Meaning
Command to eat.
Cultural Background
The 'forced hospitality' rule: If you are a guest, you must be told to eat at least three times before you can truly say you are full. In Western Armenian communities (Lebanon, Syria, USA), the word 'Gere' is often used instead of 'Ker', but the sentiment remains identical. At a 'Lamasjo' or 'Shaurma' stand, the vendor might hand you the food and say 'Կերեք' (plural) even if you are alone, as a sign of professional respect. During 'Zatik' (Easter), children are encouraged to 'eat' the colored eggs they win in egg-tapping contests.
The Double Ker
Saying 'Ker, ker' (twice) makes the command sound more encouraging and less like a strict order.
Watch the Tone
A sharp, falling intonation can make 'Ker' sound angry. Keep it light and rising at the end for a friendly vibe.
Meaning
Command to eat.
The Double Ker
Saying 'Ker, ker' (twice) makes the command sound more encouraging and less like a strict order.
Watch the Tone
A sharp, falling intonation can make 'Ker' sound angry. Keep it light and rising at the end for a friendly vibe.
Refusing Politely
If someone tells you 'Ker' and you are full, say 'Շնորհակալություն, կուշտ եմ' (Thank you, I am full).
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct informal command to eat.
Անի, շատ համով պիցցա է, ___:
Since the speaker is addressing Ani (informal), 'կեր' is the correct singular imperative.
Which form should you use when speaking to your grandfather?
Պապիկ, խնդրում եմ, ___:
'Կերեք' is the formal/respectful form required for elders.
Complete the dialogue between a mother and her son.
Մայրիկ: Արամ, ճաշը պատրաստ է: Արամ: Հիմա կգամ: Մայրիկ: Արագ արա, ___:
The context is about food being ready, so 'կեր' (eat) is the logical command.
Match the phrase to the situation.
1. Կեր 2. Կերեք 3. Մի ուտիր
'Ker' is for a child, 'Kerek' is for a group, and 'Mi utir' is a negative command.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use Ker vs Kerek
Use 'Կեր'
- • Children
- • Close Friends
- • Pets
- • Siblings
Use 'Կերեք'
- • Grandparents
- • Teachers
- • Strangers
- • Groups
Practice Bank
4 exercisesԱնի, շատ համով պիցցա է, ___:
Since the speaker is addressing Ani (informal), 'կեր' is the correct singular imperative.
Պապիկ, խնդրում եմ, ___:
'Կերեք' is the formal/respectful form required for elders.
Մայրիկ: Արամ, ճաշը պատրաստ է: Արամ: Հիմա կգամ: Մայրիկ: Արագ արա, ___:
The context is about food being ready, so 'կեր' (eat) is the logical command.
1. Կեր 2. Կերեք 3. Մի ուտիր
'Ker' is for a child, 'Kerek' is for a group, and 'Mi utir' is a negative command.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt depends on who you say it to. To a friend or child, it's perfectly normal. To a boss or elder, it's very rude.
No, for drinking you must use 'Խմիր' (Khmir).
The plural is 'Կերեք' (Kerek).
You say 'Մի ուտիր' (Mi utir).
Yes, it's the standard way to tell a pet to eat.
Yes, 'Համեցեք' (Hametsek) is the most polite way to invite someone to eat.
As a noun, 'կեր' can mean 'animal feed' or 'bait'.
It's an irregular verb with a suppletive root, similar to 'go/went' in English.
Only with your dining companions. Don't say it to the waiter!
It means 'Well, eat then' or 'Go ahead and eat'.
Related Phrases
Կերեք
specialized formEat (plural/formal)
Համեցեք
similarPlease, help yourself
Անուշ լինի
builds onMay it be sweet (Bon appétit)
Բարի ախորժակ
similarGood appetite
Կուշտ եմ
contrastI am full
Գլուխս կերար
specialized formYou ate my head
