The Khmer You

Intro to Khmer You

In the Cambodian language there are different ways to say the word, you. The nondescript generic version is nek, but many other Khmer you words can used more accurately and more precisely.

Khmer You Vocab Words

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khmer you word, english translation, definition

Nek, generic you, generally only used when speaking to someone of lower social status or if they are younger. But if in doubt saying nek most listeners will figure out you are trying to say you.

bong, you older, Someone that is older then you but probably not for a really old person you respect. Also can be used to talk to someone that is around your age or even a little younger if one is close to said person

aun, you younger, when speaker to someone younger then you aun is used. If used with the word srey it means baby doll or baby girl.

kmuay, nephew/niece, can be used instead of aun if the listener is in the age range of the speakers child

goon, child, used when speaking to your kids….child

bpaa, Dad, used for your father or a father figure

mae, mom, used for your mother or a mother figure

bpuu, uncle, this can be used to address a person that is around your dads age.

miing, aunt, this can be used to address a person that is around your mothers age.

ohm, old old person, someone that is older then your parents.

look, polite version of nek, This word is used when speaking to a male and not a female. Especially used if the said person is a boss or some other high social status

look-srey, polite version of nek (f), Same as look but for addressing girls.

look-gruu, teacher, This can be used when speaking to a male teacher

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Nek-gruu – Teacher (f), This can be used when speaking to a female teacher

So you better call me look-srey and not look-gruu 🙂

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khmer you word, english translation, definition

bong-toam, high status, very high status

okhna, noble, If someone has enough money and prestige they can get a title of okhna even a barang! The president of Ezecom (internet) became an Okhna in 2013.

aek-oo-toam, your excellency, used for government ministers

bpraah-ong, God or King, only used when talking with God or the King.

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I hope these words and explanations will help you figure out how to properly use the Khmer you equivalent correctly.