Author: Editor

Did you know that Khmer is the official language of Cambodian people? Sanskrit and Pali helped create Khmer Khemara because Khmer borrowed a lot of words from the language. Also for the record, Khmer has most alphabets in the world; it is an old language that dates back to 2,000 years ago.

Do you want to learn Khmer language? Khmer is not an easy language to learn for most people. But, one of the best travel and living experiences in Cambodia is the ability to talk to Cambodian people in Khmer. With determination, foreigners and expats can learn and speak Khmer fluently.

Here are 5 [books to help foreigners learn Khmer language](https://cambopedia.com/books-to-learn-khmer/):

– [Khmer Picture Book: Khmer Pictorial Dictionary (Color and Learn)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1544907699/?tag=tbun27_cambodia-20)
– [Cambodian for Beginners](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1887521356/?tag=tbun27_cambodia-20)
– [Colloquial Cambodian (Routledge Colloquials (Audio)) 1st Edition](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/041545302X/?tag=tbun27_cambodia-20)
– [Learn Khmer: Start Speaking Today. Absolute Beginner to Conversational Speaker Made Simple and Easy! by Languages World](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1793807434/?tag=tbun27_cambodia-20)
– [Learn Cambodian (Part I): Cambodian For Foreigners](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/9924926102/?tag=tbun27_cambodia-20) by Hok Dara Cambodian for Beginners: With English-cambodian Vocabulary by Richard Gilbert
– [Learn Khmer For Beginners! A Cambodian Language Learning Book!: Over 1000 Khmer Words and Phrases by Audiobooks, Lexicon Languages](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1617044717/?tag=tbun27_cambodia-20)

Five tips to learn Khmer language

Immerse yourself in the language:

The best way to learn any language is to immerse yourself in it. Try to find ways to surround yourself with Khmer language and culture, such as watching Cambodian movies or TV shows, listening to Khmer music, or speaking with native speakers.

Use flashcards and other memorization techniques:

Flashcards can be a useful tool for memorizing new words and phrases in Khmer. You can use them to memorize vocabulary, grammar, and other language concepts.

Practice speaking:

The more you practice speaking Khmer, the more comfortable you’ll become with the language. Find a language partner or tutor, or practice speaking on your own. Try to speak as much as possible, even if you make mistakes.

Take a class or find a tutor:

A class or tutor can provide structured lessons and feedback to help you learn Khmer more quickly. Look for classes or tutors that use a communicative approach, where the focus is on speaking and listening, rather than just grammar drills.

Be patient and persistent:

Learning a new language can be challenging and it can take time to become proficient. Be patient and persistent with your studies, and try to find ways to make learning Khmer fun and enjoyable. Remember that making mistakes is a natural part of the language-learning process and it’s how you learn from them.

Additionally, It would be helpful to have a good app or website where you can find exercises or quizzes, or a guide on how to write the Khmer script which is a feature in the language.

Practice listening to Cambodian radio or podcasts, and reading Cambodian news articles or literature. It’s also helpful to keep in mind that learning a language takes time, effort and consistency in order to be successful.

If you’re looking for Khmer classes or how to learn the Cambodian language (even as a beginner), this page will give you all the information you need.

[A List of Must-Read Books about Cambodia](https://cambopedia.com/best-books-about-cambodia/)

Khmer Language Class for Foreigners in Cambodia

There is a Khmer language program for foreign nationals and expats at the Institute of Foreign Languages (IFL), Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP), in Cambodia. But what if you don’t have time for that language program? You can take on an easier path.

[G2K](https://www.g2k.asia/): a Khmer language school in the heart of Phnom Penh

G2K school teaches foreigners language and culture from beginner to advanced level.

Learn Khmer Language with Mobile App or Online

In our smartphone age, learning a new language like Khmer is getting easier. Of course, you need to work hard and be very committed. Australia-based Lyrebird Learning, which specializes in offering language learning app for users of all ages, has an Android version to help anyone to learn Khmer characters, from consonants to vowels to diacritics to numerals. In this blog post, I take a closer look into 2 apps for Khmer language learners: one is available only on Play Store and the other is on App Store: Lyrebird Learn Khmer Alphabet and Let’s Speak Khmer.

Let’s Speak Khmer

For Apple’s iOS users, you can also check out: Let’s Speak Khmer, which is available for free [on App Store here](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lets-speak-khmer/id670835884?mt=8). This iPhone app has a huge collection of frequently used phrases in the Khmer language with nearly 1000 phrases. There are pictures to illustrate some unique stuff like Cambodian s and fruits. Let’s Speak Khmer iOS app was developed by Cambodian technology entrepreneur Chamroeun Ou.

Learn Khmer 101

This website provides a basic learning materials. You can get access to the audio files for free. Check it out: [http://learn101.org/khmer.php](http://learn101.org/khmer.php).

Khmer Language Study

Managed by Dr. Chhany Sak-Humphry, Associate Professor of Khmer Coordinator of Khmer Language Program at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. [Visit her website for more](http://learnkhmer.net/).

Free Cambodian Lessons Online

If you want to read the Cambodian e-books, listen to the Cambodian audios and practice your Cambodian pronunciation, I recommend that you check out [Live Lingua project for online Khmer language courses](https://www.livelingua.com/project/fsi/Cambodian/).

Learn Khmer Naturally

Great resources for learning Khmer with a focus on comprehensible input and natural approaches to language acquisition. Check out the [Learn Khmer Naturally blog](https://naturalkhmer.com/) here.

Good to Know

The word “Sanskrit” means flexible, flexible, adaptable, combining vowels by spelling with another consonant or in combination with any letter.

Literature or alphabet can also be called “class” divided into three groups:

– Literally 33 characters
– Full cast of vowels 12 chars
– The eclipse is 21, but it has to add 7 to 28 in the voice.
– But if only twenty-one is made up of vowels, the vowels are in all literal terms, both literally.

Not surprisingly, Khmer language influences Thai and Lao. The two languages ​​borrowed a lot of words from the Khmer language, which the Europeans assumed to be in the same language. Thai and Lao are Thai-language group, Khmer is a Khmer-language group in the Australian language group with the Mon and Vietnamese-language languages ​​that are related to Sanskrit. An evidence of the use of Khmer characters is in the South Vietnamese vulture inscription, which dates back to 611 AD.

Books to learn Khmer language

These are just a few of the many great books available for learning Khmer. With a little effort, you can be speaking Khmer like a native in no time!
It’s worth noting that some of these resources may be older editions, so you may want to check for updated versions or additional materials. Additionally, online language learning platforms and websites may offer digital resources and interactive lessons to supplement your studies.
If you’re looking for books to learn the Khmer language, here are a few recommendations:

[Books about Cambodia](https://cambopedia.com/best-books-about-cambodia/)

Books about Learning Khmer Language

If you want to learn basic Khmer language (beginners), these are the selected books you you should check out.

– [Khmer Picture Book: Khmer Pictorial Dictionary (Color and Learn)](https://amzn.to/2AmkvCA)
– [Cambodian for Beginners](https://amzn.to/2Os91Az)
– [Colloquial Cambodian (Routledge Colloquials (Audio)) 1st Edition](https://amzn.to/2Alnr2j)

Some more books about learning Khmer languages:

Learn Khmer: Start Speaking Today. Absolute Beginner to Conversational Speaker Made Simple and Easy! by Languages World. This book is a great way to get started with Khmer, as it teaches you the basics of the language in a simple and easy-to-understand way. It includes lessons on grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, as well as transcripts of conversations that you can listen to and practice.

Tuttle Practical Cambodian Dictionary: English-Cambodian Cambodian-English by David Smyth. This dictionary is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Khmer vocabulary and grammar. It includes over 10,000 entries, as well as example sentences and cultural notes.

Cambodian Phrasebook by Samantha Tame. This phrasebook is a handy reference for anyone who needs to communicate in Khmer in everyday situations. It includes phrases for greetings, asking directions, ordering food, and more.

Learn Khmer For Beginners! A Cambodian Language Learning Book! Over 1000 Khmer Words and Phrases! Phrases Edition! by Lexicon Language Audiobooks. This book is a great way to learn basic Khmer vocabulary and phrases. It includes over 1,000 words and phrases, as well as audio recordings so that you can hear how they are pronounced.

My First Khmer Alphabets Picture Book with English Translations by Chantou S. This book is a great way for children to learn the Khmer alphabet. It includes colorful illustrations and English translations, making it easy for children to learn the letters and their sounds.

“Cambodian for Beginners” by Richard K. Gilbert: This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the Khmer language, covering basic grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. It includes exercises, audio recordings, and cultural notes to enhance the learning experience.

“Colloquial Cambodian: The Complete Course for Beginners” by Chhany Sak-Humphry: This book offers a practical approach to learning Khmer, focusing on everyday conversations and essential language skills. It includes dialogues, exercises, and audio materials to help improve pronunciation.

“Khmer (Cambodian) for Beginners” by Hang So: This beginner’s guide to Khmer covers the basics of the language, including grammar, vocabulary, and phrases. It includes exercises and audio materials for practice and reinforcement.

“Modern Spoken Cambodian” by Franklin E. Huffman: This book focuses on spoken Khmer, providing dialogues, vocabulary, and grammatical explanations. It also includes cultural insights and exercises to reinforce learning.

“Cambodian System of Writing and Beginning Reader” by Franklin E. Huffman: This book is a valuable resource for learning the Khmer writing system, which can be challenging due to its unique script. It covers the fundamentals of reading and writing Khmer and includes exercises and reading passages.

Also Good Read:

– [Must-Read Books about Cambodia](https://cambopedia.com/best-books-about-cambodia/)
– [How to Choose the Perfect Khmer Name for Your Baby](https://cambopedia.com/khmer-names/)

It’s worth noting that these names have different meanings depending on the context, and the spelling might have variations. It’s also worth mentioning that Khmer names are often composed of two or more words that convey a specific meaning and are chosen with care by parents.

It’s important to remember that in Khmer culture, names are considered to have a powerful influence on a person’s life, and parents often choose names based on their meaning, tradition, or the astrological sign of the child.

What’s in a Khmer name?

Are you looking for a Khmer name for your newborn? This is one of the most important topics, especially for those who would soon become parents of their brilliant baby. First thing first, you usually spend a lot of time doing research online and offline into the meaning of the name, especially a Khmer name.

The Cambodian name reflects the personality, identity, and characteristic of the individual. In Cambodia, parents or grandparents (sometimes a Buddhist monk) give their baby a great last name as they can find. The first name is named after the father’s first name (some time, father’s last name). In some cases, the parents combine their first names to give them to their baby.

Khmer names are different from the western counterparts. The family name comes first, before the given names.

In this blog post, you’d learn about the Cambodian given names popularly chosen by Khmer parents. All Cambodian names help define the gender, between woman and man. These are some of the most beautiful and meaningful Cambodian names since they’re derived from Hindu or Buddhist words.

How about choosing the right Khmer name to bring prosperity and great fortune for your children? Let’s get started!


A List of Popular Khmer Names for Your Baby Boy

– Bona, Bonne, Bora, Borey
– Chan, Chantra, Chantha, Chanto, Chanthul
– Chea, Cheat, Cheata
– Dara (literally means star), Daro, Darith
– Lideth, Leap
– Makara (literally means January), Meng
– Kakada (July), Kosal (good deed), Kiri (mountain), Kuntha
– Nimul, Nimith
– Oudom
– Ponleu, Pheakdey, Puthea, Puthi (wisdom)
– Ratana, Rith, Rithy (or Ritthy), Roatha, Ratana, Ratanak
– Samnang (lucky), Say, Sarath, Sambath (wealth)
– Seila or Sela (stone), Seth, Setha, Sereyvath, Sithen
– Sopheak, Sopheaktra, Sophal, Sodeth, Socheat, Sophat, Sokun
– Sothea, Sothearith, Sotheara, Sovath
– Theara, Tharo
– Udom or Oudom, Uddom
– Vireak or Virak, Vanna (gold), Vannak, Vannda, Visal, Vantha, Vantharith

A List of Popular Khmer Names for Your Baby Girl

– Bopha (flower), Bosba
– Chantrea (moon), Chenda, Chanthou, Chanthy
– Kongkea (water), Kunthea, Kalyan, Kalyaney
– Leakhena, Leaphy
– Mealea, Mala, Malen, Molika
– Panha, Phalla, Phally, Phary, Pich, Pisey,
– Rachana, Rachany, Rany, Ratanak, Raksmey
– Socheata, Sreyleak, Sonida, Sotheavy, Solika, Sonita
– Sophy (sounds like Sophie or Sophia), Sopheap, Sovathana
– Theavy, Thavy, Theany, Thany
– Vortey, Vorleak, Vimean, Vimul

[Best Books About Cambodia](https://cambopedia.com/best-books-about-cambodia/)

Here are 20 traditional Khmer names for a baby starting with C:

1. Channarong
2. Chanthou
3. Chantrea
4. Chantou
5. Chenda
6. Chhay
7. Chheng
8. Chhun
9. Chivy
10. Chantana
11. Channary
12. Channak
13. Channida
14. Channoeurn
15. Channol
16. Channouch
17. Chantin
18. Chantrea
19. Chantrey
20. Chantril

How to choose the best Cambodian name for your baby

Traditional and Trend While old Cambodian names are based on pure Khmer language, or Pali, or Sanskrit, the new generation of Cambodian parents take on a new trend. Naming their baby English name is nothing new, but trendy.

Popular Khmer names like Sokha, Sokchea, Sothea, Sopheap, Sok, or Sao embed the meaning of happiness and healthy. Other Khmer names like Sreyleak, Leakhena, Bopha, or Neary give the characteristics of the female baby. These given names have been in use for many decades among Cambodian people.

Culturally educated Cambodians or Khmer intellectuals tend to be highly creative with the way they name their children. These Khmer names literally mean intellectual. For example, Puthi, Panha (Pagna), Kati, Bandit, and Udom.

Samnang (luck), Sambath (fortune), Leap (also luck), Samkhan (vital), are Serey (freedom) also some of the most popular Khmer names. Usually, these Cambodian names set the difference of the gender.