Armenian

Adverb

նախ • ‎(nax)

1. first, in the first place, firstly

   նախ և առաջ‎ ― nax ew aṙaǰ ― first of all

   նախ մտածի, նոր խոսա‎ ― nax mtaci, nor xosa ― first think, then speak

Antonyms

• հետո ‎(heto)

Old Armenian

Etymology

Probably of Iranian origin. Compare Middle Persian nxwst ‎(naxwist, “first”), Persian نخست ‎(noxost, “first”).

Adjective

նախ • ‎(nax) indeclinable

1. first

   նախ քան‎ ― nax kʿan ― before, ere

   նախ քան զամենայն‎ ― nax kʿan zamenayn ― first of all

Usage notes

This adjective was indeclinable. If it had to be declined, it was replaced by synonymous առաջին ‎(aṙaǰin).

Adverb

նախ • ‎(nax)

1. firstly, in the first place, at first

Derived terms

Descendants

• Armenian: նախ ‎(nax)

References

• Ačaṙean, Hračʿeay (1971–1979), “նախ”, in Hayerēn armatakan baṙaran [Dictionary of Armenian Root Words] (in Armenian), 2nd edition, Yerevan: University Press, published 1926–1935
• Petrosean, H. Matatʿeay V. (1879), “նախ”, in Nor Baṙagirkʿ Hay-Angliarēn [New Dictionary Armenian–English], Venice: S. Lazarus Armenian Academy
• Awetikʿean, G.; Siwrmēlean, X.; Awgerean, M. (1836–1837), “նախ”, in Nor baṙgirkʿ haykazean lezui [New Dictionary of the Armenian Language] (in Old Armenian), Venice: S. Lazarus Armenian Academy
• Abrahamyan, Ašot (1976) Grabari jeṙnark [A Handbook of Old Armenian] (in Armenian), 4th edition, Yerevan: Luys