Greeting

In Cambodia, no one waves or shakes their hands. The official greeting is the sampeah, which can be done in a variety of ways to demonstrate respect. In front of the chest, make a lotus flower with both palms.

Cambodians customarily greet each other by clasping their hands together in prayer. They bow gently and raise their hands to chest level. This is known as Som Pas. The higher the hands and the lower the bow, the more respect is conveyed. When Cambodians meet, they will say Som Pas and Choum Reap Sur (Hello). When they leave, they will Som Pas and chant Choum Reap Lir once again (Goodbye). Som Pas is a welcome and respect gesture used by Cambodians. It would be disrespectful not to return a Som Pas when used as a greeting; in Western society, it is equivalent to refusing a handshake.

Western cultural impact is now recognized in Cambodia. Men in Cambodia frequently shake hands. Women, on the other hand, frequently stick to the customary greeting and avoid shaking hands because Cambodians are not used to touching, especially those of the opposite gender. Many Cambodian women in the United States, particularly the elder generation and new immigrants, are still hesitant to shake hands.