Tuttle Practical Cambodian Dictionary: English-Cambodian Cambodian-English (Tuttle Language Library)

This is a really useful basic dictionary for anyone who needs to acquire some Khmer (Cambodian) vocabulary. It would be ideal for travelers and would fit into your pocket, assuming that you have large pockets. The Cambodian-English section is particularly useful. There is no standard system of Khmer romanization with the result that authors have to devise their own. The system used in this dictionary (unlike some others I have encountered) is excellent and reads pretty well how it looks, at least for English speakers. The language is not tonal so that removes the necessity for diacritical markings. The dictionary contains an appendix which lists the names of days, months, seasons and numbers (Khmer numbering uses a base-five system). The authors have thoughtfully provided a few blank pages at the end of the book for users to make their own additions. I found the Cambodian-English section rather less useful because the user has to try and convert the heard Khmer word into a romanized form which is a bit of a challenge. I would have preferred to see a more extended English-Cambodian section. Nevertheless, this is a fine little dictionary and would be a handy resource for both those who require a basic vocabulary and those who are learning Khmer seriously. It will be my constant companion on my future travels in Cambodia.

The size of the dictionary is a definite plus. The English to Khmer section is easy to use although some basic words like "become" and "apple" are not included so the book does not stand on its own but needs to be backed up by other resources. The Khmer-English section is more or less useless since there is no consistent transliteration between Khmer and English meaning you won't find the word you are looking for unless you get pretty lucky or are very patient. Nonetheless, it is adequate as a first step and preferable to any other English-Cambodian dictionaries that I am aware of. Be aware that there are on rare occasion spelling errors in the Khmer alphabet words listed and also sometimes the bottom part of one Khmer word may overlap with the top part of another in lists, making them hard to read.

I was able to find words that I forgot as an American Cambodian speaker I don’t use khmer as much but now I’m trying to learn again this book helps with that

In July I moved from the US to Cambodia. I cannot tell you how many copies of this book I have purchased since this Amazon purchase. I have come to know many Khmer who know some or no English at all. They literally walk off with the book!!! I gave up another today to a khmer friend who saw it on my desk.While the transliterations are not necessarily perfect, I have take this book in the markets and pointed to the word for the item I was looking for and they could read the Khmer and point me in the right direction. I think many of them are amazed that a book like this exists. I will say I have used the transliterations in SMS, text messages to Khmer friends and they understood!The Best!!!

While not every word I was looking for is in the book, I love the quality and size. It is well organized and easy to understand. "Important" or common words will be in here, making this a useful tool. Definitely recommend for anyone interested in learning Khmer. As a native Khmer speaker, I found everything accurate.

I have been searching for an English Khmer dictionary for some time. I couldn't even find one in the bookstores in Viet Nam. Finally, I spotted this on Amazon. I really appreciate the Romanization along with the Khmer spelling system, and the guide to pronunciation. Five Stars

This exactly what I needed. I picked up a phrase book previously and there is no khmer writing just sounding out khmer words in English.This is excellent. I have already learned a little bit of Tagalog and and bahasa Indonesia so, the unfamiliar sounds made in khmer aren't quite difficult to understand.This book is a great walkthrough and has khmer literature

It's a good size for carrying around and I like that pronounciation is also included. Some words aren't in the book but it's pretty extensive for how small it is. Has more formal words than is used today.

This is an excellent starter dictionary for beginners. Although it has a limited vocabulary, it contains all the common words required for an effective conversation. The phonetic transliteration system used is very good, given the limitations of Romanised script comprehensible to those not familiar with phonetic symbols used by linguists. The dictionary has an English to Romanised Cambodian section, and a Romanised Cambodian to English section. This latter section is particularly useful because, using the Romanised entries arranged alphabetically, you have a good chance of finding a new Cambodian word that you hear occurring frequently. Each entry also includes Cambodian script enabling native speakers to demonstrate the correct pronunciation; this script is large and clear enough to help anyone interested in learning the Cambodian writing system. This is an ideal dictionary to get started in the Cambodian language.

all good

exactly what I need

Great little dictionary, very useful for a beginner wanting to learn Cambodian/Khmer.The only bad thing I could say was some words were not included!

does a pretty good job on a difficult language. Good quick reference for traveler.