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.
- M’səl-menh = “Yesterday”
- T’ngai-mun = “Last time”
