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.

冲凉
chōng liáng
to take a shower
抽润
chōu rùn
resale levy
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
船民
chuán mín
boat people
川行
chuān xíng
to describe a vehicle moving
传召
chuán zhào
Subpoena
创业基金
chuàng yè jī jīn
venture fund
春到河畔迎新年
chūn dào hé pàn yíng xīn nián
River Hong Bao
雌威
cí wēi
female power