Signification
A polite invitation to enter or take food.
Contexte culturel
The 'Guest is from God' philosophy means that 'Hametsek' is often said with great insistence. It's common for a host to grab a guest's arm gently to lead them to the table while saying it. In the capital, 'Hametsek' is used frequently in service industries. Waiters and shopkeepers use it to create a sense of 'high-end' hospitality. In Western Armenian communities (Lebanon, Syria, USA), the word is often pronounced with a slightly different vowel sound but carries the same weight of 'Hye-Tash' (Armenian Table) culture. In villages, 'Hametsek' might be followed by an immediate offering of 'Oghi' (homemade fruit vodka). To say 'Hametsek' is to offer everything in the pantry.
The Smile Rule
In Armenia, 'Hametsek' is rarely said without a smile. The word loses its power if the body language isn't welcoming.
The Rule of Three
If you invite someone with 'Hametsek' and they say no, ask again! It's polite to refuse at first, so keep insisting.
Signification
A polite invitation to enter or take food.
The Smile Rule
In Armenia, 'Hametsek' is rarely said without a smile. The word loses its power if the body language isn't welcoming.
The Rule of Three
If you invite someone with 'Hametsek' and they say no, ask again! It's polite to refuse at first, so keep insisting.
Not for Leaving
Never say 'Hametsek' when someone is walking out the door. It will sound like you are asking them to turn around and come back in!
Teste-toi
Match the situation to the correct Armenian phrase.
A guest is standing at your front door.
'Hametsek ners' is the standard way to invite someone inside.
Complete the sentence to invite someone to the table.
Ճաշը պատրաստ է, ______ սեղանի մոտ:
'Hametsek' is the polite way to invite people to the table.
What should the host say next?
Guest: 'Բարև ձեզ, կարելի՞ է:' Host: 'Բարև ձեզ, ______:'
When someone asks if they can enter, the host responds with 'Hametsek'.
Which word is most appropriate when giving up your seat on a bus?
You stand up for an elderly person and gesture to the seat.
'Hametsek' is the most polite and culturally appropriate word here.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Where to use Համեցեք
At the Door
- • Home
- • Office
- • Shop
At the Table
- • Dinner
- • Coffee
- • Snacks
In Public
- • Bus seat
- • Queue
- • Elevator
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesA guest is standing at your front door.
'Hametsek ners' is the standard way to invite someone inside.
Ճաշը պատրաստ է, ______ սեղանի մոտ:
'Hametsek' is the polite way to invite people to the table.
Guest: 'Բարև ձեզ, կարելի՞ է:' Host: 'Բարև ձեզ, ______:'
When someone asks if they can enter, the host responds with 'Hametsek'.
You stand up for an elderly person and gesture to the seat.
'Hametsek' is the most polite and culturally appropriate word here.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes! Even though it's plural, it's the standard polite way to address a single person.
Usually, 'Hametsek' is spoken. In an email, you'd use 'Hravirum enq' (We invite you).
The singular is 'Hametsir' (համեցիր), but it's very rare and sounds a bit too poetic for daily life.
Not exactly, but it's used in the same situation. It's the invitation to start eating.
Yes, if you are inviting them into a room or offering them a seat. It's very respectful.
Yes, it's universal across all Armenian dialects, though the spelling varies slightly (Համեցէք).
Then definitely don't say 'Hametsek'! Use 'Mi rope' (One minute) instead.
Yes, 'Hrametsek' is just a more formal, old-school version of the same word.
It's better to say 'Verjrek' (Take it) or 'Sa dzez hamar e' (This is for you). 'Hametsek' is for actions/spaces.
No, it's a standard, polite, and very traditional word.
Expressions liées
Խնդրեմ
similarPlease / You're welcome
Բարի գալուստ
similarWelcome
Անուշ լինի
builds onMay it be sweet (Bon appétit)
Հրամեցեք
specialized formPlease (hyper-formal)
Արի
informal alternativeCome
