柬埔寨
Jiǎnpǔzhài
Cambodia is 柬埔寨 (Jiǎnpǔzhài) in Chinese. Wiktionary also lists 高棉 (Gāomián).
Meaning: country in Southeast Asia (name)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 柬埔寨 | Jiǎnpǔzhài |
| 高棉 | Gāomián |
柬埔寨 is the standard term used when referring to the country of Cambodia in a political or geographical context.
Which one should you use?
柬埔寨 refers specifically to the country, whereas 高棉 refers to the Khmer people or the Khmer language.
How do you pronounce it?
Jiǎnpǔzhài
Did you know?
- The name 柬埔寨 is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Kamboja', which originally referred to a region in ancient Central Asia.
- The character 柬 in 柬埔寨 is rarely used as a standalone word in modern Chinese and exists almost exclusively in this country's name.
- The word 高 in 高棉 means 'high' or 'tall', but in this context, it has lost its original meaning entirely and functions only as a sound.
Examples in context
- 我学习柬埔寨的历史。I am studying the history of Cambodia.
- 柬埔寨在东南亚。Jiǎnpǔzhài zài dōngnányà.Cambodia is in Southeast Asia.
- 我想去柬埔寨旅游。Wǒ xiǎng qù Jiǎnpǔzhài lǚyóu.I want to travel to Cambodia.
- 柬埔寨的风景很美。Jiǎnpǔzhài de fēngjǐng hěn měi.The scenery in Cambodia is very beautiful.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing travel plans for their summer vacation.
- 俊杰 Junjie雨婷，你想去哪里度假？Yǔtíng, nǐ xiǎng qù nǎlǐ dùjià?Yuting, where do you want to go for vacation?
- 雨婷 Yuting我想去柬埔寨看看。Wǒ xiǎng qù Jiǎnpǔzhài kànkan.I want to go to Cambodia to see around.
- 俊杰 Junjie柬埔寨是个好地方。Jiǎnpǔzhài shì ge hǎo dìfāng.Cambodia is a great place.
- 雨婷 Yuting是啊，俊杰你也喜欢吗？Shì a, Jùnjié nǐ yě xǐhuān ma?Yes, Junjie, do you like it too?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cambodia” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 柬埔寨, 高棉, CC BY-SA 4.0.
