Căm Bốt
[kam˧˧ ʔɓot̚˧˦]
The English phrase "cambodian" is translated into Vietnamese as Căm Bốt. Wiktionary also lists Cao Miên.
Meaning: of, from, or pertaining to Cambodia, the Cambodian people, or the Khmer language (adj)
Ways to say it
| Vietnamese | IPA |
|---|---|
| Căm Bốt | [kam˧˧ ʔɓot̚˧˦] (Hà Nội, narrow) [kam˧˧ ʔɓok̚˦˧˥] (Huế, narrow) |
| Cao Miên | [kaːw˧˧ miən˧˧] (Hà Nội, narrow) [kaːw˧˧ miəŋ˧˧] (Huế, narrow) |
This adjective describes anything pertaining to Cambodia, the Cambodian people or the Khmer language.
Which one should you use?
Căm Bốt is the standard term, whereas Cao Miên is a dated form of the word.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While you may encounter the dated term Cao Miên, it is no longer the preferred way to refer to Cambodia or Cambodians. For a formal way to refer to a Cambodian person, use người Campuchia.
Did you know?
- The modern term Căm Bốt is actually a linguistic hybrid, combining a word with Austroasiatic roots for 'arrow' and a French loanword.
- The older name for Cambodia, Cao Miên, uses the word Cao, which is the same word Vietnamese uses to describe something 'tall' or 'high'.
Examples in context
- Người đó là người Campuchia.That person is Cambodian.
- Tôi có một người bạn đến từ Campuchia.I have a friend from Cambodia.
Example conversation
Minh and Hương are talking about their upcoming vacation.
- MinhHương, em muốn đi du lịch Căm Bốt không?Hương, do you want to travel to Cambodia?
- HươngEm rất muốn đi, Minh.I really want to go, Minh.
- MinhAnh sẽ tìm hiểu về văn hóa Căm Bốt.I will research Cambodian culture.
- HươngVậy thì tuyệt quá.That would be great.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cambodian” translations and entries Căm Bốt, Cao Miên, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Cao, Cao Miên, Miên, bốt, cao, căm, CC BY-SA 4.0.
