📖 Learn Khmer: How to Say Hello in Cambodia 🇰🇭

If you're planning to visit Cambodia or simply want to learn the local language, knowing how to greet people properly is a great start! Today, we’ll learn two essential greetings in Khmer (Cambodian language):

1️⃣ “Chom-reab-sour” (ជំរាបសួរ) – Formal Hello
2️⃣ “Sous-dey” (សួស្តី) – Casual Hi

Let’s break them down and understand when and how to use them!

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1. "Chom-reab-sour" – A Formal Greeting

📌 Khmer: ជំរាបសួរ
📌 Pronunciation: Chom-reab-sour

👤 Used in formal situations:
✔️ When greeting elders, superiors, or business partners
✔️ In official settings or meetings
✔️ To show politeness and respect

Cultural Tip: In Cambodia, when using “Chom-reab-sour,” people often place their palms together in a Sampeah gesture (similar to the Thai “Wai”). The higher the hands, the more respect you are showing.

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2. "Sous-dey" – A Casual Hello

📌 Khmer: សួស្តី
📌 Pronunciation: Sous-dey

👥 Used in informal situations:
✔️ When greeting friends, colleagues, or peers
✔️ In casual conversations
✔️ A simple way to say “hi” or “hello”

Unlike "Chom-reab-sour," "Sous-dey" is relaxed and does not require a bow or hand gesture. Think of it as the Khmer equivalent of "Hey!" or "Hi!" in English.

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3. Comparison Chart: When to Use Each Greeting

EnglishKhmerPronunciationWhen to Use

Hello (Formal)	ជំរាបសួរ	Chom-reab-sour	Business meetings, greeting elders, formal settings
Hi (Casual)	សួស្តី	Sous-dey	Talking with friends, informal situations

📌 Quick Tip: If you're unsure which greeting to use, it’s always safer to say "Chom-reab-sour" in formal settings.

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🎯 Practice Time!

✅ Try saying "Chom-reab-sour" when greeting a Cambodian elder or in a business meeting.
✅ Say "Sous-dey" when casually meeting a friend!

Learning Khmer one phrase at a time will help you better connect with locals and immerse yourself in Cambodian culture! 🇰🇭 Stay tuned for more Khmer lessons every day!

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📢 What’s Next?

Do you want to learn more useful Khmer phrases? Comment below and let me know which expressions you'd like to learn next! 😊🚀