Cambodia Language: Common Khmer Phrases For Travel

The Cambodian language has several characteristics that tourists would likely appreciate learning about. Other than countries all over the world - Cambodia - an Eastern nation with a notably different culture - for visitors from other countries. Let's go over this post to get your luggage ready!

What language is used in Cambodia?

Cambodian, or Khmer, is the country's official language and is spoken by around 15 million people in Cambodia.

English is another Cambodian language that is gradually gaining popularity. Many younger Cambodians and members of the business elite now speak the language. As a result, the popularity of English as a Cambodian language should not cause too many difficulties for visitors visiting Cambodia.

French is another widely spoken language in Cambodia. Some senior Cambodians continue to speak the language as a second language.

In Cambodia, special in the border towns, Cambodian use Vietnamese as popular too.

Cambodia - an Eastern nation with a notably different culture

English to Khmer: List of Common Cambodian phrases for tourists

Cambodians are always kind and welcoming. They can also interact in English or Vietnamese, making it simple for Vietnamese visitors and English-speaking tourists to converse and ask inquiries when visiting Cambodia. However, understanding a few basic Cambodian phrases can make your sightseeing trip much more exciting and help you empathize with the people.

Common Cambodian greeting phrases

How to say hello in Cambodia?

Opening with words is also an excellent method for understanding more thoroughly the fundamental communication phrases that a visitor will need to include in their own cultural tourism suitcase. The following is a list of communication sentences that visitors should know if they wish to be welcomed as guests on Cambodian territory.

The following frequent Cambodian language sentences may let tourists welcome locals more comfortably.

• Hello: Sous sa rye
• Good morning: Arun soou sduii
• Good afternoon: Tivaa soou sduii
• Good evening: Saayan soou sduii
• Goodbye: Lia suhn hao-y
• Good luck: Soam aoy baan joak jay
• Please say it again: Sohm niyay m’dawng tiat
• Sorry: Sohm toh
• Thank: Aw kohn
• No genus: Soum swa khom
• Yes: baht (if boy), Jah (if girl)

List of Common Cambodian phrases for tourists

Cambodian slang for eating and shopping

Tourists visiting Cambodia like visiting the market to dine and shop. You don't need to master the local Cambodian language because Khmer people speak English and Vietnamese fairly well. Understanding a few more frequent Cambodian terms, though, might make the journey more enjoyable because the locals are also highly fascinated when foreign visitors converse with them in Cambodian.

• How much? T'lay pohnmaan?
• What is this? Nih ch'muah ey?
• Money: Loey
• Change: Dow
• Cheap: Towk
• Mac: T'lay
• Market: P'sah
• Restaurant: Haang bai
• Eat: Bpisah
• Drink water: Dteuk soht
• Stone: Dteuk kok
• Tea: Dtae
• Coffee: Kahfeh
• Milk: Dteuk daco
• Road: Sko
• Beer: beer
• Rice: Bai
• Fish: Dt'ray
• Beef: Saich koh
• Pork: Saich jruk
• Chicken: Moan

Common Cambodian phrases when asking for directions

The common Cambodian language sentences when asking for directions below will help visitors ask for directions if they get lost or do not know the way to attractions.

• Where…? Noev eah nah…?
• Turn left: Bawt ch'weng
• Turn right: Bawt s'dum
• Go straight: teuv trawng
• Car: Laan
• Bus: Laan ch'noul
• Bus stop: Kuhnlaing laan ch'noul
• Boat: Dtook
• Train: Roht plerng
• Bicycle: Kohng
• Cyclo: See kola

Cambodian Nonverbal Interactions and Customary Greetings - Meaningful information that travelers don’t want to miss

Cambodian Nonverbal Interactions and Customary Greetings - Meaningful information that travelers don’t want to miss

• Cambodians usually greet one another with a bow and their palms together at the chest level. This greeting is known as Som Pas. For informal welcomes, a small bow is utilized, whereas a deeper bow and raised hands are used to demonstrate genuine respect.
• It would be impolite not to respond to someone who welcomes you with Som Pas.
• When meeting new individuals, it is customary to use a title before their given name (equivalent of Ms. Ellen or Mr. John) rather than their family name.
• In casual contacts between family and friends, titles are often utilized. There are several titles for various ages, such as grandfather/grandmother, aunt/uncle, and brother/sister. They are Ta/Yeay, Po/Ming, and Bang/Srey, in that order.
• Elder respect is an essential aspect in Cambodian society. Always use both hands to deliver an object to an older as a display of respect.
• To touch someone's head, which is regarded sacrosanct since it signifies one's intelligence, is an insult.
• Cambodians see feet as dirty. As a result, feet should never be directed towards or used to touch somebody. Taking off one's shoes before entering a temple or one's own house is a symbol of respect.
• It is considered impolite to decline an offer of food, tea, or water.

Hopefully, the typical Cambodian language in this article may assist tourists in communicating a few basic lines with the nice people of Thap Pagoda.

One of the minor challenges for a foreigner seeking a visa in Cambodia is the language barrier. Unleash the mystery of Cambodia and immerse yourself in its rich culture by learning the Khmer language. Start your journey now by obtaining your Cambodian e-Visa and experiencing the country like never before. Apply Cambodia visa today and take the first step towards unlocking the secrets of this amazing land.