As a new Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) settling into Singapore, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the local dialect known as Singlish. This unique blend of English, Malay, Hokkien, and other languages is used widely in everyday conversations. Understanding Singlish 101 will help you communicate more effectively and feel more at home in your new environment. Here’s a guide to get you started with some basic Singlish phrases you’ll encounter frequently.

When, Where, and How Often Do You Use Singlish Phrases?

Singlish is often used in informal settings—be it at home, in the hawker centers, or while socializing with friends and colleagues. You’ll hear these terms everywhere from casual chats to more lively conversations. While formal situations like work meetings might call for Standard English, Singlish is prevalent in daily interactions and will help you blend in more seamlessly.

Everyday Common Singlish & English Phrases

1. Can or Cannot
   • Singlish: “Can or cannot?”
   • English: “Can you do this or not?”
     This phrase is used to ask if something is possible or if someone can do something.
2. Uncle/Auntie and Sister/Bro/Brother
   • Singlish: “Eh, uncle, where is the MRT?”
   • English: “Excuse me, sir, where is the MRT?”
     Terms like “uncle,” “auntie,” “sister,” “bro,” or “brother” are used to address people politely and are often not related to actual familial relationships.
3. Tahan
   • Singlish: “I can tahan this heat.”
   • English: “I can endure this heat.”
     “Tahan” means to endure or withstand something.
4. Walao Eh
   • Singlish: “Walao eh, why so late?”
   • English: “Oh no, why are you so late?”
   • “Walao eh” expresses surprise or frustration.
5. Aiya
   • Singlish: “Aiya, never mind, we can start without him.”
   • English: “Oh well, never mind, we can start without him.”
   • “Aiya” is used to show exasperation or disappointment.
6. Paiseh
   • Singlish: “I feel paiseh for being late.”
   • English: “I feel embarrassed for being late.”
     “Paiseh” means feeling embarrassed or ashamed.

Singlish & English Phrases When Dining Out

1. Makan
   • Singlish: “Let’s go makan!”
   • English: “Let’s go eat!”
     “Makan” means to eat.
2. Chope
   • Singlish: “I’ll chope this table for us.”
   • English: “I’ll reserve this table for us.”
     “Chope” is used to reserve a seat or table.
3. Shiok
   • Singlish: “This food is so shiok!”
   • English: “This food is so delicious!”
     “Shiok” describes something very pleasurable or tasty.
4. Tapao/Takeaway or Having Here/Eat Here
   • Singlish: “You want to tapao or eat here?”
   • English: “Do you want to take away or eat here?”
     “Tapao” means to take away food or commonly known as take-out in the Philippines. “Having here” or “eat here” is the Filipino version of dine-in.
5. Kopi and Teh
   • Singlish: “I’ll have a kopi C, and a teh ping.”
   • English: “I’ll have a coffee with condensed milk and a tea with ice.”

In Singapore, coffee and tea orders can be customized using these abbreviations:

• “Kopi” = coffee
• “Teh” = tea
• “C” = with sugar and evaporated milk
• “O” = with sugar only
• “Kosong” = black, without additives
• “Ping” or “Peng” = iced

If you simply order “Kopi” or “Teh” without extensions, you’ll get a hot coffee or tea with condensed milk.

To order correctly, follow this format: Kopi / Teh + C / O + Kosong + Ping / Peng.

Common Singlish Phrases at Work

1. Full Stop
   • Singlish: “Please put a full stop at the end of the sentence.”
   • English: “Please put a period at the end of the sentence.”
     In Singapore, “full stop” refers to the punctuation mark known as a period in the Philippines.
2. Kena
   • Singlish: “I kena scolded by my boss.”
   • English: “I got scolded by my boss.”
     “Kena” means to receive or get (often something negative).
3. Kaypoh
   • Singlish: “Don’t be so kaypoh.”
   • English: “Don’t be so nosy.”
     “Kaypoh” refers to someone who is overly inquisitive.
4. Kanchong
   • Singlish: “Don’t be so kanchong.”
   • English: “Don’t be so anxious or nervous.”
     “Kanchong” means being jittery or anxious.
5. Jialat
   • Singlish: “This project is really jialat.”
   • English: “This project is in bad shape.”
     “Jialat” means something is in a poor or difficult state.
6. Jaga
   • Singlish: “Can you jaga the office while I’m away?”
   • English: “Can you take care of the office while I’m away?”
     “Jaga” means to take care or look after something.
7. Jiayou
   • Singlish: “Jiayou for your exam!”
   • English: “Good luck with your exam!”
     “Jiayou” is used to encourage someone, meaning to keep going or do your best.

Singlish Essentials for OFWs in Singapore

Understanding Singlish 101 can greatly enhance your experience as an OFW in Singapore. By familiarizing yourself with these basic phrases, you’ll be better equipped to navigate everyday conversations and feel more connected to the local culture. Remember, using Singlish appropriately can help you blend in and make your transition to life and work in Singapore a bit smoother.