The Top 10 Most Important Khmer Words and Phrases for Your Trip to Cambodia
Traveling to a new country is always an exciting adventure, but learning a few basic phrases in the local language can make your experience even more rewarding. Not only does it show respect for the local people and their culture, but it also helps you connect with them, or have a good laugh when you pronounce something drastically wrong! (Don’t worry, we’ve been there many times).
Whether you’re asking for directions, ordering food, or simply greeting someone, knowing a handful of essential words can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
Cambodia is a truly special destination, offering the perfect mix of ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and warm, welcoming people. From the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap to the bustling city streets of Phnom Penh and the stunning beaches of Koh Rong, Cambodia has something for everyone. But beyond the sights, it’s the genuine hospitality of the Khmer people that makes this country so unforgettable.
In Cambodia, the primary spoken language is Khmer (Pronounced Kuh-mare). Learning a few key Khmer words and phrases will not only help make your journey easier, but will also allow you to engage more deeply with the locals and show them that you appreciate Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage.
If you’re planning a trip to Cambodia, learning a few key Khmer words and phrases can go a long way. While English is often spoken in tourist areas, a little effort in speaking the local language can earn you smiles, fun interactions, and maybe even a discount!
Here are the top 10 Khmer words and phrases that we think will come in super handy on your trip;
1 – Hello / សួស្តី / Pronounce: Soursdei (Soor-s-day)
Don’t forget to say hello to everyone! They’ll appreciate you taking the time to use Khmer words and it’s always nice to be polite.
2 – Thankyou / សូមអរគុណ / Pronounce: Arkoun (Arkun)
Personally, we think ‘Thankyou’ is one of the most important words in any language! In Cambodia, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to use this one, as the locals are always doing what they can to help you!
3 – Please / សូម / Pronounce: Saum (Som)
Similarly to ‘Thankyou’, saying ‘Please’ goes a long way!
4 – How much? / ប៉ុន្មាន / Pronounce: Boun Maan (Boon Maan)
If you’re at one of the bustling and fascinating local markets in Cambodia or hailing a tuktuk, this’ll come in handy for sure!
5 – One more / មួយបន្ថែមទៀត / Pronounce: Mouy Tiet (Moy tee et)
Let’s pretend we don’t use this one the most when we’re at a bar!
6 – Delicious / ឆ្ងាញ់ / Pronounce: Chhnang (Ch nang)
If you’re at a restaurant having a meal, and think the food is great, don’t forget to let the staff know. It’s a nice gesture and they’ll get a kick out of you saying it in Khmer!
7 – Beautiful / ស្អាត / Pronounce: Saat (Sa art)
This one can be used when referring to both people and objects!
8 – Yes / បាទ / Pronounce: Baat (Male) – Jaa (Female)
‘Yes’ is one of the few gendered Khmer words in Cambodia. It’s said differently depending on if the speaker is a male or a female.
9 – No / ទេ / Pronounce: Adtai (Or-tey)
A nice simple way to say no. If you’re offered something you don’t want, try combining Adtai and Arkoun for Adtai-Arkoun, a polite way to say “No, thankyou”!
10 – Expensive! / ថ្លៃ / Pronounce: Thlai (Tlai)
This one might come in useful when you’re haggling for those great bargains at the local markets! Remember to be polite though, and this is usually used playfully to help in negotiations.
Extra Advice
While the pronunciation of Khmer words may take a bit of practice, especially for those from English speaking countries, don’t be afraid to give it a try. Cambodians really appreciate the effort and will often help you out, even if they do have a bit of a chuckle with you along the way!
Learning even a few of these words can make your trip more enjoyable and immersive so make sure to try some of these Khmer words and phrases out when you travel to Cambodia.
Do you have any favourite Khmer words or phrases you’ve learned from your travels that you think we should add to the list? Share your favourite Khmer words in the comments below!
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