So, you have arrived in Singapore. Excellent choice. You are probably surrounded by gleaming buildings, tempting food smells and people walking with the calm confidence of those who know exactly where they are going.
Meanwhile, you may be trying to order lunch, ask for directions, or politely work out where the nearest toilet is.
A few local phrases can go a long way in Singapore. English is widely spoken, which makes life wonderfully easy, but hearing a little Singlish or learning a few expressions adds charm, smiles and occasionally better snacks.
To help you sound friendly, curious and slightly more prepared than yesterday, here are 10 useful phrases for travellers visiting Singapore.
1. Hello / Hi
👋 A cheerful classic.
Phrase: Hello / Hi
Pronunciation: heh-LOH / hi
💡 Use this anywhere. Shops, hotels, cafés, lifts, random friendly encounters.
2. Thank You
🙏 Manners travel well.
Phrase: Thank you
Pronunciation: THANGK-yoo
💡 Always appreciated, especially after someone helps you find the correct MRT platform.
3. Lah
😄 The famous local flavour word.
Phrase: Lah
Pronunciation: lah
💡 Used for emphasis or friendliness. Example: “Okay lah” or “Can lah.”
Do not panic. It is less a word and more a vibe.
4. Can
👍 A very efficient response.
Phrase: Can
Pronunciation: kan
💡 In Singapore, “Can” often means yes, possible, approved, life is good.
Example: “Can pay by card?”
Response: “Can.”
Magnificent efficiency.
5. Cannot
🚫 The opposite arrives swiftly.
Phrase: Cannot
Pronunciation: CAN-not
💡 Means no, not possible, absolutely not happening today.
Example: “Can I enter after closing?”
Response: “Cannot.”
Clear, concise, devastating.
6. Where is the MRT?
🚆 Vital transport language.
Phrase: Where is the MRT?
Pronunciation: wehr iz thuh em-ar-TEE
💡 Useful when navigating Singapore’s excellent train system and pretending you are not lost.
7. How Much?
💰 Important in markets and shops.
Phrase: How much?
Pronunciation: how much
💡 Handy when buying souvenirs, snacks, or wondering why that designer handbag costs more than your flights.
8. Tapau
🥡 Food now, eat later.
Phrase: Tapau
Pronunciation: tah-POW
💡 Means takeaway food.
Example: “Chicken rice tapau please.”
A phrase of beauty and purpose.
9. Shiok
😋 Joy in word form.
Phrase: Shiok
Pronunciation: shee-OK
💡 Used when something is especially satisfying, delicious, or excellent.
Example after first bite of laksa: “Shiok!”
Entirely reasonable reaction.
10. Toilet Where?
🚻 Emergency grammar is still grammar.
Phrase: Toilet where?
Pronunciation: TOY-let wehr
💡 Short, practical, effective. Under pressure, elegance can wait.
✨ Final Singapore Phrase Thoughts
Singapore is one of the easiest places in the world for travellers to communicate, but learning a few local expressions makes the experience far more fun.
Come ready to say thank you, ask for food and use “can” with growing confidence. Come prepared to hear fast conversations, cheerful slang and phrases that somehow make perfect sense immediately.
With these handy expressions, you will explore Singapore with style, smiles and at least one dramatic use of “shiok” after lunch.
If you’re looking for Singapore travel phrase books, I’ve added a handy Amazon link* to help you find a few great options.
Don’t forget to explore our other articles about Singapore!
Singapore: Top 10 Travel Hacks
Singapore: Top 10 Things You Shouldn’t Do as a Tourist
Jurong: Top 10 Adventure Activities
*This article contains affiliate link. If you make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
