Khmer grammar
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This article discusses the grammar of the Khmer language, focusing on the standard (Phnom Penh) dialect.
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[edit] Word order
Khmer is generally a Subject Verb Object (SVO) language with prepositions. Although primarily an isolating language, lexical derivation by means of prefixes and infixes is common. Adjectives, demonstratives and numerals follow the noun which they modify:
/srəːj lʔɐː nuç/ (girl pretty that) = that pretty girl
[edit] The noun
The noun has no grammatical gender or singular/plural distinction. Plurality can be marked by postnominal particles, numerals, or by reduplication, doubling the adjective, which can also serve to intensify the adjective:
/cʰkae tʰom/ (dog large) = large dog
/cʰkae tʰom tʰom/ (dog large large) = large dogs or a very large dog
/cʰkae ɓəːj/ (dog three) = three dogs
Classifying particles for use between numerals and nouns exist although are not obligatory as in, for example, Thai.
[edit] Pronouns
The pronominal system is complex, full of honorific variations.
[edit] The verb
Verbs in Khmer do not inflect at all; tense and aspect can be shown by particles and adverbs or understood by context. Verbs are negated by putting "/min/", "/pum/" or "/ʔɐt/" before them and "/teː/" at the end of the sentence or clause.
/kʰɲom cɨə/ - I believe
/kʰɲom min cɨə teː/ - I don't believe
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