Top Beautiful Words to Make You Fall in Love with the Khmer Language (part2)
Bopha (bo-paa) / “flower”
Flowers feature heavily in Khmer culture, with lotus flowers given as offerings, petals strewn by monks during blessings and flowers adorning the hair of traditional dancers. The Khmer word for “flower”, bopha, originally derives from Pali and directly translates as “blossom”.
Flowers feature heavily in Khmer culture, with lotus flowers given as offerings, petals strewn by monks during blessings and flowers adorning the hair of traditional dancers. The Khmer word for “flower”, bopha, originally derives from Pali and directly translates as “blossom”.
Bong (bong) / “brother” or “sister”
If you’re heading to Cambodia, then bong is a word you’re going to pick up pretty quickly because everyone is your bong. Directly translating as “brother”, it is also used for women — although “sister” is bong srei — and can refer to a friend, peer, lover or someone slightly older.
If you’re heading to Cambodia, then bong is a word you’re going to pick up pretty quickly because everyone is your bong. Directly translating as “brother”, it is also used for women — although “sister” is bong srei — and can refer to a friend, peer, lover or someone slightly older.
Nimol (ne-moll) / “flawless”
Cambodian names often reflect traits and symbols of strength, courage and beauty that parents hope will be picked up by their young. Nimol is one such name that is usually reserved for boys; however, there are plenty of female Cambodians sporting it. Nimol translates as “flawless” but embodies phrases such as, “without blemish” and “without doubt”.
Cambodian names often reflect traits and symbols of strength, courage and beauty that parents hope will be picked up by their young. Nimol is one such name that is usually reserved for boys; however, there are plenty of female Cambodians sporting it. Nimol translates as “flawless” but embodies phrases such as, “without blemish” and “without doubt”.
Pich (pick) / “diamond”
Wealth and prosperity are also highly desirable attributes in Cambodian society, with pich — “diamond” — being another popular name bestowed on sons. The precious gemstone is so highly revered that the man-made island off Phnom Penh that is studded with development in the form of high-quality condos, hotels and other projects, is named Koh Pich, or “Diamond Island”.
Wealth and prosperity are also highly desirable attributes in Cambodian society, with pich — “diamond” — being another popular name bestowed on sons. The precious gemstone is so highly revered that the man-made island off Phnom Penh that is studded with development in the form of high-quality condos, hotels and other projects, is named Koh Pich, or “Diamond Island”.
Bai / “rice”
While the British like to talk about the weather, Cambodians prefer to chit chat about food. And with rice featuring heavily in the Khmer diet, it’s little wonder that the word for “rice”, bai, appears in sentences when there isn’t even a grain in sight — although that’s highly unlikely at a Cambodian table. For example, “Moul nyam bai” means “Come eat,” regardless of whether there’s a bowl of rice on the table or not.
While the British like to talk about the weather, Cambodians prefer to chit chat about food. And with rice featuring heavily in the Khmer diet, it’s little wonder that the word for “rice”, bai, appears in sentences when there isn’t even a grain in sight — although that’s highly unlikely at a Cambodian table. For example, “Moul nyam bai” means “Come eat,” regardless of whether there’s a bowl of rice on the table or not.
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