Khmer Words: To Need
Some Khmer words will have two words for only one English equivalent. On example is the verb: to need. The two Khmer words to to need are dtruaw and dtruaw-gaa. These words seem that that both have the same meaning, but really they have two different ways of being used.
First dtuaw means to need to do something….not an object, but more of an action.
- Kynum dtrauw tov psaa = I need to go to the market.
Dtruaw-gaa means to need something as in needing an object, not an action.
- Kynum dtruaw-gaa prahok = I need prahok (cambodian food)
So those are the two Khmer words for the English word, ‘to need’. To need is a very important verb to know and understanding that there are 2 khmer words for it is very important.
3 replies on “Khmer Words for “to need””
[…] Dtrauw vs dtrauw-gaa […]
Susadae!
Another Khmer to English translational oddity is the use of “v.” Above I noticed “to go” in your sentence, “tov” – but in practical use if I say “dtoh” Khmer understand me. 🙂
And “dtruaw” I’ve had more luck with “dtro” or “dtrow.”
I’ve been traveling for years, working, and have to learn languages quickly for when I’m on my own, but need to communicate so I’ve also had to write notes, where the translations in books didn’t match what I picked up in practical use. Hope this helps. Chum Reeup Leeah!
Yes khmer transliteration is not perfect, or even good. To go is hard to write in english so I use facebooks way of writing this word.