73 Basic Mandarin Phrases for Your Next Trip to Singapore 🇸🇬

Ni hao ma? 你好吗？(Nǐ hǎo ma?) That means "How are you?" in Mandarin, and it's just one of the many phrases you'll want to know for your upcoming trip to Singapore! 🌆 While Singapore has four official languages (English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil), Mandarin is the most widely spoken among the Chinese population. However, the Mandarin spoken in Singapore has its own unique flavor, with some local slang and influences from other languages. So, let's dive into 73 essential Mandarin phrases that will help you navigate the Lion City like a pro! 🦁

Greetings and Basics 🙌

1. 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) - Hello
2. 早安 (Zǎo ān) - Good morning
3. 午安 (Wǔ ān) - Good afternoon
4. 晚安 (Wǎn ān) - Good evening
5. 再见 (Zài jiàn) - Goodbye
6. 谢谢 (Xiè xiè) - Thank you
7. 不客气 (Bù kè qi) - You're welcome
8. 对不起 (Duì bu qǐ) - Sorry
9. 没关系 (Méi guān xi) - It's okay
10. 请问 (Qǐng wèn) - Excuse me (to ask a question)
11. 请 (Qǐng) - Please
12. 是的 (Shì de) - Yes
13. 不是 (Bú shì) - No
14. 我不明白 (Wǒ bù míng bái) - I don't understand

Getting Around 🚇

Navigating Singapore's efficient public transportation system is a breeze, but knowing a few key phrases can make your journey even smoother.

15. 地铁站在哪里？(Dì tiě zhàn zài nǎ lǐ?) - Where is the MRT station?
16. 我要去乌节路 (Wǒ yào qù Wū jié lù) - I want to go to Orchard Road
17. 这个座位有人吗？(Zhè ge zuò wèi yǒu rén ma?) - Is this seat taken?
18. 下一站是什么？(Xià yí zhàn shì shén me?) - What's the next stop?
19. 我要在这里下车 (Wǒ yào zài zhè lǐ xià chē) - I want to get off here

Shopping and Bargaining 💸

Singapore is a shopping paradise, from bustling street markets to luxury malls. Here are some phrases to help you snag the best deals:

20. 这个多少钱？(Zhè ge duō shǎo qián?) - How much is this?
21. 太贵了！(Tài guì le!) - That's too expensive!
22. 便宜一点可以吗？(Pián yi yī diǎn kě yǐ ma?) - Can you make it a bit cheaper?
23. 我可以试一下吗？(Wǒ kě yǐ shì yī xià ma?) - Can I try it on?
24. 我要买这个 (Wǒ yào mǎi zhè ge) - I'll buy this

Food and Dining 🍜

Singapore is a food lover's paradise, with a diverse array of hawker centers, restaurants, and local delicacies. Here are some phrases to help you order like a pro:

25. 我要点菜 (Wǒ yào diǎn cài) - I'd like to order
26. 我要一碗鸡饭 (Wǒ yào yī wǎn jī fàn) - I'd like a bowl of chicken rice
27. 这个是什么？(Zhè ge shì shén me?) - What is this?
28. 不要辣 (Bú yào là) - No spicy
29. 我对花生过敏 (Wǒ duì huā shēng guò mǐn) - I'm allergic to peanuts
30. 结账，谢谢 (Jié zhàng, xiè xiè) - Check, please
31. 老板，买单！(Lǎo bǎn, mǎi dān!) - Boss, the bill! (Casual way to ask for the bill)

Must-Try Dishes 🍽️

No trip to Singapore is complete without trying these iconic dishes:

32. 肉骨茶 (Ròu gǔ chá) - Bak kut teh (Pork rib soup)
33. 沙爹 (Shā diē) - Satay (Grilled skewered meat)
34. 叻沙 (Lè shā) - Laksa (Spicy coconut curry noodle soup)
35. 海南鸡饭 (Hǎi nán jī fàn) - Hainanese chicken rice
36. 咖央多士 (Kā yāng duō shì) - Kaya toast (Coconut jam toast)

Attractions and Sightseeing 🏰

Singapore has no shortage of amazing attractions. Here are some phrases to help you navigate your way around:

37. 滨海湾花园在哪里？(Bīn hǎi wān huā yuán zài nǎ lǐ?) - Where are the Gardens by the Bay?
38. 圣淘沙怎么走？(Shèng táo shā zěn me zǒu?) - How do I get to Sentosa?
39. 我想去动物园 (Wǒ xiǎng qù dòng wù yuán) - I want to go to the zoo
40. 这是什么景点？(Zhè shì shén me jǐng diǎn?) - What attraction is this?
41. 我们去拍照吧！(Wǒ men qù pāi zhào ba!) - Let's take a picture!

Culture and Customs 🀄

Understanding local customs and traditions can help you avoid faux pas and make the most of your trip.

42. 起筷子 (Qǐ kuài zi) - Raise your chopsticks (Before eating)
43. 吃饱了 (Chī bǎo le) - I'm full
44. 恭喜发财 (Gōng xǐ fā cái) - Wishing you prosperity (Common Chinese New Year greeting)
45. 红包拿来！(Hóng bāo ná lái!) - Give me the red envelope! (Playful way to ask for a Chinese New Year red packet)
46. 三年不开张，开张吃三年 (Sān nián bù kāi zhāng, kāi zhāng chī sān nián) - Three years without opening, open and eat for three years (Auspicious saying for business openings)

Singlish Slang 🗣️

Singlish, or Singaporean English, is a unique blend of English, Mandarin, and other local languages. Here are some popular Singlish phrases to help you sound like a local:

47. 你吃饱了没？(Nǐ chī bǎo le méi?) - Have you eaten? (Common greeting)
48. 我很 sian (Wǒ hěn sian) - I'm very bored/frustrated
49. 这个很 atas (Zhè ge hěn atas) - This is very high-class/fancy
50. 他很 kiasu (Tā hěn kiasu) - He's very competitive/afraid of losing out
51. 我们 jio 个饭局吧！(Wǒ men jio gè fàn jú ba!) - Let's organize a meal gathering!

Flirting and Dating 💕

52. 你单身吗？(Nǐ dān shēn ma?) - Are you single?
53. 我可以请你喝一杯吗？(Wǒ kě yǐ qǐng nǐ hē yī bēi ma?) - Can I buy you a drink?
54. 你的电话号码是多少？(Nǐ de diàn huà hào mǎ shì duō shǎo?) - What's your phone number?
55. 我们可以再见面吗？(Wǒ men kě yǐ zài jiàn miàn ma?) - Can we meet again?
56. 你真漂亮 (Nǐ zhēn piào liang) - You're so beautiful

Things to Avoid Saying 🙊

57. 你很胖 (Nǐ hěn pàng) - You're fat (Considered rude and insensitive)
58. 你赚多少钱？(Nǐ zhuàn duō shǎo qián?) - How much do you earn? (Asking about someone's income is taboo)
59. 这是免费的吗？(Zhè shì miǎn fèi de ma?) - Is this free? (Implies you're cheap or stingy)
60. 这个食物很难吃 (Zhè ge shí wù hěn nán chī) - This food is terrible (Avoid criticizing food, especially when dining with locals)

Useful Phrases for Emergencies 🚨

61. 我需要帮助 (Wǒ xū yào bāng zhù) - I need help
62. 请打电话给警察 (Qǐng dǎ diàn huà gěi jǐng chá) - Please call the police
63. 我迷路了 (Wǒ mí lù le) - I'm lost
64. 我生病了 (Wǒ shēng bìng le) - I'm sick
65. 我需要看医生 (Wǒ xū yào kàn yī shēng) - I need to see a doctor

Numbers and Time ⏰

66. 一， 二， 三， 四， 五 (Yī, èr, sān, sì, wǔ) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
67. 现在几点？(Xiàn zài jǐ diǎn?) - What time is it now?
68. 明天见 (Míng tiān jiàn) - See you tomorrow
69. 下个星期 (Xià gè xīng qī) - Next week
70. 去年 (Qù nián) - Last year

Miscellaneous 🌈

71. 新加坡真美！(Xīn jiā pō zhēn měi!) - Singapore is so beautiful!
72. 一路顺风 (Yī lù shùn fēng) - Have a smooth journey (Blessing for travelers)
73. 拍个合照吧！(Pāi gè hé zhào ba!) - Let's take a group photo!

FAQ ❓

Q: Do I need to know Mandarin to visit Singapore?A: While knowing some Mandarin can be helpful, most Singaporeans speak English, so you can get by without knowing Mandarin.

Q: Is it okay to haggle in Singapore?A: Haggling is not common in Singapore, except in certain street markets like Bugis Street. In most shops and malls, prices are fixed.

Q: What should I do if I accidentally offend someone?A: Apologize sincerely and explain that you didn't mean to offend. Singaporeans are generally understanding towards foreigners who may not be familiar with local customs.

There you have it, 73 essential Mandarin phrases to help you navigate Singapore like a pro! From ordering delicious food to making new friends, these phrases will come in handy during your trip. So pack your bags, practice your Mandarin, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the Lion City! 🦁✨