Sampeah

The sompeah is a Cambodian greeting or a way of showing respect. It is very similar to the Thai wai and the Indian namasté. While performing the sompeah, the person places his palms together in a prayer-like fashion while slightly bowing. The word often spoken with the sampeah when greeting somebody is Chum Reap Suor, while Chum Reap Lear is spoken when saying goodbye.

Although the sampeah is a form of greeting, it is also a common way to say thanks or apologize and is a important part of Khmer culture. There are different ways of bowing when performing the sampeah. When praying to the Buddha, the person places his plams together close to his or her face and brings his or her hands toward the ground three times. It is also important when you sampeah to elders. The higher the hands and the lower the bow, the more respect is shown. It is a sign of respect and politeness.

ee also

*Culture of Cambodia
*Wai
*Namasté