Khmer Phrasebook
Basic Vocabulary
Khmer is the official language of Cambodia. It has 74 letters — the longest alphabet in the world (Guinness record). The script looks like art to Western eyes. Khmer is a non-tonal language (unlike Thai or Vietnamese), which makes pronunciation somewhat easier.
In tourist areas, you can get by with English — especially in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. But just a few Khmer words open doors and hearts. Cambodians love it when foreigners try their language.
Note: Men end polite sentences with "Bong" or "Loak," women with "Bong Srei." "Chum riep suor" is the formal greeting, "Sues-dey" the informal one.
Tipp
The magic formula: "Aw-kun ch'raan" (Thank you very much) with a smile and a slight bow (hands together in front of the chest — the "Sampeah"). This is the Khmer greeting and expression of thanks in one. You will be rewarded with a beaming smile immediately.
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