most natural phrase:
'Խելացի եղիր' is the standard command for behavior. 'Դու խելացի ես' is a statement, and 'Խելացի մի եղիր' is 'Don't be smart.'
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: A group of students is going on a field trip.
Since it's a group of students, the plural form 'եղեք' is required.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ես ուզում եմ այս մեքենան առնել առանց ստուգելու: B: ________, սկզբում տար մեխանիկի մոտ:
B is giving advice to be sensible, so 'Խելացի եղիր' fits perfectly.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Who to say it to
Safe
- • Children
- • Friends
- • Siblings
Risky
- • Colleagues
- • Strangers
Avoid
- • Boss
- • Grandparents
- • Teachers
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesԱնի, դպրոցում խելացի ____:
Ani is one person and a child, so we use the informal singular 'եղիր.'
Choose the most natural phrase:
'Խելացի եղիր' is the standard command for behavior. 'Դու խելացի ես' is a statement, and 'Խելացի մի եղիր' is 'Don't be smart.'
Situation: A group of students is going on a field trip.
Since it's a group of students, the plural form 'եղեք' is required.
A: Ես ուզում եմ այս մեքենան առնել առանց ստուգելու: B: ________, սկզբում տար մեխանիկի մոտ:
B is giving advice to be sensible, so 'Խելացի եղիր' fits perfectly.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt depends on the context. To a child or friend, it's helpful advice. To an elder, it's very rude.
Yes, that is one of its primary meanings in a family setting.
'Խելացի' is intelligent/smart. 'Խելոք' is well-behaved (usually for kids).
Don't. Use 'Իմաստուն որոշում կլինի' (It would be a wise decision) instead.
Yes, 'Գլխով շարժվիր' (Move with your head) is a common slang alternative.
Yes, it can mean being clever or shrewd in a business deal.
Only in a very casual email to a close friend.
The opposite would be 'Միամիտ եղիր' (Be naive) or 'Հիմարություն արա' (Do something stupid).
Constantly. It's a staple of Armenian cinematic dialogue.
It's like the French 'r' or the sound you make when gargling water.
Expressions liées
Խելոք մնա
similarStay smart/behave
Զգույշ եղիր
similarBe careful
Իմաստուն եղիր
specialized formBe wise
Միամիտ մի եղիր
contrastDon't be naive
Խելքդ գլուխդ հավաքիր
builds onGet your act together
