AskaciHow to type in Armenian: keyboard, letters and punctuation
To text your family or take notes, here is how to add the Armenian keyboard to your phone or computer, and the punctuation rules you need to know.
Every recent phone and computer can write Armenian: you just need to add the keyboard. The easiest layout for beginners is the phonetic one, where each Armenian letter sits on the Latin key that sounds like it: ա on A, բ on B, մ on M.
Add the Armenian keyboard
On iPhone and iPad
Settings, then General, then Keyboard, then Keyboards, then Add New Keyboard and choose Armenian. To switch keyboards while typing, tap the globe at the bottom left.
On Android
With Gboard: open Gboard settings, then Languages, then Add keyboard, and search for Armenian (Հայերեն). Long-press the space bar to switch languages.
On Mac
System Settings, then Keyboard, then Input Sources, then the “+” button and Armenian. Pick a phonetic layout to start.
On Windows
Settings, then Time and language, then Language and region, then Add a language: Armenian. Then add the “Armenian Phonetic” layout in the language options.
Armenian punctuation
The comma looks the same as in English, but the full stop and the question mark are different. That’s what surprises people most at first.
| Sign | Name | Use |
|---|---|---|
| ։ | verjaket | The full stop. It looks like a colon: Բարև։ |
| ՞ | hartsakan | The question mark, placed on the stressed vowel of the word being asked about: Ինչպե՞ս ես |
| ՜ | batsakanchakan | The exclamation mark, also placed on a word |
| ՝ | but | A pause, between a comma and a semicolon |
Writing by hand
- Start with lowercase letters: you’ll write them the most.
- Many letters share the same base (a small loop or a stem): practice them in families of shapes.
- Copy words you already know while saying them out loud: writing strengthens memory.
Don’t know the letters yet? Start with our guide to the Armenian alphabet, with audio for every letter.
Frequently asked questions
How do I type in Armenian on an iPhone?
Settings, General, Keyboard, Keyboards, Add New Keyboard, then Armenian. Then tap the globe on the keyboard to switch to Armenian.
What is the Armenian full stop?
The Armenian full stop is called “verjaket” and is written “։”, like two small dots stacked on top of each other.