Singaporean Mandarin Database
This database contains a collection of Mandarin terms which have cultural, historical or sentimental value unique to Singapore. These terms may be used by Singaporeans in the past or at present. Some of the terms are read in print while others are used in our everyday conversations.
唱片骑师
chàng piàn qí shī
disc jockey (DJ)
常任秘书
cháng rèn mì shū
Permanent Secretary
潮州饭粿
cháo zhōu fàn guǒ
png kueh
扯购
chě gòu
broad-based buying
吃风
chī fēng
to travel or have a vacation overseas (colloquially known as jiak hong)
吃蛇
chī shé
skiving off (colloquially known as jiak tsua)
充电
chōng diàn
to rest and recharge
冲凉
chōng liáng
to take a shower
酬神戏
chóu shén xì
Chinese opera performed for the gods
臭酸
chòu suān
rotten smell (colloquially known as cao sng)
初级学院
chū jí xué yuàn
junior college
储值购物卡
chǔ zhì gòu wù kǎ
gift card
川行
chuān xíng
to describe a vehicle moving