6.2 Time Expressions
In Cambodian, verbs are not conjugated to indicate past or future. Time expressions such as M’səl-menh “Yesterday” and S’aek “Tomorrow” are used to indicate tenses. Another way to express past or future tense is to add “Mun” or “Kraoy“.
Examples:
“Mun”
Aa-dtet-mun= last week
Khae-mun= last month
Chnam-mun= last year
“Kraoy”
Aa-dtet-kraoy = next week
Khae-kraoy = next month
Chnam-kraoy = next year
Test Yourself
Match English words to Khmer words:
Past Expressions
We will be discussing the future tense and the related expressions in a future chapter.
1. Listening
Listen to one of the Khmer pop songs by Sinn Sisamouth.
After the listening, tell how many times of following words you can hear.
1. M’səl-menh=Yesterday
2. T’ngai-mun=Last time
