Greeting Cambodia Style
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The Sampheah
The Sampheah is done when you say hello (Choum Reap Sur) and when you say goodbye (Choum Reap Lear).
Sampeah is not just a form of greeting. It is not just to show recognition but respect to someone. It is impolite not to return a Sampeah.
Formally, the Cambodians address a man with the respectful prefix Lok (Mr.) and Lok Srey (Mrs.) followed by surname and given name.
Following Lok only with a surname is impolite so be sure you catch both names.
As respect is central to Cambodian culture, they have distinct ways of addressing each other within the family. They use Lok Ta for grandfather, Lok Yeay for grandmother, Ming for aunt, Oum or Pue for uncle, Bong Bros for brothers and Bong Srey for sisters. Nowadays, those of the same ages often just call each other with their given names.
As in many cultures, tradition sometimes gives way to modernism. But between ages, respect is still very much expected. You often find yourself being asked your age not because they are nosy but because they want to address you properly.
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See how the Cambodians do it
For friends of the same age
Both palms are placed together facing each other at the chest level
For persons senior in rank and age
Palms are placed together facing each other at the mouth level
For parents, grandparents and teachers
Palms are placed together facing each other at the nose level
For the king and monks
Palms are placed together at the level of the eyebrows
For praying to God and other sacred deities
Palms are placed at the forehead facing each other
These greetings have its roots on Theravada Buddhism
The core of Cambodia's culture is from Theravada Buddhism
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Watch these videos on Cambodian culture
Interesting snippets on Cambodia culture
Some Cambodian Khmer words of greeting
Other words of politeness
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1How are you?
luk-sohk-sah-bahy chia dteh?
Sometimes I just ask: Sohk-sah-bahy(bai)? and they are happy. -
2Fine, thanks.
Sohk sah-bahy chia dteh, O-ku!n -
3Thank you
O-ku!n -
4Good Morning
Ah-ru!n soou-sdey -
5Good Afternoon
Dti-via soou-sdey -
6Good Evening
Sahy-yu!n soou-sdey
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Buddhism is at the heart of Cambodia's culture
Cambodia follows Theravada Buddhism and all the important rituals and ceremonies in Cambodian Khmer life are founded on this. There are also other ethnicities in Cambodia and they of course have their own way of greeting but the majority are the Khmer so what is often referred to as Cambodian is mainly Khmer.
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Cambodians greet each other based on their Buddhist Beliefs
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Khmer Phrases to Try
Say some of these when in Cambodia
Sorry: Sohm-toh
Market: Phsar
Thank you: Akun
Yes: Baat (Man) and Cha(Woman)
No: Otay
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Share with us how other cultures greet each other
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Reply
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squidoopets
Feb 18, 2012 @ 3:36 pm | delete
- Loved this article on how to greet people Cambodia style, many thanks
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JaguarJulie
Feb 3, 2012 @ 3:55 pm | delete
- What an interesting introduction to the greetings of Cambodia! Dti-via soou-sdey!
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jaredsgirl
Jan 4, 2012 @ 1:39 pm | delete
- Beautifully done lens! I've learned so much about how Cambodians greet one another and others. Thank you for sharing!
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aesta1
Jan 30, 2012 @ 10:18 pm | delete
- Thank you for visiting.
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goo2eyes
Nov 30, 2011 @ 6:37 pm | delete
- cambodia and thailand are having the same way of greeting.
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aesta1
Dec 1, 2011 @ 11:11 pm | delete
- You are right...same tradition.
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JoshK47
Nov 27, 2011 @ 10:20 am | delete
- Absolutely wonderful to learn this - thank you for sharing! Blessed by a SquidAngel.
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aesta1
Dec 1, 2011 @ 11:11 pm | delete
- Thank you for the blessing.
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bakerwoman
Nov 13, 2011 @ 8:58 pm | delete
- The Cambodian greeting gestures are similar to the Thai greetings. Correct me if I am worng. It is interesting to find out that the higher the palms of the hands are placed relative to your face, the higher the social status of the person you are greeting is. Blessed by a SquidAngel. ****
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aesta1
Dec 1, 2011 @ 11:12 pm | delete
- You are right as they have influenced each other.
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