Singlish phrases and what they mean in English

Singapore flag.

Here's what you might hear from a shopkeeper, taxi driver or passers-by when in Singapore:

Singlish - English

Cannot - I can't, it can't be done, you can't, it's impossible
go straight - go straight ahead
I'm having an off day - I am having a day off
I'll pick you - I'll pick you up
la - uh
no more already - we are out of stock / I just sold the last one
off service - out of service (on the front of a bus)
off the light - turn off the light
ten over people - more than ten people

Author
Angela Lansbury, travel writer, photographer, English teacher and trainer.
See my other posts on Singlish.