A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Angkor Wat
Pronounce Angkor Wat like the famous Cambodian temple complex: ANG-kor WAHT.
angkor wat
ANG-kor WAHT
/ˈæŋ.kɔːr wɑːt/ · ANG · kor · WAHT
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
This is the name of a famous temple complex in Cambodia, often discussed in travel guides, history documentaries, and news reports about tourism or cultural heritage. You might hear it when planning a trip to Southeast Asia or discussing historical sites.
Where the word comes from
Angkor is derived from the Sanskrit word 'nagara', meaning 'city' or 'capital'. Wat is the Khmer word for 'temple'.
Common ways people get it wrong
- AN-gkor The first syllable is stressed, so say 'ANG' clearly, not 'AN'.
- wott The second word is 'Wat', pronounced like 'wont' without the 'n', not 'wott'.
Frequently asked
Is it Angkor Wat or Angkhor Wat?
The standard spelling is Angkor Wat. The pronunciation reflects this spelling, with the 'g' sound present in the first syllable.
How do you pronounce the first part, Angkor?
The first part, Angkor, is pronounced ANG-kor. The stress is on the first syllable, 'ANG'.
What does Angkor Wat mean?
Angkor means 'city' or 'capital', and Wat means 'temple'. So, Angkor Wat translates to 'City of Temples'.
