The official language of Cambodia is called Khmer, and is spoken by the majority of the population, as well as in some neighboring regions. Khmer has similar elements and is closely related to Thai and Vietnamese language, though is said to be much easier to learn and speak, as there is less complex tonality as compared to Thai or Vietnamese.
Do I need to learn Khmer?
The short answer is no. In most touristic spots, and workers in hotels, shops, or drivers, would normally be able to communicate in very simple (but sufficient) English with you. However, not everyone in Cambodia can speak English, so learning a few simple phrases can come in handy, and can impress a few locals, making is easier for you to build some quick connections.
Being able to say a few local words may also prevent you from being an easy target or being taken advantage of.
Note that some phrases have formal and informal variants. Formal ones are a good idea when addressing people older than you, or in a higher status. Informal is sufficient if having a casual interaction.
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Awesome tour operator from start to finish!
This was an awesome quick tour specially arranged for us by Jimmy from Asia Highlights. All in all, I would surely recommend Asia Highlights. They work fast, are VERY organized through and through, and really provided good service making your holiday relaxed and enjoyable. More
Mae, Apr 2025
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Fantastic tour of Angkor Wat and Siem Reap
We had a fantastic time here in Siem Reap with our guide Chhong and our driver Nikol. We had some issues with pouring rain for our sunrise tour and he quickly pivoted to rescheduling the following day and still getting it fit into our three day stay. Super informative and very gracious. Would definitely recommend this tour company for your visit! More
deborah pan, Mar 2025
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2 Days in Siem Reap
Mr. Vimol Chhin is a superb tour guide; his knowledge base regarding Angkor Wat was truly amazing. He made sure that we were in a good spot to view the sunrise! Mr. Vimol is a good communicator, he's fun, he's very punctual, is tuned into what his clients want to see. The added bonus was that he is a spectacular photographer. More
Lori, Feb 2025
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1. How to say "Hello" in Khmer
Formal: chôm rab suôr (jom REE-up SOO-wer) ជំរាបសួរ
Informal: suô-stei (SOO-wer sa-DUH-ee) សួស្ដី
2. How to say "yes"
Yes (for men): bah (Bah) បាទ
Yes (for women): Jah (chaa) ចាស
3. How to say "no"
No: Ot Tèh (ot-tei) ទេ
4. How to say "Good morning/night"?
Morning: ârŭn suŏ sdei (Arun SOO-wer sa-DUH-ee') អរុណសួស្ដី
Night: réatri suŏ sdei (Ree Ah-TRE-ee SOO-wer sa-DUH-ee') រាត្រីសួស្តី
5. How to say "Goodbye"?
léa haeuy (LEE-er HIGH) លាហើយ
6. How to say "Sorry" / "Excuse me"
sŏm toŭs (som-toe) សុំទោស
7. How to say "Thank You" / "No thank you"
Thank you: âu kŭn (Or-koon) ឣរគុណ
No thank you: ort té âu kŭn (ort-TAY or-Koon) ទេអរគុណ
8. How to say "How are you?" / "I'm Fine" / "Take care"
In Khmer, the same phrase can be used to ask "how are you", to reply "I'm fine", and to say "take care". This is an all-around useful phrase that you will hear locals use a lot, so make sure you got the pronunciation right!
sŏkh sâbbay té (sock sa-BYE tay) សុខសប្បាយ
9. How to say "Do you speak English?"
ânâk chéh phéasa 'ângôklésâ té? (nak chae pea-asah ong-kleh sah teh) អ្នកចេះភាសាអង់គ្លេសទេ?
10. How to say "How much is this?"
néh thley bôméan? (ah NIH thlai pon-MAAN) នេះថ្លៃប៉ុន្មាន?
11. How to say "Too expensive…"
Thlai nah (tlayee NAH) ថ្លៃពេកហើយ
12. How to say "What is your name?"
Chmûah éy? (cham-moo-ey) ឈ្មោះអ្វី
13. How to say "My name is…"
khnyŭm chhmoŭh... (knyom-cham-moo… ) ខ្ងុំឈ្មោះ ...
14. How to say "water please"
Sôm tuk (som TUCK) សូមទឹក
15. How to say "Where is the toilet?"
bâng-kôn nŏuv aina? (Bang KOH-en NOO-ov ay-nah) បង្គន់នៅឯណា?
16. How to say "The bill please"
Sôm Khèt Loy (Som git Loy) សូមគិតលុយ
17. How to say "Where can I find the ATM?"
È thi Ôem méan nowènea (A-Tee-Em mean nou ey na?) អេធីអឹម មាននៅឯណា
18. How to say "I don't understand"
Min Yûall tèh (MIN Yo-ahl tei) មិនយល់ទេ
19. How to say "How do you say this in Khmer?"
This is a particularly useful phrase to learn, as if you get this one down, you can ask any local for the correct pronunciation of any particular word.
Khmêr tha mât? (Khmer TA maht) ខ្មែរថាម៉េច
20. How to say "Call the police!"
Chuŏy hau bolĭâ môk! (Juay hav po-lee maok) ជួយហៅប៉ូលិសមក!
Hand Gestures
As with any language, hand gestures are a good supplement to verbal communication, and can help convey your meaning. In many Asian cultures, certain hand gestures can help show respect and politeness.
Similar to Thai and other neighboring languages, bringing your palms together and doing a small bow can be a good way to express gratitude, or when greeting someone. The higher your hands are, the more polite. Normally, bringing your hands up to chest-height or nose-height is most common.
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