How to Speak Khmer: 11 Basic Cambodian Words and Phrases to Know Before Visiting Cambodia
Planning a trip to Cambodia? Learning a few basic Khmer words and phrases can go a long way in helping you connect with locals, navigate markets, and show respect for the culture. While many local people speak some English, making an effort to speak the local language is always appreciated. From simple greetings to counting from one to ten, these useful Khmer phrases will help make your Cambodia adventure smoother and memorable.
Khmer Words and Phrases
Susadei (soo-sa-day): Hello (informal)
Chom reap sour (chom-reap-sour): Hello (formal)
Soksaby (sok-sa-bye): How are you? / I am fine
Lear hi (lea-hi): Goodbye (informal)
Chom reap lear (chom-reep-lear): Goodbye (formal)
Bah (bah): Yes (male) / Jah (cha) – Yes (female)
Teh (tei): No
Arkun (ar-koon): Thank you
Som dtoh (som-toe): Excuse me / Sorry
Bo man (bow-man): How much?
Choul Mouy (Cha-moy): Cheers!
Counting from 1 to 10 in Khmer
- One – Moi
- Two – Bee
- Three – Bai
- Four – Boun
- Five – Bram
- Six – Bram moi
- Seven – Bram bee
- Eight – Bram bai
- Nine – Bram boun
- Ten – Dop
FAQs About Visiting Cambodia
Do I need to learn Khmer before visiting Cambodia?
Learning a few Khmer phrases before your trip can be helpful to communicate with the locals and show your respect as a visitor. It is common to find locals with basic to fluent English skills, but learning a some basic Khmer is helpful for situations where this might not be the case.
Is Cambodia worth visiting?
Yes! Cambodia often gets overlooked for tourism by its neighboring countries, Thailand and Vietnam, but this country has so much to offer! The country has a long and complicated history, delicious cuisine, stunning temples and architecture, beautiful landscapes, and kind and resilient local people. Definitely include Cambodia in your Southeast Asia itinerary!
Check Out My Other Cambodia Guides
The Best Things to do in Siem Reap: What I Enjoyed the Most, Beyond Angkor Wat
The Best Cafes in Siem Reap: My Top 5 Favorite Coffee and Breakfast Spots
The Best Restaurants in Siem Reap: My Top 4 Favorite Places to Eat
The Best Cocktail Bars in Siem Reap: My Top 4 Favorite Bars
More than a Meal: Supporting Local Restaurants in Siem Reap, Cambodia
New Dream of Cambodia Children Organisation (NDCCO): Where to Teach English in Cambodia and Everything You Need to Know
How to Spend a Day in Phnom Penh: Is Phnom Penh Worth Visiting?
The Best Things to do in Kampot, Cambodia: My Top 5 Favorite Activities
The Best Restaurants in Kampot, Cambodia: My Top 5 Favorite Places to Eat in Kampot
Koh Rong Island Travel Guide: How to Spend a Day on Koh Rong, Cambodia
