The word "actually" in Khmer
- Miguelito
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The word "actually" in Khmer
When speaking Khmer, do Cambodians use the word "actually" an excessive amount? I've noticed that several Khmers that I speak with use this word a lot more than others while speaking English, especially while trying to explain something. At first it seemed a little condescending, because I would ask a question, and the explanation would start with "actually..." And I would just think "yea, that's why I'm asking."
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Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but the word I think you're talking about is "ptchea". It's not often used, or at the very least I haven't noticed used excessively in Khmer. However, it might one of those words which are taught by Khmer teachers and then used all the time by Khmers. Kind of like nowadays, for me (to give an opinion), overuse of the verb to have etc.
I've noticed I say certain words way too often in Khmer myself ("but", among others I can't think of right now) and I've heard several foreigners adding the verb to be everywhere as well, even if not needed. Sometimes the mistakes are transliterations from Khmer or out own languages, but often it's just using the wrong register. Either being overly formal or informal, which can be tricky in a foreign language. I can't say I've heard actually used that much, but I have noticed it being used. Maybe they're trying to sound official/educated but are missing out on the nuances of the word and how/when to use it?
EDIT: I asked the lady and she said maybe kapit? They definitely use that word often.
I've noticed I say certain words way too often in Khmer myself ("but", among others I can't think of right now) and I've heard several foreigners adding the verb to be everywhere as well, even if not needed. Sometimes the mistakes are transliterations from Khmer or out own languages, but often it's just using the wrong register. Either being overly formal or informal, which can be tricky in a foreign language. I can't say I've heard actually used that much, but I have noticed it being used. Maybe they're trying to sound official/educated but are missing out on the nuances of the word and how/when to use it?
EDIT: I asked the lady and she said maybe kapit? They definitely use that word often.
Last edited by LexusSchmexus on Tue Sep 26, 2017 4:37 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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That was my initial thought too.LexusSchmexus wrote:Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but the word I think you're talking about is "ptchea". It's not often used, or at the very least I haven't noticed used excessively in Khmer. However, it might one of those words which are taught by Khmer teachers and then used all the time by Khmers. Kind of like nowadays, for me (to give an opinion), overuse of the verb to have etc.
There are other examples, which escape me for now, but I reckon these mostly come from misinformed but overly confident English teachers.
For "actually", we would say "tam kar pit" (តាមការពិត) which literally translates as "according to reality" and can be translated as "in fact".
I use it often, actually, and I hear it being used often and it doesn't have a condescending tone. Sometimes, it is meant to correct wrong information or understanding, and sometimes, it's just a filler to introduce one's opinion.
I use it often, actually, and I hear it being used often and it doesn't have a condescending tone. Sometimes, it is meant to correct wrong information or understanding, and sometimes, it's just a filler to introduce one's opinion.
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Actually.
Joon is right. And I think LS could also be right.
It’s funny as the English word has taken on a sarky meaning (probably just in recent years) but it is perfectly normal in Khmer.
It does grate a bit when I hear Khmer folks say it in English but wouldn’t give it a second thought to hear it in Khmer. Actually
Joon is right. And I think LS could also be right.
It’s funny as the English word has taken on a sarky meaning (probably just in recent years) but it is perfectly normal in Khmer.
It does grate a bit when I hear Khmer folks say it in English but wouldn’t give it a second thought to hear it in Khmer. Actually
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Actually, you'll notice I edited and added kapit a full 12 minutes before before joon mentioned it. So actually, we're both right.
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Actually, Nothing to say, up to you
Mean Dtuk Mean Trey, Mean Loy Mean Srey
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I use kapit(?) A lot. Because most khmers ive talked to tend to dont give all the facts or white wash the facts. They call it "leab por". So i bust out with the real facts or try to get the real facts
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