Singlish Phrases 101 You Must Know & What They Mean

101 Singlish you must know when move, backpack or take a vacation here.

Traveloka Blog / Via blog.traveloka.com

This post inspired from blog.traveloka.com.

When it comes to travelling, or moving to a new country, one of the many joys in which to be had, is learning the a new language. Or even practising one already known. One thing your teacher never tells you though, is just how diiffcult it can be to understand the accents, if you don't believe me, then try visiting Liverpool - Scouse is impossible.

What's worse than an impossible accent, is when it mergers with another language to create almost an entirely new dialect. The West's most famous example would be Spanglish, an almost incomprehenisble merging of Spanish and English. In Asia, there's Singlish; English mixed with all the local languages. It is a mind boggling mixture of Malay, Chinese and English which leaves you picking your brain in confusion as you try to use the familair to help decipher the utterly bizzare.

When visiting this incredible city state, it is simply impossible to avoid the language. So here are a few basic tips to help understand just what the hell it is, that they are saying…. LAH!

Ok-lah

Let's start with the simple and move on up. A Singaporean uses "lah" as often as some people breath. In this instance it can give them an arrogant air, but this simple addition really does nothing to the orignal meaning, except maybe enhance it somewhat. Everything is ok-lah! Keep calm and carry on.

Wah Liao, So Expensive-lah

When living or visiting Singapore, it is common to be shocked at the prices of some items. This is especially true if you step out of the backstreets of Chinatown or Little India and into somewhere like Marina Bay. I still remember with dread the shock at my first bar tab, and was in need of a way to successfully convey my shock; wah liao! So Expensive-lah. Essentially meaning my gosh, that is so expensive.

How Can-lah?

Are you starting to get my point about the suffix "lah?" It is common isn't it… lah? This useful phrase can often be used to back up the previous one, or simple show disbelief at the common levels of stupdity on display in the world. Easily translated as "how is that possible?" The phrases simplicity and reinforcement with "lah" makes it very satisfying to use to an unexpecting seller.

I wan go Orchard MRT

Ok-lah, finally not a "lah" in sight. Don't worry lah, it'll be back. This one is simple to understand, but essential to use if you need directions; Singaporeans have an awful habit of not wanting to understand foreigners. I want to go to the Orchard Station, is simply I wan go to Orchard MRT. This can also be used for a bus; I wan go bas.

Don be so kiasu-lah

lah be back...LAH! Promised you it would be too. This phrase really showcases the multicultural heritage of Singapore, bringing two languages together. This useful phrase has two meanings; don't be so difficult or aggresive. In practise, it is quite useful for those pesky locals who like to pretend they don't understand you. Help makes the world go round people, no need to ignore those in need.

Kopi (ais or oh)

Another example of a foreign language influencing Singlish, and this time no lah to be found. Happy days. Kopi is the Malay / Indonesian word for coffee, and let's face it, in a hustle and bustle city like Singapore, caffeine is all too essential. Kopi ais is iced coffee, and kopi ah is black coffee, so you can order to suit your needs.

Overall, don't forget, most Singaporeans speak English to some extent, and should be able to help you. If all else fails, try someone working in a shop or mall. They are often your best bets for help.