Meaning
Starting well makes finishing easier.
Cultural Background
In Armenia, the 'first step' of a child (Atamhatik ceremony) is a major celebration, reflecting the cultural belief that a good start predicts a successful life. In the Armenian Diaspora, this proverb is often used to encourage the preservation of the language in new generations—starting to speak at home is 'half the work'. Farmers often use this when sowing the first seeds of the season, sometimes accompanied by a blessing or a small ritual. The phrase has been adopted by the booming IT sector in Yerevan as a mantra for 'Lean Startup' methodologies and MVP (Minimum Viable Product) launches.
Use it for Motivation
This is the best phrase to use when an Armenian friend is procrastinating. It sounds supportive, not bossy.
Don't forget the 'E'
The sentence is incomplete without the verb 'է' (is) at the end. Armenian requires the copula.
Meaning
Starting well makes finishing easier.
Use it for Motivation
This is the best phrase to use when an Armenian friend is procrastinating. It sounds supportive, not bossy.
Don't forget the 'E'
The sentence is incomplete without the verb 'է' (is) at the end. Armenian requires the copula.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word in the proverb.
Լավ սկիզբը ______ կեսն է:
The standard proverb uses 'գործի' (of the work/deed).
Which sentence is the correct Armenian proverb?
Select the correct version:
This version correctly uses the definite articles and the genitive case.
Match the situation to the proverb.
Your friend is afraid to start learning the Armenian alphabet. What do you say?
This proverb is used for encouragement at the start of a task.
Complete the dialogue.
Ա: Ես վախենում եմ սկսել այս նախագիծը: Բ: Մի՛ վախեցիր, ______:
The proverb fits perfectly as a response to someone afraid to start a project.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesԼավ սկիզբը ______ կեսն է:
The standard proverb uses 'գործի' (of the work/deed).
Select the correct version:
This version correctly uses the definite articles and the genitive case.
Your friend is afraid to start learning the Armenian alphabet. What do you say?
This proverb is used for encouragement at the start of a task.
Ա: Ես վախենում եմ սկսել այս նախագիծը: Բ: Մի՛ վախեցիր, ______:
The proverb fits perfectly as a response to someone afraid to start a project.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNot at all. It's a very common piece of friendly advice.
Usually, it's used for positive or productive tasks. You wouldn't say it about starting a fight, for example.
Because it means 'half OF the work'. The '-i' ending is the genitive case.
Related Phrases
Առաջին քայլը դժվար է
similarThe first step is difficult.
Ուշ լինի, նուշ լինի
contrastLet it be late, let it be sweet.
Գործը վախենում է վարպետից
builds onThe work is afraid of the master.
Ամեն սկիզբ իր վերջն ունի
similarEvery beginning has its end.
