Essential Khmer Phrases You'll Need in Cambodia

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Chom reap sour [chom-reap-sore] – Hello (formal)

Susadei [soos-a-day] – Hello (informal)

This is a more informal Khmer greeting that is used between peers or friends. It is also accompanied with a sampeah (a small bow with the hands together).

Soksaby [soks-a-bye] – How are you and I am fine

It may seem strange, but the Khmer way of asking “how are you?” and the response “I’m fine” is the same.

Chom reap lear [chom-reep-lear] – Goodbye (formal)

Again, this is the formal way to say goodbye in situations where respect is required. Don’t forget to throw in a smile.

Lee hi [lee-hi] – Goodbye (informal)

This is the more commonly used and casual way to wave goodbye.

Bah [bah] – Yes (male)

Jah [chaa] – Yes (female)

You’ll hear a lot of “bah, bah, bah” from Cambodian men and “chaa chaa chaa” from women – usually said several times.

Ot teh [ot-tei] – No

Learning how to say no will come in very handy for turning down the tuk tuk drivers you’ll face as soon as you arrive in the country.

Arkun [ar-koon] – Thank you

A polite “thank you” always goes a long way, wherever you are in the world.

Som dtoh [som-toe] – Sorry/ Excuse me

This is another useful phrase that is well worth picking up before you land in the country.

Baht schweng [bart-shweng) – Turn left

Baht saddam [bart-sadam) – Turn right

A tuk tuk is likely to be your main mode of transport in Cambodia so learning a few phrases will come in handy.

Chop [chop] – Stop

You can throw a “som” (please) in front of it to be polite.

Tini [tinny] – Here

Why not place some of your newly learned words together to say “please stop here” or “som chop tini“.

Da trong [da-trong] – Go straight

Another handy phrase when your tuk tuk driver looks like he wants to take a wrong turn.

Chhnang [ch-nang] – Delicious

Cambodians love talking about food, so saying something is “delicious” will bring about a smile.

Som tach [som tack] – Water please

Cambodia’s heat means staying hydrated is essential.

Knyom khleam [knoym-kleam] – I’m hungry

If you grasp this phrase, then you’ll soon find yourself being ushered to the nearest restaurant or street stall.

Som ket loy [som-ket-loy] – The bill please

Cambodians don’t often use the word “please” or “som” so this can be dropped for speed.

Bo man [bow-man] – How much?

Picking up a few phrases to take to the market with you will be rewarded with much better prices when bartering.

T’lay [t-lay] – too expensive

You’ll definitely need this one if you want to haggle. Place more emphasis at the end of “lay” to highlight your level of horror.

Moi, bee, bai, boum, bram, bram moi, bram bee, bram boum, dop – numbers from one to 10.

Getting to grips with counting is a good way to get around, as streets tend to be numbered rather than named in Cambodia.

Chhmua ei? [cham-moo-ey] – What is your name?

This is an essential phrase for forging friendships with locals.

Knyom chhmua ___ [knyom-cham-moo] – My name is ___

And, of course, you need to know how to say your own name back.

Knhom srolanh nak [khnhom​-sralanh​-anak] – I love you

If making friends goes really well, you’ll want to learn how to say “I love you”. This is the gender-neutral way of saying I love you in Khmer.