How to Say Thank You in Singapore: Easy Pronunciation Guide

In our little red dot, gratitude comes in many flavours, each with its own charm and context. From our unique Singlish expressions to the melting pot of languages that reflect our multicultural society, there are many ways to say “thank you” in Singapore.

This is important if you’re trying to impress the locals, a traveller eager to blend in, or just someone keen on nailing Singaporean etiquette. With this guide, get ready to sprinkle some local flavour into your thank-yous and watch how it brightens a local’s day!

In English and Singlish

In Singapore, saying “thank you” in English is widely understood and appreciated, reflecting the country’s status as a global city.

It’s common to hear simple expressions like “thank you” or “thanks” in everyday interactions, whether you’re at a hawker centre, shopping mall, or in a taxi.

Adding a touch of Singlish, such as “thank you ah” or “thanks lah,” can make your gratitude feel more local. This blend of English with local linguistic flavours shows an understanding of Singapore’s unique culture and often brings a smile to the recipient’s face.

In Mandarin

Saying “谢谢 (xiè xiè)” in Mandarin is a super common and polite way to show gratitude, especially among Singapore’s Chinese community. Whether you’re thanking a food vendor or a shop assistant, using Mandarin adds that extra touch of respect for their language and culture.

Want to make it even more heartfelt? Try “谢谢你 (xiè xiè nǐ)” or “非常感谢 (fēi cháng gǎn xiè).” Pair it with a friendly smile or a slight nod to add warmth and sincerity.

Pronunciation

“谢谢 (xiè xiè)!”

shièh shièh

“谢谢你 (xiè xiè nǐ)!”

shièh shièh nee

“非常感谢 (fēi cháng gǎn xiè)!”

fay chahng gahn shièh

In Malay

Saying “terima kasih” in Malay is a gracious way to express thanks, especially among the Malay community of Singapore. This phrase is commonly used in various settings, from thanking a food vendor at a nasi padang stall to expressing gratitude to a friend.

For added politeness, you can say, “Terima kasih banyak” (thank you very much) or “Terima kasih, ya.”

Pronunciation

“Terima kasih!”

teh-ree-mah kah-seh

“Terima kasih banyak!”

teh-ree-mah kah-seh bah-nyak

“Terima kasih, ya.”

teh-ree-mah kah-seh, yah

In Tamil

Saying “நன்றி” (nandri) in Tamil is an awesome way to show gratitude, especially among the Tamil community in Singapore. Whether you’re thanking a shopkeeper in Little India or a friend for their help, this phrase is always appreciated.

For an extra touch of formality, try “மிகுந்த நன்றி” (mikunda nandri), which means “thank you very much.”

Pronunciation

“நன்றி” (Nandri)

Pronunciation: nahn-dree

“மிகுந்த நன்றி” (Mikunda nandri)

mee-gun-dah nahn-dree

“உங்கள் உதவிக்கு நன்றி” (Ungal uthavikku nandri)

oon-gal oo-dhah-vik-koo nahn-dree

In Hokkien

The most common way to say thank you in Hokkien is “多谢 (Toh sia),” widely used in everyday interactions. You can say this to a food vendor at a traditional market or a friend for their help.

For a more heartfelt expression of thanks, you can say “真多谢 (Tsiaⁿ toh-sia),” which means “thank you very much.” This is often used when a simple “thank you” doesn’t feel sufficient, such as receiving a significant favour or gift.