Welcome to Singapore! You’ve mastered the art of navigating the MRT system, you know where to find the best chicken rice, and you’ve accepted that a sudden downpour is just part of the daily routine. But just when you think you’re getting the hang of your new country, you hear it: a colleague says, “Can we do this? Can lah!” or a taxi driver tells you, “This road kena jam, so we go another way, lor.”

You’ve just had your first real encounter with Singlish. You might hear someone say, “Hey, can help me with this or not?” to get your attention in daily conversation. It’s more than just English words with a twist; it’s the unofficial language of the Singaporean heart. For any expat wanting to connect with the local lingo, understanding Singlish for expats is your key to unlocking friendships, laughter, and belonging. Think of it not as a language to master, but as a bridge to feeling at home in true Singaporean fashion.

What Exactly Is Singlish? A Quick History Lesson

Singlish isn’t just slang—it’s a legitimate creole that blends Chinese dialects like Hokkien, Cantonese, and Mandarin, along with Malay and Tamil influences, on top of proper English. It literally reflects Singapore’s multicultural identity. After the British made English one of the official languages, locals blended it with everyday words from home. Many Singlish words are a literal translation from Hokkien, Malay, or Cantonese, and understanding these literal translations helps clarify their meaning. The result? A hybrid local lingo full of colorful particles, vivid expressions, and sometimes, a condescending tone if used wrongly.

Today, Singlish words are a true reflection of how Singaporeans talk to one another. It’s used at the hawker centre, Orchard Road, or in a kopi shop chat. While you’ll still use proper English in formal situations, Singlish is the language of comfort, laughter, and belonging.

The Magic of Singlish Words: Lah, Leh, Lor & More

The soul of Singlish lies in its particles. These tiny words add emphasis, emotion, and rhythm to any sentence. For most Singaporeans, these aren’t just fillers; they’re the spark that brings conversations alive. These particles give a unique sense to each conversation, helping to convey emotions, attitudes, or degrees of certainty.

• Lah: Adds friendliness or certainty. Example: “Relax lah, everything okay.”
• Leh: A softer particle, used to describe persuasion. Example: “Help me a bit leh.”
• Lor: Indicates resignation, literally meaning “that’s how it is.” Example: “Too late lor.”
• Liao: Means “already.” Example: “I makan liao.”

When combined (lah leh lor), these particles become a true reflection of Singaporean style.

Ah Lah Mak! Everyday Expressions That Add Flavor

The exclamation “Ah lah mak!” (from the Malay wordAlamak) is the local oh my gosh. In Singaporean slang, it’s used to describe shock, frustration, or surprise. Example: “Ah lah mak, I forgot my wallet!”

Other gems include:

• Wah: An expression of amazement. “Wah, this nasi lemak so shiok!”
• Walao eh: Stronger than wah, like saying “oh my gosh!” with extra drama. ‘Walao eh’ and ‘ah lah mak’ can sometimes be used with the same meaning to express surprise or shock, depending on the context.
• Eh bro: Friendly way to call out to a person, often casual or cheeky.

Bo Jio: The Singlish Word That Means Invite

One of the most common Singlish words you’ll hear is bo jio. It literally translates from Hokkien as “no invite.” It’s what friends say when you go makan or hang out without asking them along.

Example:
“Eh bro, you went Orchard Road shopping, bo jio!”

Pro tip: Say this with a smile—it’s more playful than serious.

Common Singlish Words for Food & Hawker Centres

Food is life in Singapore, so it’s no surprise common Singlish includes plenty of words about eating.

• Makan: From Malay, simply means eat. “Want to go makan?”
• Tapau / Dabao: From Cantonese, means takeaway food. “Uncle, chicken rice tapau.”
• Shiok: An adjective for pleasure, often food-related. “This laksa so shiok!”
• Kopi: Coffee, ordered in countless ways at your local kopi stall.

And don’t forget tissue packets—these are a true reflection of Singapore life. Locals use them to “chope” (reserve) seats at a busy hawker centre. Placing a tissue packet on a table is the traditional way to chope a seat at a hawker centre.

Bo Liao, Blur Sotong & Other Ways to Describe People

PSinglish is rich with phrases used to describe moods or people:

• Bo liao: From Hokkien, meaning someone has nothing better to do. Example: “Why you so bo liao?”
• Blur sotong: Refers to a person who’s confused, like a squid lost in the ocean. Example: “Don’t be blur sotong lah.”
• Kaypoh lah: Describes someone too nosey. Example: “Aiyo, don’t be so kaypoh lah.”
• Buay tahan: From Hokkien, meaning “cannot take it anymore.” Example: “This heat, I buay tahan.”

These phrases carry no negative connotation if used playfully—they’re part of Singaporean slang with a cheeky edge.

Pie Say & Paiseh: The Embarrassing Situation

Another popular hokkien word you’ll hear is paiseh (sometimes written as pie say). It means shy, embarrassed, or awkward—perfect for those “oops” moments.

Example: “Paiseh, I forgot your name.”

It can also mean “excuse me,” as in asking for help or forgiveness.

Walao Eh! Expressing Emotions in True Singaporean Fashion

When woIf “Ah lah mak” is “oh my gosh,” then walao eh is its louder cousin. It carries frustration, disbelief, or mock anger.

Example: “Walao eh, MRT breakdown again!”

Pair it with sian (Hokkien for boredom or frustration) and you’ve got the ultimate venting combo:
“Another Monday meeting? Walao eh, so sian!”

Shiok Time: Singlish for Leisure and Fun

When it comes to relaxing and having fun, Singaporeans have a whole arsenal of Singlish words and expressions to set the mood. If you hear someone say, “Wah, this weekend so shiok!” you know they’re having a great time—“shiok” is the go-to Singlish word to describe anything that feels especially enjoyable, whether it’s food, a movie, or just chilling out.

On the flip side, if you’re lounging at home with nothing to do, you might say you’re “bo liao”—a phrase used to describe being bored or having nothing better to do.

When you’re out at hawker centres, don’t be surprised to see tissue packets on tables. This is the famous “chope” system, where Singaporeans reserve their seats in true local lingo style. And if something unexpected happens, you’ll often hear “walao eh” or “wah lau”—both are colorful ways to express surprise or a big “oh my gosh!” moment.

Don’t forget the little particles like “lah” and “leh.” “Lah” adds a friendly punch to any sentence, while “leh” softens things, making requests or comments sound more casual.

Mastering these Singlish words and phrases will help you blend right in when it’s time to unwind, eat, and enjoy life the Singaporean way.

Chiong Ah! Singlish at Work and School

Singlish isn’t just for fun—it’s alive and well in offices and classrooms across Singapore. In the workplace, you might hear colleagues talking about someone who’s “kiasu”—a term used to describe a person who’s always trying to get ahead, sometimes a little too eagerly. If you weren’t invited to a team lunch, you can playfully say “bo jio,” which means you weren’t asked along.

In schools, students often complain about feeling “sian”—a Singlish word that means bored or fed up, especially when facing a mountain of homework. Teachers might call a confused student a “blur sotong,” using a mix of English and Chinese dialects to describe someone who’s totally lost.

Singapore’s unique blend of languages—English, Malay, Chinese, Tamil, and various Chinese dialects—means that Singlish is a true reflection of daily life. Whether you’re in a meeting or a classroom, sprinkling in a little Singlish can add warmth and humor to your conversations, helping you connect with Singaporeans on their own terms.

Buay Tahan? Here Are More Tips for Expats

As an expat—or ang moh, a Hokkien word literally meaning “red hair” that most Singaporeans use for Westerners—you’ll quickly learn when to use Singlish and when to stick to proper English.

• Do use Singlish: At the hawker centre, over kopi with friends, or to bond casually.
• Don’t use Singlish: In official meetings, job interviews, or with strangers in a formal setting.

Singlish thrives on context. Get the tone wrong, and it might sound rude. But with practice, you’ll get bonus points for effort.

Where to Learn More: Singlish Resources for the Curious

Ready to dive deeper into the world of Singlish? There are plenty of resources to help you master the local lingo. The National Library Board of Singapore regularly hosts language workshops and talks that explore the roots and quirks of Singlish. For those keen on balancing Singlish with proper English, the Speak Good English Movement offers practical tips and fun guides.

Online, you’ll find language learning apps and YouTube channels dedicated to breaking down Singlish words, phrases, and their meanings. But nothing beats real-life practice—head to your nearest hawker centre, order a kopi with milk and sugar, and listen in on the lively banter around you. Chatting with locals over food is one of the best ways to pick up authentic Singaporean expressions.

By exploring these resources and immersing yourself in daily life, you’ll not only improve your understanding of Singlish, but also gain a deeper appreciation for Singapore’s unique culture and identity. Happy learning, lah!

Conclusion: Speak Singlish, Feel at Home

Learning common Singlish phrases isn’t about ditching proper English. It’s about showing respect for a country’s culture and blending in with humor, warmth, and open-mindedness. From “bo jio” jokes to saying “so shiok” at dinner, these words help you feel closer to the community.

So next time you’re at a hawker centre, order your kopi like a local, sprinkle in a lah or lor, and smile. You’ll make friends faster than you think.

In true Singaporean fashion, don’t stress. Listen, learn, and try. Even if you make mistakes, no one will mind. In fact, they’ll probably laugh and teach you more. That’s the magic of Singlish—it’s about connection.

Can try, lah!