To learn how to count in Khmer, all you need to do is remember the numbers 1 through 5.
1 – muy
2 – pi
3 – bai
4 – buhn
5 – prum
Now, that we have that in place, the rule to remember the numbers 6 through 9 is the ‘5+n’ format.
So 6 is 5 + 1 which is prum muy.
We have:
6 – prum muy
7 – prum pi
8 – prum bai
9 – prum buhn
The word for 10 is dop and then the same logic applies. The numbers 11 through 19 follow the rule ’10 + n’.
11 – dop muy
12 – dop pi
13 – dop bai
…
So now, you just need to remember the numbers 20, 30, 40, 50,60, 70,80 and 90 to count until 99 with the same rule as above.
20 – mphai
30 – saam / saamsuhp
40 – sai / saisuhp
50 – hay / haysuhp
60 – hok / hoksuhp
70 – chet / chetsuhp
80 – paet / paetsuhp
90 – kau / kausuhp
Now, The keyword for the ‘hundreds’ is ‘roy’.
100 is muy roy, 200 is pi roy, and so on.
Now you can count in Khmer until 999 🙂
Example: If you have to say 527, you will say prum roy mphai prum pi.
Next, the keyword for the ‘thousands’ is ‘puan’ and based on the same rule as the hundreds:
1000 – muy puan
2000 – pi puan
3000 – bai puan
4000 – buhn puan
5000 – prum puan
6000 – prum muy puan
And now, you can officially count in Khmer!
For tourists, the thousands will be the most commonly used numbers as you’ll be paying for food, drinks, etc in thousands.
Even though the dollar is accepted all across Cambodia, it’s a good idea to negotiate in Reil (the Khmer / Cambodian currency) to get a better deal for everything.
NOTE:
The number are spelled in a way to make it easy for foreign language speakers to pronounce the words.
Your Khmer counting skills will surely get you a ‘local’ edge and a discount!
If you’re interesting in interacting with the locals, check out these ‘Khmer phrases to make local Cambodians love you instantly!’
Best