Learning to tell time in Khmer can be both challenging and rewarding. Whether you are planning a trip to Cambodia or simply interested in the language, understanding how to express time is essential. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to say time in Khmer, providing you with tips, examples, and regional variations when necessary. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Time Expressions
Formal time expressions are generally used in official and professional settings, as well as when addressing elders or strangers. Here are some key phrases to help you navigate formal situations:
“dei kumnertea” – What time is it?
The above phrase is a polite way to ask for the time. It is common to use this phrase when speaking to someone of higher status or in a formal setting.
Here are some examples of how to express specific times formally:
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“dei kumnertea neakrohm pram” – What time is it in the morning?
Use this phrase when referring to the morning hours, typically from 6 AM to 11 AM. For example, if it is 8:30 AM, you would say, “dei kumnertea neakrohm pram bai p’entha rupa sarai neung sroi hansip.”
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“dei kumnertea neakreah chhnam” – What time is it in the afternoon?
When it is between 12 PM and 5 PM, you can use this expression. For instance, if it is 3:45 PM, you would say, “dei kumnertea neakreah chhnam bai p’et sarai srep tumni.
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“dei kumnertea neakreu sa’at” – What time is it in the evening?
For hours between 6 PM and 11 PM, this phrase is appropriate. Suppose it is 9:20 PM; you would say, “dei kumnertea neakreu sa’at bai p’eni sarai p’an tor saraw nha.”
Remember to use the appropriate time division based on the actual hour and provide the exact minutes for a complete expression.
Informal Time Expressions
Informal time expressions come in handy when conversing with friends, family, or people of the same age group. Below are some common phrases used in informal settings:
“skool thom?\ skool na?” – What time is it?
The two phrases above are casual ways to ask for the time, commonly used among peers or when addressing someone you feel comfortable with.
Here are some examples of how to informally express specific times:
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“skool neak kork” – What time is it in the morning?
Similar to the formal expression, this phrase is used to refer to the morning hours, generally from 6 AM to 11 AM. For example, if it is 9:15 AM, you would say, “skool neak kork bai p’entha rupa sarai p’an pram.”
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“skool neak bai pram” – What time is it in the afternoon?
When it is between 12 PM and 5 PM, this informal expression is commonly employed. For instance, if it is 2:30 PM, you would say, “skool neak bai pram bai p’ye sap sarai pii saen.”
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“skool neak mach”” – What time is it in the evening?
For hours between 6 PM and 11 PM, you can use this phrase. Suppose it is 8:10 PM; you would say, “skool neak mach bai p’eni sarai p’an tnai mach.”
Again, it is important to specify the hour and minutes accurately to convey the time correctly.
Regional Variations
Khmer is spoken in different regions of Cambodia, and slight variations may exist in how time is expressed across these areas. However, for the most part, the formal and informal expressions outlined above are understood throughout the country.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to help you effectively communicate time in Khmer:
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Practice Numbers: Familiarize yourself with Khmer numbers, as they form the basis for telling time.
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Use Context: When in doubt, provide some context. For example, if you want to meet someone at a specific time, say, “bai p’eni sarai” (at what time?), followed by the expected hour.
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Listen and Repeat: Pay attention to native speakers and try to mimic their pronunciation to improve your time-telling skills.
With these tips and phrases in mind, you are now better equipped to express time in Khmer accurately.
សូមរីករាយជាភាសាខ្មែរ! (Sorm reak jey chhmasa Khmer!) – Good luck in learning Khmer!
