While you’re there · Singapore
Will people speak English in Singapore?
English: universal.
English is the working language. Tamil is an official language; signage often includes it.
SingaporeLanguage
English is the working language. Tamil is an official language; signage often includes it.
Official languages: English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil.
Words that help in Singapore
Can / CannotYes it's possible / not possible (Singlish staple)
MakanEat / food (Malay, used by everyone)
ChopeReserve a seat (tissue packet on a hawker table = taken)
Every detail we holdThe language facts, as checked
Official
- English
- Mandarin
- Malay
- Tamil
- English prevalence
- Universal — English is the working language. Tamil is an official language; signage often includes it.
Key phrases
- Can / Cannot — Yes it's possible / not possible (Singlish staple)
- Makan — Eat / food (Malay, used by everyone)
- Chope — Reserve a seat (tissue packet on a hawker table = taken)