Language & Religion

Khmer is the official language, with many words having been integrated or modified from ancient Sanskrit. The written language has its roots in script derived from a South Indian alphabet with 33 consonants and 36 vowels. English is spoken in urban centres. Chinese and Vietnamese are also widely understood.

Speaking Cambodian
Hello     Jum reap soo-a
How are you? Tau neak sok sapbay jea teh?
My name is…           K’nyom tch muoh…
Goodbye   Jum reap leah
Please Suom Mehta
Thank you   Or-goon
Excuse me Sohm dtoh
I don’t understand K’nyom men yoo-ul tee
Yes Baat
No Dteh

Religion
Cambodia’s official religion is Theravada Buddhism. Buddhist monks are invited to perform a number of functions and participate in all formal village festivals, marriages, funerals and naming infants. Their essential role is to pray and bless rather than conduct and lead functions. For centuries, monks were the only educated people residing in rural communities, thus they played an important role as teachers to temple servants, novices and newly ordained monks.