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.
常任秘书
cháng rèn mì shū
Permanent Secretary
潮州饭粿
cháo zhōu fàn guǒ
png kueh
扯购
chě gòu
panic buying (of currency or stocks)
吃冰淇淋
chī bīng qí lín
checking out eye candy
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
抽润
chōu rùn
resale levy or to impose a resale levy
酬神戏
chóu shén xì
Chinese opera performed for the gods
臭酸
chòu suān
gone sour (colloquially known as cao sng)
初级学院
chū jí xué yuàn
junior college (JC)
储值购物卡
chǔ zhì gòu wù kǎ
gift card
创业基金
chuàng yè jī jīn
venture fund