Constructions in contact between Armenian and Iranian

In this article the interpretation of the Armenian verb karem ‘be able’ as a borrowing from Parthian kar - ‘do’ is discussed. It is argued that the verb was borrowed into Armenian with the meaning ‘be able’ assumed by Parthian kar - in the so-called “potential” construction. Then, some reflections are offered on the theoretical issues raised by this peculiar case, claiming that it can be effectively described in the framework of Diasystematic Construction Grammar. Finally, some remarks are added on the Iranian origin of Arm. bawem ‘suffice, be enough’ and kari ‘strongly, very much’, claiming that, despite being derived from the same roots involved in the “potential” construction, these words did not follow the same borrowing path as karem .