Learn Azerbaijani for beginners: where to start

Azerbaijani is written in the Latin alphabet and is read almost as it is spelled. A beginner order that works: alphabet, first phrases, then grammar in small steps.

Step 1. The alphabet (1 to 2 days)

There are 32 letters. You already know most of them; learn the nine that differ: ə, ı, ö, ü, ç, ş, ğ, c, q, x (and note i versus ı). The full table is on the Azerbaijani alphabet with pronunciation.

Step 2. Ten phrases for a first conversation

Salam — hello
Sabahınız xeyir — good morning
Necəsiniz? — how are you?
Yaxşıyam, sağ olun — I am fine, thank you
Mənim adım ... — my name is ...
Zəhmət olmasa — please
Çox sağ olun — thank you very much
Bağışlayın — excuse me
Mən başa düşmürəm — I do not understand
Sağ olun, görüşərik — goodbye

Step 3. Endings and vowel harmony

This is where most beginners stumble. Learn one rule at a time: the plural first (-lar / -lər), then the cases.

Step 4. A little every day

Ten minutes a day beats two hours once a week. Say things aloud and repeat yesterday's words before adding new ones.

All of this in one place

AzEasier by Finalingua: learn Azerbaijani with the quick path (72 lessons, about 9 h) or the full course (1,300+ lessons, A1 to C1). Explanations in Russian, English and French. A1 is free. App for iPhone, iPad and Mac.

Sound is better heard than read. AzEasier lessons have audio; it is synthetic, and the Azerbaijani course has not yet been reviewed by a native speaker: check anything important with a teacher.