# Singlish Dictionary

The meaning, pronunciation and real usage of 210 Singlish expressions — Singapore's own way with English. Tap any word to hear locals say it.

## #

- [..then you know!](https://singlish.app/dictionary/then-you-know.md) — A warning or reminder, suggesting consequences

## A

- [abit](https://singlish.app/dictionary/abit.md) — A little
- [Abuden](https://singlish.app/dictionary/abuden.md) — Obviously or "Isn't it obvious?"
- [act blur](https://singlish.app/dictionary/act-blur.md) — to act ignorant or innocent
- [act cute](https://singlish.app/dictionary/act-cute.md) — To pretend to be cute or to put on a cutesy behavior
- [action](https://singlish.app/dictionary/action.md) — showing off or pretentious
- [Agak agak](https://singlish.app/dictionary/agak-agak.md) — estimate or roughly
- [Aiya](https://singlish.app/dictionary/aiya.md) — Oh no! or an exclamation of dismay
- [Aiyoh](https://singlish.app/dictionary/aiyoh.md) — expression of surprise, distress or disappointment
- [Alamak](https://singlish.app/dictionary/alamak.md) — expression of surprise or frustration
- [Always like that one](https://singlish.app/dictionary/always-like-that-one.md) — That's always the case or typical behavior
- [ang moh](https://singlish.app/dictionary/ang-moh.md) — a Caucasian person
- [Anything lor](https://singlish.app/dictionary/anything-lor.md) — Whatever or doesn't matter
- [Arrow](https://singlish.app/dictionary/arrow.md) — to assign someone a task, usually unpleasant
- [atas](https://singlish.app/dictionary/atas.md) — high class or sophisticated

## B

- [barang barang](https://singlish.app/dictionary/barang-barang.md) — Stuff or things
- [belanja](https://singlish.app/dictionary/belanja.md) — To treat someone to something, often a meal
- [blur](https://singlish.app/dictionary/blur.md) — confused or clueless
- [blur like sotong](https://singlish.app/dictionary/blur-like-sotong.md) — very confused or clueless
- [bo bian](https://singlish.app/dictionary/bo-bian.md) — no choice or no other way
- [Bo liao](https://singlish.app/dictionary/bo-liao.md) — meaningless or nothing better to do
- [bo(h) eng](https://singlish.app/dictionary/bo-h-eng.md) — Not free or too busy
- [bo(h) liao](https://singlish.app/dictionary/bo-h-liao.md) — Bored or having nothing better to do
- [bo(h) zheng hu](https://singlish.app/dictionary/bo-h-zheng-hu.md) — Absence of governance or authority
- [bochup](https://singlish.app/dictionary/bochup.md) — don't care or indifferent
- [bodoh](https://singlish.app/dictionary/bodoh.md) — Stupid or foolish
- [bojio](https://singlish.app/dictionary/bojio.md) — did not invite
- [Boleh](https://singlish.app/dictionary/boleh.md) — can do or able to do
- [buay gan/kan](https://singlish.app/dictionary/buay-gan-kan.md) — Useless
- [Buay pai](https://singlish.app/dictionary/buay-pai.md) — Not bad or pretty good
- [Buay sai](https://singlish.app/dictionary/buay-sai.md) — Cannot do or not up to standard
- [buay song](https://singlish.app/dictionary/buay-song.md) — Not satisfied or unhappy
- [buay steady](https://singlish.app/dictionary/buay-steady.md) — Not reliable or unstable
- [buay tahan](https://singlish.app/dictionary/buay-tahan.md) — cannot stand or tolerate
- [buaya](https://singlish.app/dictionary/buaya.md) — A playboy or someone insincere in romance

## C

- [Can also can, cannot also can](https://singlish.app/dictionary/can-also-can-cannot-also-can.md) — Either way is acceptable
- [can or not?](https://singlish.app/dictionary/can-or-not.md) — Is it possible?
- [catch no ball](https://singlish.app/dictionary/catch-no-ball.md) — don't understand or confused
- [chao keng](https://singlish.app/dictionary/chao-keng.md) — to pretend to be sick to avoid work or duty
- [char bor / zha bo](https://singlish.app/dictionary/char-bor-zha-bo.md) — Woman or girl (impolite)
- [chee ko pek](https://singlish.app/dictionary/chee-ko-pek.md) — A lecherous man
- [cheem](https://singlish.app/dictionary/cheem.md) — deep or profound, usually used to describe something difficult to understand
- [chey / cheyyy](https://singlish.app/dictionary/chey-cheyyy.md) — Expression of disappointment or realization that something isn't as impressive as thought
- [chin chai](https://singlish.app/dictionary/chin-chai.md) — Easy-going or not fussy
- [chio bu](https://singlish.app/dictionary/chio-bu.md) — Attractive woman or girl
- [Chiong](https://singlish.app/dictionary/chiong.md) — to rush or to go full speed
- [Chop chop](https://singlish.app/dictionary/chop-chop.md) — Quickly or hurry up
- [chope](https://singlish.app/dictionary/chope.md) — to reserve a seat, usually by placing a packet of tissues on it
- [chui](https://singlish.app/dictionary/chui.md) — Lousy or not up to standard
- [CMI](https://singlish.app/dictionary/cmi.md) — cannot make it, not up to standard
- [cockanaathan](https://singlish.app/dictionary/cockanaathan.md) — blundering fool
- [Come, I clap for you](https://singlish.app/dictionary/come-i-clap-for-you.md) — sarcastic remark for someone who thinks highly of themselves
- [confirm plus chop](https://singlish.app/dictionary/confirm-plus-chop.md) — absolutely certain

## D

- [dao](https://singlish.app/dictionary/dao.md) — Snobbish or arrogant
- [Diam](https://singlish.app/dictionary/diam.md) — quiet or shut up
- [Die already](https://singlish.app/dictionary/die-already.md) — Oh no, I'm in trouble
- [die die](https://singlish.app/dictionary/die-die.md) — must do, no matter what
- [die die must try](https://singlish.app/dictionary/die-die-must-try.md) — must try at all costs
- [Don't fly my kite/aeroplane](https://singlish.app/dictionary/don-t-fly-my-kite-aeroplane.md) — Don't stand me up or break a promise
- [double confirm](https://singlish.app/dictionary/double-confirm.md) — to confirm again for certainty
- [du lan](https://singlish.app/dictionary/du-lan.md) — Extremely angry or pissed off
- [Dunno leh](https://singlish.app/dictionary/dunno-leh.md) — I don't know, often used when unsure

## E

- [eeyer](https://singlish.app/dictionary/eeyer.md) — Expression of disgust
- [Eh](https://singlish.app/dictionary/eh.md) — hey or expression to get attention
- [Eye power](https://singlish.app/dictionary/eye-power.md) — to watch others work without helping

## G

- [garang](https://singlish.app/dictionary/garang.md) — Fierce or with a strong spirit
- [Geh kiang](https://singlish.app/dictionary/geh-kiang.md) — smart alec or over-smart
- [GG](https://singlish.app/dictionary/gg.md) — Short for "good game", used when something is doomed or in a hopeless situation
- [gone-case](https://singlish.app/dictionary/gone-case.md) — Something or someone that's hopeless or in an irreparable situation
- [goondu](https://singlish.app/dictionary/goondu.md) — fool or stupid
- [Gostun](https://singlish.app/dictionary/gostun.md) — Go backwards, derived from "go astern" used in navy
- [Got problem ah?](https://singlish.app/dictionary/got-problem-ah.md) — Is there an issue?
- [Guai Lan](https://singlish.app/dictionary/guai-lan.md) — Being a troublemaker or difficult

## H

- [hantam](https://singlish.app/dictionary/hantam.md) — to do something without thinking or without a plan
- [Hao lian](https://singlish.app/dictionary/hao-lian.md) — To show off or be boastful
- [heng](https://singlish.app/dictionary/heng.md) — lucky or fortunate
- [Ho seh bo?](https://singlish.app/dictionary/ho-seh-bo.md) — How's it going? Or is it good?
- [Hong gan](https://singlish.app/dictionary/hong-gan.md) — To get into trouble or mess something up
- [hosei / ho seh / ho say](https://singlish.app/dictionary/hosei-ho-seh-ho-say.md) — Great or fantastic; can be used sarcastically when things go wrong
- [Huat](https://singlish.app/dictionary/huat.md) — prosper or to strike it rich
- [hum ji / humji / hum chi / humchi](https://singlish.app/dictionary/hum-ji-humji-hum-chi-humchi.md) — Cowardly or scared

## I

- [Issit/Izzit?](https://singlish.app/dictionary/issit-izzit.md) — Is it?

## J

- [jelak](https://singlish.app/dictionary/jelak.md) — Feeling of over-satiation from consuming something too rich or eaten in excess
- [jia lat / jialat](https://singlish.app/dictionary/jia-lat-jialat.md) — Oh no! or in a dire situation
- [jiak zua](https://singlish.app/dictionary/jiak-zua.md) — Eat snake, which means to skive off work or duty
- [jialat](https://singlish.app/dictionary/jialat.md) — in trouble or a dire situation
- [jio](https://singlish.app/dictionary/jio.md) — To invite or ask someone out

## K

- [kanchiong](https://singlish.app/dictionary/kanchiong.md) — anxious or nervous
- [kantang](https://singlish.app/dictionary/kantang.md) — potato, used to describe someone who is westernised or acts western
- [kao buay peh kao bu](https://singlish.app/dictionary/kao-buay-peh-kao-bu.md) — Kicking up a fuss
- [kaypoh](https://singlish.app/dictionary/kaypoh.md) — a busybody or nosy person
- [kayu](https://singlish.app/dictionary/kayu.md) — Stupid or dull unfair
- [kee siao](https://singlish.app/dictionary/kee-siao.md) — Going crazy or nuts
- [kena](https://singlish.app/dictionary/kena.md) — to get hit, affected, or in trouble
- [Kenasai](https://singlish.app/dictionary/kenasai.md) — Terrible or awful (sometimes used as an expletive)
- [khi chia](https://singlish.app/dictionary/khi-chia.md) — Ride a bicycle Something that is very bad
- [khiam pa(h)](https://singlish.app/dictionary/khiam-pa-h.md) — Stingy or miserly Asking for a beating
- [kiap](https://singlish.app/dictionary/kiap.md) — to pinch or to sandwich
- [kiasi](https://singlish.app/dictionary/kiasi.md) — afraid of dying or overly cautious
- [kiasu](https://singlish.app/dictionary/kiasu.md) — a fear of losing out
- [kilat](https://singlish.app/dictionary/kilat.md) — Done in an excellent way

## L

- [lagi](https://singlish.app/dictionary/lagi.md) — Even more or furthermore
- [lah](https://singlish.app/dictionary/lah.md) — a particle used for emphasis at the end of a sentence
- [lao](https://singlish.app/dictionary/lao.md) — old or aged
- [Lao kui](https://singlish.app/dictionary/lao-kui.md) — Embarrassed or to lose face
- [lau jiao](https://singlish.app/dictionary/lau-jiao.md) — old bird, experienced person
- [leceh](https://singlish.app/dictionary/leceh.md) — troublesome or annoying
- [leh](https://singlish.app/dictionary/leh.md) — used for emphasis
- [lepak](https://singlish.app/dictionary/lepak.md) — to relax or hang out
- [liao](https://singlish.app/dictionary/liao.md) — Finished or done
- [liddat](https://singlish.app/dictionary/liddat.md) — like that
- [Liddat oso](https://singlish.app/dictionary/liddat-oso.md) — Even for something like that
- [lightbulb](https://singlish.app/dictionary/lightbulb.md) — A third wheel or someone who hangs around couples
- [Like that also can!?](https://singlish.app/dictionary/like-that-also-can.md) — Exclaiming surprise over someone's actions or situations
- [lim kopi](https://singlish.app/dictionary/lim-kopi.md) — to drink coffee, often used to imply a casual meeting or catch up
- [limpeh](https://singlish.app/dictionary/limpeh.md) — your father, sometimes used to refer to oneself
- [lobang](https://singlish.app/dictionary/lobang.md) — opportunity or connection
- [lor](https://singlish.app/dictionary/lor.md) — a particle indicating resignation or acceptance

## M

- [macam](https://singlish.app/dictionary/macam.md) — As if or like
- [Mai lai](https://singlish.app/dictionary/mai-lai.md) — Don't want or don't want to be associated with it
- [mai tu liao](https://singlish.app/dictionary/mai-tu-liao.md) — don't wait anymore or hurry up
- [makan](https://singlish.app/dictionary/makan.md) — to eat
- [Malu](https://singlish.app/dictionary/malu.md) — Embarrassed

## N

- [nabei](https://singlish.app/dictionary/nabei.md) — vulgar expression of annoyance or frustration
- [Nia](https://singlish.app/dictionary/nia.md) — only or just
- [no horse run](https://singlish.app/dictionary/no-horse-run.md) — no competition or easy victory
- [No link](https://singlish.app/dictionary/no-link.md) — Irrelevant or not related
- [Not happy, talk outside!](https://singlish.app/dictionary/not-happy-talk-outside.md) — Used as a challenge to a fight to settle an argument

## O

- [on the ball](https://singlish.app/dictionary/on-the-ball.md) — alert or attentive
- [onz](https://singlish.app/dictionary/onz.md) — agree or confirm
- [Orbi good](https://singlish.app/dictionary/orbi-good.md) — Serves you right
- [orh hor](https://singlish.app/dictionary/orh-hor.md) — caught in the act or in trouble
- [Own time own target | OTOT](https://singlish.app/dictionary/own-time-own-target-otot.md) — at one's own pace

## P

- [paiseh](https://singlish.app/dictionary/paiseh.md) — embarrassed or shy
- [Pang seh](https://singlish.app/dictionary/pang-seh.md) — to stand someone up or abandon plans
- [Ponteng](https://singlish.app/dictionary/ponteng.md) — to skip or play truant
- [power](https://singlish.app/dictionary/power.md) — Great or awesome

## R

- [Rabak](https://singlish.app/dictionary/rabak.md) — Severe, terrible or chaotic
- [Relak lah!](https://singlish.app/dictionary/relak-lah.md) — Relax or calm down
- [relak one corner](https://singlish.app/dictionary/relak-one-corner.md) — to relax or take it easy

## S

- [sabo](https://singlish.app/dictionary/sabo.md) — to sabotage or cause trouble
- [sakar](https://singlish.app/dictionary/sakar.md) — To flatter someone insincerely
- [saman](https://singlish.app/dictionary/saman.md) — A ticket, usually a traffic or parking fine
- [sampat](https://singlish.app/dictionary/sampat.md) — Silly or crazy
- [See first](https://singlish.app/dictionary/see-first.md) — Let's see or decide later
- [seh](https://singlish.app/dictionary/seh.md) — Feeling great or satisfied
- [Sekali](https://singlish.app/dictionary/sekali.md) — What if
- [shag](https://singlish.app/dictionary/shag.md) — tired or exhausted
- [shiok](https://singlish.app/dictionary/shiok.md) — extremely delicious or satisfying
- [Si mi tai dzi](https://singlish.app/dictionary/si-mi-tai-dzi.md) — What stuff or nonsense
- [Sia la](https://singlish.app/dictionary/sia-la.md) — An exclamation of disbelief
- [sia(h)](https://singlish.app/dictionary/sia-h.md) — Express surprise or disbelief
- [siam](https://singlish.app/dictionary/siam.md) — To move away or dodge
- [sian](https://singlish.app/dictionary/sian.md) — feeling down or bored
- [sian / sien](https://singlish.app/dictionary/sian-sien.md) — Feeling bored or disappointed
- [Siao](https://singlish.app/dictionary/siao.md) — crazy or insane
- [sibe(h) / si be(h)](https://singlish.app/dictionary/sibe-h-si-be-h.md) — Very or extremely
- [sibei](https://singlish.app/dictionary/sibei.md) — very or extremely
- [simi / si mi](https://singlish.app/dictionary/simi-si-mi.md) — What
- [simi sai](https://singlish.app/dictionary/simi-sai.md) — what the heck or what nonsense
- [slow-po(ke)](https://singlish.app/dictionary/slow-po-ke.md) — Someone slow in understanding or reaction
- [solid](https://singlish.app/dictionary/solid.md) — Excellent or awesome
- [song](https://singlish.app/dictionary/song.md) — good, enjoyable, or satisfactory
- [Spoil market](https://singlish.app/dictionary/spoil-market.md) — to raise expectations unfairly
- [steady](https://singlish.app/dictionary/steady.md) — reliable, good, or unflappable
- [step](https://singlish.app/dictionary/step.md) — Pretend or act
- [stone](https://singlish.app/dictionary/stone.md) — To zone out or not respond
- [sua ku](https://singlish.app/dictionary/sua-ku.md) — mountain turtle, used to describe someone who is ignorant or not up-to-date
- [Suan](https://singlish.app/dictionary/suan.md) — To mock or make fun of
- [suay](https://singlish.app/dictionary/suay.md) — unlucky or unfortunate
- [sui / swee](https://singlish.app/dictionary/sui-swee.md) — Pretty or great
- [suka](https://singlish.app/dictionary/suka.md) — Like or pleased
- [swee](https://singlish.app/dictionary/swee.md) — good or nice

## T

- [tak boleh](https://singlish.app/dictionary/tak-boleh.md) — Cannot
- [Tak boleh tahan / Buay tahan](https://singlish.app/dictionary/tak-boleh-tahan-buay-tahan.md) — cannot stand it or unbearable
- [talk cock](https://singlish.app/dictionary/talk-cock.md) — talk nonsense or engage in idle chatter
- [tan ku ku](https://singlish.app/dictionary/tan-ku-ku.md) — Waiting in vain
- [tapao / ta bao](https://singlish.app/dictionary/tapao-ta-bao.md) — take away (food)
- [tekan](https://singlish.app/dictionary/tekan.md) — Press down, or to give someone a hard time
- [terbalik / tembalik](https://singlish.app/dictionary/terbalik-tembalik.md) — Upside down or opposite
- [terok](https://singlish.app/dictionary/terok.md) — Terrible or awful
- [tio](https://singlish.app/dictionary/tio.md) — got or received (usually something negative)
- [tok kong](https://singlish.app/dictionary/tok-kong.md) — superb or excellent
- [Tolong](https://singlish.app/dictionary/tolong.md) — help
- [towkay / tow kay](https://singlish.app/dictionary/towkay-tow-kay.md) — Boss or business owner
- [Tyco](https://singlish.app/dictionary/tyco.md) — Lucky

## U

- [Ulu](https://singlish.app/dictionary/ulu.md) — remote or rural

## V

- [very the](https://singlish.app/dictionary/very-the.md) — Very or extremely
- [vomit blood](https://singlish.app/dictionary/vomit-blood.md) — Extremely frustrated or exasperated

## W

- [wa(h) se(h)](https://singlish.app/dictionary/wa-h-se-h.md) — Expressing admiration or surprise
- [wah lau / wah piang](https://singlish.app/dictionary/wah-lau-wah-piang.md) — an expression of disbelief or exasperation
- [walao / walao eh](https://singlish.app/dictionary/walao-walao-eh.md) — expression of disbelief, annoyance or exasperation
- [wayang](https://singlish.app/dictionary/wayang.md) — to put on an act or to pretend
- [What time already](https://singlish.app/dictionary/what-time-already.md) — Used to express impatience or indicate that someone is late
- [where got](https://singlish.app/dictionary/where-got.md) — No way or impossible
- [White horse](https://singlish.app/dictionary/white-horse.md) — a term used for the children of influential or wealthy people
- [Why you so liddat ar?](https://singlish.app/dictionary/why-you-so-liddat-ar.md) — Questioning someone's unexpected behavior or actions
- [win liao lor](https://singlish.app/dictionary/win-liao-lor.md) — expression used sarcastically to indicate that someone has done something ridiculous or unbelievable

## X

- [xiasuay](https://singlish.app/dictionary/xiasuay.md) — disgraceful or embarrassing

## Y

- [yandao](https://singlish.app/dictionary/yandao.md) — Handsome
- [yaya papaya](https://singlish.app/dictionary/yaya-papaya.md) — arrogant or showing off
- [You ask me I ask who?](https://singlish.app/dictionary/you-ask-me-i-ask-who.md) — A rhetorical question indicating one doesn't know the answer
- [You say leh](https://singlish.app/dictionary/you-say-leh.md) — Seeking someone's opinion or asking what they think; can also be used sarcastically to indicate someone is asking a dumb question
- [your grandfather's road ah?](https://singlish.app/dictionary/your-grandfather-s-road-ah.md) — A retort to someone acting too entitled or arrogant
- [Your head](https://singlish.app/dictionary/your-head.md) — Used sarcastically to indicate disbelief or that someone is talking nonsense

## Z

- [Zai](https://singlish.app/dictionary/zai.md) — Expert or skilled
- [zao kng](https://singlish.app/dictionary/zao-kng.md) — accidental wardrobe malfunction
- [Zhng](https://singlish.app/dictionary/zhng.md) — to modify or upgrade, usually for vehicles
- [Zhun bo](https://singlish.app/dictionary/zhun-bo.md) — Really or are you sure?
- [zi siao](https://singlish.app/dictionary/zi-siao.md) — to annoy, make fun of, ridicule

## Learn Singlish properly

The Singlish app teaches all 210+ expressions with timed lessons, spaced repetition, quizzes and more examples — every one recorded by locals.

- iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6461420333
- Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.ventureship.singlish