Show HN: I build an app to teach me Singaporean English to connect with locals(apps.apple.com)
apps.apple.com
Show HN: I build an app to teach me Singaporean English to connect with locals
https://apps.apple.com/sg/app/singlish-lah/id6739709367
https://apps.apple.com/sg/app/singlish-lah/id6739709367
At Singapore Polytechnic, I quickly realized I wasn’t just learning in English - I was hearing Singlish. Words like “Can, lah” and “Why you so kiasu?” left me nodding politely, clueless about their meaning.
One day, after struggling to order laksa at the hawker center because I didn’t know what “dabao” meant, I confided in my new friend, Wei qi. She bursted out laughing but in the kindest way possible. “Aiyoh, you don’t know Singlish ah? Never mind, I teach you.”
From that day on, she and my classmates became my Singlish tutors, patiently explaining phrases like “Shiok” and “die die must try”.
Over time, I fell in love with the language. Singlish wasn’t just words—it was warmth, humor, and a unique way to connect. When Wei qi said, “Your Singlish not bad already!” I knew I had to share this joy with others.
That’s how the idea for my app was born. I wanted to create something that could help others, especially international students like me and tourists, understand and appreciate Singlish. The app is simple: it teaches 100+ common Singlish phrases with audio pronunciations recorded by Wei qi herself, paired with example sentences.
Creating the app was my way of giving back, of celebrating the friends who had helped me feel at home in a foreign land. Now, every time I hear someone laugh as they learn “Catch no ball” or smile while practicing “Paiseh”, I’m reminded of my own journey.
And for that, I’ll always be grateful.
If you're planning a trip to Singapore, I hope Singlish Lah helps you connect with locals - and maybe even fall in love with the language, just like I did.