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.

加龙古尼
jiā lóng gǔ ní
rag-and-bone man (colloquially known as karung guni)
建国一代
jiàn guó yí dài
Pioneer Generation
建屋发展局
jiàn wū fā zhǎn jú
Housing & Development Board (HDB)
街头党
jiē tóu dǎng
street gang
警曹
jǐng cáo
police sergeant
精深技能发展局
jīng shēn jì néng fā zhǎn jú
SkillsFuture Singapore
酒保
jiǔ bǎo
bartender
居民委员会
jū mín wěi yuán huì
Residents' Committee (RC)
客工
kè gōng
migrant workers
客卿
kè qīng
visiting/guest
乐龄
lè líng
senior
立国一代
lì guó yí dài
Merdeka Generation
炉主
lú zhǔ
censer master
马坛
mǎ tán
horse racing community
民防部队
mín fáng bù duì
Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)
南大诗社
nán dà shī shè
Nanyang University Poetry Society
欧亚裔
ōu yà yì
Eurasian
全国工资理事会
quán guó gōng zī lǐ shì huì
National Wages Council (NWC)
全国职工总会
quán guó zhí gōng zǒng huì
National Trades Union Congress (NTUC)
人民协会
rén mín xié huì
People's Association (PA)