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Must-Know Singlish Phrases That Will Surprise You In Singapore

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by Consolata Meyers

must-know-singlish-phrases-that-will-surprise-you-in-singapore

Planning a trip to Singapore? You might want to brush up on some Singlish phrases before you go. Singlish, a unique blend of English, Malay, Chinese, and Tamil, is widely spoken in Singapore. It adds a local flavor to conversations and can help you connect with locals. Imagine ordering food at a hawker center or asking for directions with ease. Knowing a few key phrases can make your experience more enjoyable and authentic. From "lah" to "shiok," these expressions will not only help you understand locals better but also make you feel more at home. Ready to dive into the world of Singlish? Let's get started!

What is Singlish?

Singlish, a unique blend of English, Malay, Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese, Tamil, and other languages, is the unofficial language of Singapore. It's colorful, expressive, and often leaves visitors scratching their heads. Here are some must-know Singlish phrases that will surprise you during your visit to Singapore.

Lah

"Lah" is the quintessential Singlish particle. It’s used to add emphasis or soften a statement. You’ll hear it everywhere, and it’s easy to pick up.

  1. Example: "Can lah!" means "Sure, no problem!"

Shiok

"Shiok" expresses extreme pleasure or satisfaction. Whether it's food, weather, or an experience, if it's great, it's "shiok."

  1. Example: "This laksa is damn shiok!" translates to "This laksa is very delicious!"

Kiasu

"Kiasu" means the fear of missing out or losing out. It’s a significant part of the Singaporean psyche and explains a lot about local behavior.

  1. Example: "He’s so kiasu, always first in line." means "He’s very afraid of losing out, always first in line."

Paiseh

"Paiseh" is used to express embarrassment or shyness. It’s a polite way to apologize or show modesty.

  1. Example: "Paiseh, I forgot your name." translates to "Sorry, I forgot your name."

Alamak

"Alamak" is an exclamation of surprise, shock, or dismay. It’s like saying "Oh no!" or "Oops!"

  1. Example: "Alamak, I left my phone at home!" means "Oh no, I left my phone at home!"

Bo Jio

"Bo jio" means not inviting someone to an event or gathering. It’s a playful way to express feeling left out.

  1. Example: "You all go eat steamboat, bo jio!" translates to "You all went to eat steamboat and didn’t invite me!"

Sabo

"Sabo" is short for sabotage. It means to prank or trick someone, often in a light-hearted manner.

  1. Example: "Don’t sabo me, okay?" means "Don’t trick me, okay?"

Catch No Ball

"Catch no ball" means not understanding something. It’s like saying "I don’t get it."

  1. Example: "He explained so fast, I catch no ball." translates to "He explained so fast, I didn’t understand."

Blur Like Sotong

"Blur like sotong" describes someone who is confused or clueless. "Sotong" means squid, which is often associated with being scatterbrained.

  1. Example: "She’s always blur like sotong." means "She’s always confused."

Chope

"Chope" means to reserve a seat or space, often using a tissue packet or personal item. It’s a common practice in Singaporean hawker centers.

  1. Example: "I chope this seat with my umbrella." translates to "I reserved this seat with my umbrella."

Makan

"Makan" means to eat. It’s used frequently, given Singapore’s food-centric culture.

  1. Example: "Let’s go makan." means "Let’s go eat."

Kaypoh

"Kaypoh" describes someone who is nosy or likes to gossip. It’s a playful term for busybodies.

  1. Example: "Don’t be so kaypoh!" means "Don’t be so nosy!"

Steady Pom Pi Pi

"Steady pom pi pi" means to be calm, composed, and reliable. It’s a fun way to compliment someone’s cool demeanor.

  1. Example: "Wah, you steady pom pi pi!" translates to "Wow, you’re so calm and reliable!"

Huat Ah

"Huat ah" is a Hokkien phrase meaning to prosper or good luck. It’s often shouted during celebrations or when hoping for good fortune.

  1. Example: "Huat ah! Let’s win this game!" means "Good luck! Let’s win this game!"

Gabra

"Gabra" means to be flustered or panicked. It’s used to describe someone who is in a state of confusion.

  1. Example: "Don’t gabra, take your time." translates to "Don’t panic, take your time."

Embracing Singlish in Singapore

Singlish is more than just a way of speaking. It’s a reflection of Singapore’s diverse culture and history. Knowing a few Singlish phrases can make your trip more enjoyable and help you connect with locals. Whether you’re ordering food at a hawker center or chatting with a taxi driver, a bit of Singlish goes a long way. Phrases like “lah,” “kiasu,” and “shiok” will make you sound like a local in no time. Don’t be shy to use them. Locals appreciate the effort and it often leads to more engaging conversations. So, next time you’re in Singapore, try out some Singlish. You might find it fun and even pick up a few new phrases along the way. Enjoy your time in Singapore and happy chatting!