While performing the sampeah, the person places their palms together in a prayer-like fashion while bowing slightly. The word often spoken with the sampeah when greeting somebody is ជម្រាបសួរchumréab suŏr (pronounced[cum.riəpsuə]), while ជម្រាបលាchumréab léa (pronounced[cum.riəpliə]) 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 an important part of Khmer culture which is heavily influenced by IndianHindu/Buddhist culture. There are different ways of bowing when performing the Sampeah. When praying to the Buddha (who founded Buddhism in India), the person places their palms together close to their face and brings their hands toward the ground three times. Just like IndianAñjali Mudrānamasté, it is also important when one Sampeahs to elders. The higher the hands and the lower the bow, the more respect is shown. It is a sign of respect and politeness.
