Meaning
The ground level of a building.
Cultural Background
In older Tbilisi districts, the first floor is often 'sunken' slightly below street level due to centuries of repaving. These are called 'nakhevarsardapi' but are sometimes still referred to as the first floor in casual speech. In 'Khrushchevkas' (5-story Soviet blocks), the first floor never has a balcony. This is a quick way to identify the floor from the outside. Having a 'first floor' entrance is a status symbol for Georgian businesses. It means 'direct access' (pirpapi shesasvleli). Most Georgian elevators require a coin to go UP, but going DOWN to the first floor is usually free. You just press '1'.
The Elevator Rule
If you see 'G' or '0' in an elevator in Georgia, it's a modern building. Otherwise, always press '1' to get to the street.
Address Confusion
If a European friend says they are on the 1st floor, they are likely on the Georgian 2nd floor. Double check!
Meaning
The ground level of a building.
The Elevator Rule
If you see 'G' or '0' in an elevator in Georgia, it's a modern building. Otherwise, always press '1' to get to the street.
Address Confusion
If a European friend says they are on the 1st floor, they are likely on the Georgian 2nd floor. Double check!
The 'Ze' Suffix
Always remember: Pirvel sartulZE. Without the 'ze', you aren't 'on' the floor, you are just naming it.
Commercial Gold
If you see '1-li sartuli' in an ad, it's usually a commercial property pitch.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word with the correct form of 'პირველი სართული'.
ჩემი ოფისი _______ _______-ზეა.
We need the dative case with the suffix '-ზე' to indicate location.
Which floor is 'პირველი სართული' in Georgia?
If you enter a building from the street, what floor are you on?
In Georgia, the street level is the first floor.
Complete the dialogue.
კურიერი: სად მოვიდე? თქვენ: _______ _______-ზე ჩამოდით, გთხოვთ.
The courier needs to come 'to' or 'on' the first floor.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are in an elevator and want to go to the exit.
The exit is almost always on the first floor.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Floor Numbering Comparison
Practice Bank
4 exercisesჩემი ოფისი _______ _______-ზეა.
We need the dative case with the suffix '-ზე' to indicate location.
If you enter a building from the street, what floor are you on?
In Georgia, the street level is the first floor.
კურიერი: სად მოვიდე? თქვენ: _______ _______-ზე ჩამოდით, გთხოვთ.
The courier needs to come 'to' or 'on' the first floor.
You are in an elevator and want to go to the exit.
The exit is almost always on the first floor.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsConceptually yes, but it is called the 'first floor' (პირველი სართული).
You say 'პირველ სართულზე' (pirvel sartulze).
These are usually in new hotels or malls following international standards, but it's not traditional.
Yes, but many people install decorative iron bars (gisosebi) for extra security, which is a common sight.
No, going down to the 1st floor is always free.
It is called the 'sardapi' (სარდაფი) or basement.
Yes, in casual conversation, 'pirvelze' is very common and natural.
You write '1-ლი სართული'.
Related Phrases
მეორე სართული
builds onSecond floor
ნულოვანი სართული
similarZero floor / Ground floor
სარდაფი
contrastBasement
ბოლო სართული
contrastTop floor
სართულებს შორის
specialized formBetween floors
