Browse consonants, vowels and sample words. Practice reading and writing Cambodian script.
The Khmer script is an abugida: each consonant has an inherent vowel (either ɑː or ɔː). Vowel signs attach to consonants to change the sound. Modern Khmer uses 33 basic consonants.
Consonants are grouped into two registers (a-class and o-class). The register affects how vowel signs are pronounced, but Khmer is not tonal.
Click the speaker to hear the character. Pronunciation may vary by browser and device; for native-speaker audio see the links below.
These signs combine with a consonant to form a syllable. The sound can depend on the consonant’s register.
Standalone vowel letters, often representing a vowel after a glottal stop.
For native-speaker pronunciation of Khmer letters and words, use these free resources: