47 Khmer travel words and phrases to learn

Would you like to learn more about Cambodia? Here are 47 words and phrases to help you learn Khmer and become bilingual!

Cambodia, a small country nestled on the Gulf of Thailand and bordering Vietnam, exudes peace and purity despite the scars left by the Khmer Rouge. Mass tourism is not yet too prevalent in this country, despite its cultural and heritage treasures such as the Angkor temples and Phnom Kulen National Park.

But there’s much more to Cambodia than these fabulous relics: its traditional Khmer culture is just as intriguing. Cambodia’s dominant ethnic group, these indigenous people have their own history, language, culture and art.

So, if your next trip is to Cambodia, here are some Khmer vocabulary words and phrases to help you get by in any situation.

Pronunciation

Learning a language takes time, and patience is often required. Complex to learn, the Khmer language is all the more difficult to tame for the French, who can’t cling to any literary or phonic similarities. However, nothing is impossible!

The Khmer alphabet has 33 consonants and 39 vowels. The consonants, like the vowels, are divided into two groups:

• 15 consonants with light tone characters of the OR sound type
• 18 consonants with heavy tone characters of the O
• 15 autonomous vowels that can be used on their own, without being linked to consonants, with significant meaning.
• 24 single vowels that combine with consonants, either before or after them, to modify the sound.

1. Basic expressions

• Sou sdey: Hello / Good evening
• Sok sabay: How are you?
• Sok sabay. Tcho néa végn? : Very well, thank you, and you?
• Teuï neak niyeay baraing té? Do you speak French/English?
• At jol: I understand/ I don’t understand
• Som toh : Sorry
• Lee Hai: Goodbye
• Svakom: Welcome
• Orkurn (chran): Thank you (very much)
• Som toh : Excuse me/SVP
• Knyom Barang: I am French
• Knyom chmoh: My name is
• At té, orkurn: No thanks
• Cha (if you are a girl) or Baat (if you are a boy) / At té : Yes/No
• Men ey tei: You’re welcome / I beg you

2. Expressions for orientation

• Khnom Chorng: I’d like to go
• Rot plen: Train
• Taksai : Taxi
• Lan kron : Bus
• Khnom Chorng: I’d like to rent
• Motorcycle : Motorcycle
• Lan : Car
• Tiy naa ….? Where is…? / How do I get to…?
• Kaket / Tchhngaye : Is it near / far ?
• Trang: Straight on
• Tchveng / Sdam: Left/Right
• Tchun / Tbon / Kaut / Lek: North / South / East / West

3. Expressions for understanding and making yourself understood

As learning Khmer is quite complex, we recommend that you buy a few books, such as a dictionary or an expression book. This way, you can have them on hand if you have a memory lapse, difficulty pronouncing or finding a word.

• Teuï neak niyeay baraing té? Do you speak French?
• Kniom bann vongvéng: I am lost
• Kniom mìn mean prak té : I have no money
• Teï tlaï ponmân? How much does it cost?
• Kniom mïn yuol neak té: I don’t understand you

4. Useful restaurant expressions

• Knyom Klean: I’m hungry/thirsty
• Niang bai : Bon appétit
• Chloy moy! : Cheers!
• Chnaing: It was delicious!
• Ter neak yol yang mech der? What do you recommend?
• Nham bous: I’m a vegetarian
• Min Hel, Min Yok Mtes: No spice! (I don’t like spices)
• Kdauw : It’s so hot!
• Knyom alaessy: I’m allergic
• Khnom Chorng: I would like
• Som caut loy : The bill, please

5. Typical expressions

Learning Khmer also means knowing some of the country’s typical expressions.

• Chos teuk krorper leung ler klah: Choosing between the plague and cholera.
• Chak teuk ler kbal tea: It’s like pissing into a violin.
• Chma min nov kondol leung reachh: When the cat’s away, the mice dance.
• Slœ̆kchheu cruh mincŋaay piikʊəl: Dogs don’t make cats.

How can I learn other expressions and vocabulary in Khmer?

Learning is all very well in the moment, but you have to remember. To remember, you need to practice. Here’s a selection of books to help you do just that.

• 1001+ Basic Expressions French – Khmer
• French-Khmer dictionary
• Superpack khmer

Now you’re ready to learn Khmer and become bilingual! Saum saamnangol (Good luck)!