How to Start Learning Georgian: A Guide for Absolute Beginners
- nagiii490
- Jun 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 15
Do you want to learn Georgian but aren’t sure how to begin? Taking the first step can be challenging—especially when you don’t know where to start or how to structure your learning.
With the following steps and guidelines, you’ll be able to begin your Georgian language journey effectively. Let’s take a look at a few practical tips and recommendations for absolute beginners.
1. Start learning Georgian- Make a Study Plan
It’s always helpful to plan your goals and organize your learning in advance. Before diving into the language, try to answer some of these questions:
Why do I want to start learning Georgian?
What are my main goals with the Georgian language? (e.g., travel, work, study, conversation)
When is the right time to start learning? Should I reach a certain level by a deadline, or is it better to go at my own pace?
How much time can I dedicate each week to learning?
Which areas of the language do I want to master the most? (e.g., speaking, listening, grammar)
What aspects of Georgian culture interest me the most?
Once you have a general idea of your goals and expectations, you can start learning more efficiently. Even if you're not fully sure yet, you can always consult an experienced teacher who can help guide you and suggest a plan tailored to your needs.
2. Do Some Research on Learning Materials
Start by looking for both online and printed resources. Here are a few materials and websites to explore:
https://geofl.ge/ – This website has a useful “Alphabet” section and other free online learning materials.
Basic Georgian (Free PDF) – A downloadable beginner-friendly textbook.
If you're in Georgia and able to buy printed books, I highly recommend the “Biliki” Georgian learning series. It includes beginner and intermediate textbooks with workbooks. These books are organized by topic and contain English translations. You can find them in most local bookstores in Georgia.
3. Start with the Basics
As with any language, reading and writing are essential skills when starting Georgian. Learning the Georgian alphabet should be your first step.
There are 33 letters in the Georgian alphabet, which is similar in length to the English alphabet. While many letters have familiar sounds, some have unique pronunciations. Don’t worry—there are plenty of free online materials, YouTube videos, and apps that can help you get familiar with the letters.
4. Learn Basic Grammar and Verbs
Before jumping into full dialogues and texts, it’s helpful to understand some basic Georgian grammar. A strong foundation will make later stages much easier. Here are some key areas to begin with:
Personal pronouns – e.g., “I,” “you,” “he/she,” etc.
The verb “to be” – e.g., forming sentences like “I am a student.”
Negative sentence structure – e.g., “I am not a student.”
Plural forms of nouns – Georgian nouns and verbs often change depending on number.
Basic prepositions – e.g., “in,” “at,” “from.” Learn to say things like “I am from Japan” or “She is Georgian.”
Essential everyday verbs – e.g., “I want,” “I have,” “I live,” “I go.”
5. Connect Learning to Your Interests
Having a personal connection to Georgian culture will keep you motivated and excited about learning. This could be:
Georgian food, wine, or cooking
Sports or travel
Traditions, literature, or movies
Career or education opportunities in Georgia
For example, if you're a wine lover, you might start learning the names of common Georgian grape varieties, or read about wine-making traditions in Georgian. Later, your goal could be to hold a conversation during a wine tour in Georgia. While this level of fluency may come later, having a goal like this will keep you focused and inspired.
Final Thoughts
At any stage of your journey, stay focused and consistent. Your hard work and dedication will definitely be rewarded!
If you're ready to start learning Georgian and would like to study with an experienced teacher, feel free to book a FREE trial lesson with us—we’d be happy to guide you on this journey!
Comments