The Grammar Lab: To Be
The Verb "To Be"
This is the most important verb. It describes a state of being, identity, or location. In Khmer, it translates to គឺ / នៅ / ជា.
Positive (+)
| I + am | ខ្ញុំគឺ... |
| He / She / It + is | គាត់/នាង/វាគឺ... |
| You / We / They + are | អ្នក/យើង/ពួកគេគឺ... |
Negative (-)
| I + am not | ខ្ញុំមិនមែន... |
| He + is not | គាត់មិនមែន... |
| They + are not | ពួកគេមិនមែន... |
Short Forms
In speaking, we usually shorten the verb.
| I am | → | I'm |
| He is | → | He's |
| They are | → | They're |
Questions (?)
To ask a question, swap the Subject and Verb.
| Am + I...? | តើខ្ញុំ...? |
| Is + she...? | តើនាង...? |
| Are + you...? | តើអ្នក...? |
Match the Verb
Click the subject to reveal the correct form of "To Be".
ICheck Verb
My brotherCheck Verb
You & ICheck Verb
The catsCheck Verb
Question: YouCheck Verb
Quick Check
1. She _____ a doctor.
2. _____ they happy?
3. I _____ hungry.