Hey! Gio from JayWay Travel here, Caucasus destination expert based in Tbilisi and
today I want to teach you some essential words and phrases you might need while traveling to Georgia.
Let's begin with the greetings: "ga-mar-jo-ba" which can be used as formal and informal one.
"Gamarjoba" comes from the word "gamarjveba" which in Georgian means "victory".
So we kind of wish each other victory while greeting.
"Gamarjoba!"
Unlike greeting, for goodbye and bye we have two different forms.
The formal one which is: "nakhvamdis". "Nakh-vam-dis."
And it literally means "until our next meeting".
And easier one which is: "k'argad". "K'argad" and it means literally "well"
Next phrase we need to know is "please" and in Georgian you say it with two separate words:
"tu sheidzleba". "Tu sheidzleba."
And the literal meaning for these phrase is "if possible" - "tu sheidzleba".
Let's move on to the next phrase - "thank you". We have two ways how to thank someone
formal one: "gmadlobt", "Gmadlobt"
and more easy one: "madloba" - "thanks". "Madloba", "thanks".
How to say "yes" and "no" in Georgian language:
I will start with "no" because it has only one variation and it's "ara".
"Ara." At the same time we have
formal & informal variations of "yes". The formal one is "diakh".
"Diakh". and informal one is: "k'i".
if you don't want to learn previously mentioned phrases and sentences the following one is a must!
During your trip in Georgia you will most likely
end up feasting with locals and it is necessary to know how to say "cheers".
This word is: "gaumarjos". "Ga-u-mar-jos."
And like word "hello", it also comes from "gamarjveba" - "victory".
I imagine during the hundreds of invasions, wars and battles
in Georgia "gaumarjos" was probably the most desired wish to hear from someone.
Of course I did not forget about "sorry" and "excuse me" in Georgian - these are
two totally different words with a different purpose and meanings.
"Bodishi" is sorry. "Bo-di-shi" and it is
used when you want to apologize to someone. For example if you were late for the meeting with
yoga, you can say "bodishi, damagvianda". "Sorry, I was late".
On the other hand if you want to move through the crowd or you want someone
to let you pass or you simply did not hear what your guide said that you can say: "uk'atsravad".
"Uk'atsravad." Which means "excuse me".
Georgian cuisine is very diverse and you need to go to a plenty of restaurants
and cafes to enjoy to the fullest... So today as a bonus I want to teach
you how to ask for a check. "Angarishi, tu sheidzleba."
"Angarishi, - tu sheidzleba". It is easy because it already comes
with the phrase we've learned today which is "tu sheidzleba" = "please"
If you feel like you're already familiar with the Georgian language
you can add "uk’atsravad" (=excuse me) and make your quest more polite than it.
"Uk’atsravad, angarishi tu sheidzleba". "Excuse me, check please."
Now, this is probably all, but before finishing our video I want to make a quick
recap of what we've learned today: "hello" or "hi" = "gamarjoba"
"Gamarjoba" can be used in formal or informal ways.
Goodbye - our formal way to say goodbye is "nakhvamdis".
"Nakhvamdis" - and the easier version is "k'argad".
Thank You = "gmadlobt".
"Gmadlobt" - the formal one and "madloba" "Madloba" - the informal one.
"Tu sheidzleba" = please. "Tu sheidzleba."
Let's don't forget about the most important word we've learned today "gaumarjos" = "cheers".
"Gaumarjos."
And last but not least - "check please"
"Angarishi tu sheidzleba." "Angarishi tu sheidzleba." = Check please.
It was Gio from JayWay, looking forward to host you soon in Tbilisi!
I wish you a good health and hope you enjoyed! Nakhvamdis!