If there’s a surefire way to get to know a country, it’s by learning its language. As this is particularly true when it comes to the fantastic Southeast Asian nation of Cambodia, here we will look at the best apps to learn Khmer.
Learning Khmer can appear daunting for beginners because of the unfamiliar script and the complicated Khmer pronunciation. However, with the correct language learning app, like the Ling app, the mysteries of Cambodian can be easily unlocked. So, settle back and let us do the heavy lifting as we sift through the many apps available for you to learn Khmer online. We’ll choose a handful of the best that will have you up to speed with the Cambodian native language in no time.
Quick Summary:
Best For
App
Ling
- AI chatbot
- Finger-tracing
- Interactive quizzes
Tandem
- Real conversations
- In-app translation
- Secure platform
Simply Learn Khmer
- High-quality audio
- Intelligent flashcards
- Language quizzes
Why Learn Khmer?
Khmer is a language spoken in Cambodia. Let’s talk about why picking up Khmer, especially through language learning apps, is such a cool thing to do:
- Diving into Culture: When you learn Khmer with apps, you’ll learn the spoken words. You’ll also get to know Cambodia’s amazing culture, like its stories, music, and customs.
- Travel Fun: If you plan to visit Cambodia, speaking Khmer can make your trip extra special. These apps teach you useful phrases and tips about the culture so you can chat with local people and really feel like part of the place.
- Business Opportunities: Cambodia’s economy is growing fast. If you know Khmer, you can be part of this growth. The apps for learning Khmer teach you words and situations you might find in business settings, helping you talk and work confidently.
- Connecting with People: There are Cambodian communities all over the world. By learning Khmer, you can make new friends and feel closer to them. Khmer language apps are great for learning everyday sayings and fun local expressions.
- For School and Study: Are you studying about Southeast Asia? Knowing Khmer is a big plus. These apps can help you understand real-life Khmer language and give you insights into the culture, which is helpful for your studies.
- A Personal Win: Learning a new language, like Khmer, is a big achievement. It feels amazing to be able to speak it! Language apps to learn Khmer make learning fun and flexible, so you can enjoy every step of your language journey.
So, let’s get you learning Khmer as soon as possible by reviewing the best of the language learning apps on the web that are available to download today. Here is our choice of the 6 best apps to learn Khmer for you to check out:
At a glance:
- Best For Interactive Learning: Ling
- Best For Cultural Exchange: Tandem
- Best For Travelers: Simply Learn Khmer
- Best For Flexible Learning: Cudoo
- Best For Learning Khmer Script: Write Me
- Best For Finding Khmer Tutors: iTalki
1. Ling – Best App For Interactive Learning
The Ling app is for you if you enjoy games and quizzes to help you learn a language, as well as quickly get you up to speed with your reading and writing. The Ling’s website has tons of free blogs that will teach you everything you need to know about the Khmer Language, Cambodian people, and their fascinating culture. If we’re talking about the best apps to learn Khmer, the Ling app tops the list with its features.
Devices: Android, iOS, Web
Ling App Overview
The Ling app is a fun and interactive way to learn Khmer, combining games, quizzes, and blogs. It’s perfect for beginners and advanced learners, offering a unique cultural insight into Cambodia.
Features
- The Ling app caters to all levels of Khmer students. Don’t be intimidated if you are new to the language. This best app for learning Khmer will have you conversing like a local in your new language in no time. The Ling app is also for you if you are already a Khmer speaker and want to get to a higher level.
- Speaking with an AI chatbot helps you improve your conversational skills. And don’t worry about getting to grips with the Khmer script, as you can practice your writing with the Ling app‘s smartphone finger-tracing feature.
- The Ling app has numerous interactive games, quizzes, and flashcards. These features will help you practice and assess how well you are getting on and what you need to work on in order to improve.
Customer Review
“This is an incredible app. I consider myself to be language-challenged (even in my native tongue, sometimes!), but the programmers have made this app fun and challenging but possible. I don’t plan on mastering Khmer by any means, but this will help me understand and speak better if I have my way and get to visit someday. Thank you, Ling app developers, for your time spent creating this fun application.” – Megan Kizer
Pricing
- Free with beginner lessons and an introductory Chatbot.
- Monthly: $14.99
- Six Months: $39.99
- Yearly: $79.99 (7-day free trial)
- Lifetime: $149.99
2. Tandem – Best App For Cultural Exchange
Master any language by actually chatting with real people. Tandem gets you fully immersed in learning Khmer by hooking you up with others who are interested in learning from you. The app’s intuitive messaging features and wide range of language tools help you learn your target language and make new friends at the same time. Once you have joined, it is easy to find Khmer speakers by exchanging details such as location and interests.
Tandem offers a range of ways for you to communicate with your new Cambodian friends. These include audio, text, voice notes, or voice calls. And you don’t have to worry about keeping the conversation flowing because Tandem uses an in-app translation and correction tool.
Devices: Android, iOS, Web
Tandem Overview
Tandem connects you with native Khmer speakers for a real-time cultural and language exchange. It’s an immersive experience with intuitive messaging and language tools.
Features
- Because you are speaking to real Cambodians, you get to learn about the Khmer culture and way of life as well as the language.
- There is no need for any third-party software, so as soon as you are accepted into the Tandem community, all you need to do is log in and ask somebody if they have time for a chat.
- Tandem is a safe and secure platform, meaning that you don’t have to worry about the people you are in contact with. Strangers today will be your friends tomorrow.
Customer Review
“I like this app! It’s so crazy to meet people from the other side of the world! It’s great for improving languages because you are talking to real people. 11/10 would recommend.” – Nimah
Pricing
- Free with access to important features like messaging, video, and voice calls to native speakers.
- Tandem Pro: $13.99 (one month), $31.99 (three months), $79.99 (one year)
- Tandem Premium: $29.99 (one month), $119.99 (one year)
3. Simply Learn Khmer – Best App For Travelers
Simply Learn Khmer is a language-learning app for those who want to make learning fun while learning the Cambodian language. The app has a minimalist design with an emphasis on aesthetics that makes it nice to look at while being easy to use. The easy-to-navigate design makes Simply Learn Khmer the ideal app to carry with you when you are traveling around Cambodia, as you will have instant access to all the tools you need, whatever the situation.
Devices: Android, iOS
Simply Learn Khmer Overview
This app is a traveler’s companion for learning Khmer, featuring a simple, aesthetic design. It’s easy to navigate and provides instant access to essential language tools.
Features
- Simple to navigate design that allows you to easily search for complete phrases with high-quality sound recorded by a native Khmer speaker.
- Intelligent flashcards that you can use to review what you have just learned to help it stick in your brain.
- Fun Khmer quizzes to help you assess how your learning is coming along.
Customer Review
“Easy, fast, and funny. Just an awesome app for beginners. It includes a funny quiz to test your level and self-improvement.” – Alberto
Pricing
- Free with basic and limited features.
- Monthly premium: $5.99
- In-app purchases: $1.99
4. Cudoo – Best App For Flexible Learning
Learning Khmer with Cudoo means you will be tapping into an app that has many years of online teaching experience. Cudoo allows you to have complete access day and night, meaning you can brush up on your Khmer skills whenever it is convenient for you. Once you have completed your Khmer course, you will be issued a certificate that you can share online and submit to potential employers.
Device: Web
Cudoo Overview
Cudoo offers a flexible learning approach to Khmer, available 24/7. It caters to all levels, and completion earns you a certificate to showcase your language skills.
Features
- Helps you develop your conversational and listening skills as well as your reading and writing if desired.
- Experienced teachers mean there are lessons available catered to whatever level of Khmer you are at, whether a beginner or a more advanced learner.
- By learning with Cudoo, you will not only learn to read and write Khmer but also be introduced to all aspects of Cambodian culture, history, and traditions.
Customer Review
“Very extensive choice of languages, offering languages that other mainstream language learning services fail to offer. My interest in Cudoo was a result of them teaching a number of Austronesian languages. The site and interface are very user-friendly, which makes learning very engaging and enjoyable. All in all, I am impressed and look forward to further updates.” – Pewe B.
Pricing
- Monthly subscription: $25.00
- Yearly subscription: $250.00
- Individual courses: $4.99 to $24.99
- Language bundles: Up to $199.00
- Cudoo PRO: $999 (one-time payment)
5. Write Me – Best For Learning The Khmer Script
One of the biggest hurdles to get over when learning Khmer is the script. The Write Me app has this covered by offering users each character in Khmer as well as words containing it, promoting a thorough knowledge of the Khmer alphabet. The Write Me app will have you writing the letters, words, and sentences in no time.
Device: iOS
Write Me Overview
Focused on the Khmer script, Write Me helps learners master writing through animation and interactive quizzes. It’s ideal for understanding and practicing the Khmer alphabet.
Features
- The animation will show you how to create each of the Khmer characters before you get to practice writing the character yourself.
- When you learn how to write the Khmer script, you will be able to test how much you have retained by taking a quiz. This is a fun way to cement what you have learned and help you perfect your handwriting.
Pricing
- Free for the first three lessons.
- Khmer Pro version: $8.99
- Premium version: $46.99
6. iTalki – Best App For Finding Khmer Tutors
iTalki is one of the most popular language learning apps available for those looking for a 1-on-1 experience with a real teacher. The app provides safe access to teachers around the world and will make sure you get the best out of your Khmer learning experience.
Devices: Android, iOS, Web
iTalki Overview
iTalki provides a personal touch to learning Khmer, offering 1-on-1 sessions with native speakers and certified teachers. It’s a global platform tailored to fit various budgets.
Features
- A range of native Khmer speakers and certified teachers is available through the easy-to-navigate platform so that you can practice your Khmer at any hour of the day.
- A wide range of teachers is available to fit your budget, as well as a global community of like-minded language learners for you to get involved with.
- Free features that you can access after practicing your Khmer to help you revise what you have learned and demonstrate how well you are doing in your lessons.
Customer Review
“A great experience. It is very easy for me to talk with my teacher. He is very helpful and knowledgeable in both Khmer and English. A very good listener. Payments and scheduling are so easy.” – Sally Goss
Pricing
- Community tutors: $4 – $30/hour
- Professional teachers: $10 – $80/hour
- Lesson packages: Varies
What Is The Khmer Language?
The Khmer language, also known as Cambodian, is spoken by around 17 million people as of November 2023. Most of the people who speak the language speak Central Khmer. However, there are three additional distinct dialects spoken outside the borders of Cambodia in the areas of Vietnam and Thailand that were once a part of the ancient Khmer empire.
The Khmer alphabet and script, which first appeared in the 7th century, owe a great deal to the Indian Brahmi system of writing, and the ancient Indian languages of Pali and Sanskrit are the parents of many Khmer words. The existence of carvings throughout Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand dating from between the 7th and 15th centuries is a testament to the prestige of the Old Khmer language and its influence on other Southeast Asian tongues.
Although an Austroasiatic language, and therefore closely related to the neighboring Vietnamese, Lao, Thai, and Burmese, the Khmer language is not a tonal language. This is good news for the complete beginner wanting to dive into the language with our choice of the best Khmer apps, as it is one less lesson to have to get to grips with.
Do You Agree With Our Choice Of The Best Apps To Learn Khmer?
We are always on the lookout for new best apps to learn Khmer. As more come onto the market, we will continue to review them so you can make a more informed choice about which one best cater to your particular language learning needs.
If you are keen to learn a new language or want to improve your skills in a language you are currently learning, why not check out the Ling app? With more than 60 languages from around the globe on offer and loads of interactive games and quizzes, the Ling app is a fun way to dive into a new learning experience. Download the Ling app today from Google Play and the App Store!
