Can Lah! Your Shiok Guide to Navigating Singapore Like a Local
Singlish is the unofficial fifth language of Singapore. Singlish, or Singaporean English, is a unique and colorful blend of English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, and other local dialects. It’s a true reflection of Singapore’s multicultural society.
You might hate it or love it, but you’re going to have to understand it when you’re in Singapore. Read on to pick up some basic but essential Singlish words to start speaking like a local, lah.
1. Die die must try - Used to express something that’s so good you must try it, no matter what!
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Think of it as your foodie bestie grabbing you by the shoulders, looking deep into your soul, and saying, “No excuses, just eat!” Whether it's chilli crab, kaya toast, or the mind-blowing accessibility of our top-notch attractions, this phrase guarantees you're in for a treat. So, if a local tells you, "Wah, this place die die must try ah!"—you know it’s time to drop everything and go!
2. Walao eh - Used to describe the feeling of surprise or disbelief
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Imagine you just found out that the famous chicken rice stall has a two-hour queue… “Walao eh, so long ah?!” Or maybe your friend tells you they got first-class flight upgrades for free—“Walao eh, so lucky one?!” It’s like saying “OMG” or “No way!” but with extra Singaporean oomph. Use it wisely, and you’ll blend in like a true local!
3. Catch no ball - Used to indicate that the speaker does not understand what is being said
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Imagine a taxi uncle giving you directions in rapid-fire Hokkien, or your friend explaining some chim (deep) financial concept—your brain just shuts down. “Aiyah, I catch no ball lah!” It’s the perfect phrase for those moments when you're completely lost, confused, and wondering if you need subtitles in real life.
4. Can or cannot - Used to ask whether something can be done
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The ultimate efficiency in communication! No need for long-winded questions—just “Can or cannot?” and boom, straight to the point. Need to check if your hotel room has a wheelchair-accessible bathroom? “Can or cannot?” Want to know if you can bring durians on the MRT? (Spoiler: Cannot!) This phrase works like magic in Singapore—simple, effective, and guaranteed to get you an answer fast!
5. Lah - Used to add emphasis or indicate a casual tone
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The secret sauce of Singlish! Add it to anything, and suddenly, you sound more local. “Relax lah!” means chill out, no stress. “No need lah!” makes your “no” sound extra firm but friendly. And “Can lah!”? That’s the ultimate green light! Whether you’re haggling at a market or asking for accessibility options, just sprinkle in a “lah” and you’re basically half Singaporean already!
6. OI ~ Excuse me
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The classic Singaporean way to grab attention! Whether someone just cut your queue (Oi! Got line one, you know?), your friend is daydreaming (Oi, wake up lah!), or you need to call someone from afar (Oi! Over here!), this little word does it all. It’s like “excuse me,” but with extra oomph! Just don’t use it on your boss… unless you really need their attention.
7. See how - Used to indicate the speaker will play it by ear
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The ultimate Singaporean way to avoid commitment! When someone asks, "You coming for dinner later?", and you reply "See how first", it means... maybe yes, maybe no, maybe you just want to stone at home. It’s perfect for when you want to keep your options open—whether it’s making plans, deciding what to eat, or figuring out life itself. No pressure, lah!
8. What time already? - Used as a sarcastic phrase for someone who is late
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The classic Singaporean way to politely roast someone for being late. Whether it’s your friend strolling in half an hour late for dinner or your colleague finally showing up for a meeting, this phrase is your go-to. Bonus points if you add an exaggerated tsk and dramatic glance at your watch. Just don’t say it to your boss... unless you really like living on the edge.
9. SHIOK - Used to convey a sense of enjoyment, pleasure, or satisfaction
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Nothing says pure joy in Singapore like a loud, satisfied “SHIOK!” Whether you’re slurping up a bowl of laksa, sinking into a comfy hotel bed after a long flight, or finding the perfect accessibility-friendly route around the city, that feeling of comfort, delight, and sheer happiness is what shiok is all about. It’s the kind of word you don’t just say—you feel it! So, if you’re exploring Singapore and something makes you go “Wah, this one really shiok ah!”, you know you’ve hit the jackpot.
Congratulations, you've finished this beginner's guide to Singlish! We've given you the most common Singlish words to get started, so go out, practice with the locals, and have fun with it.