Can or not
can anot
Just Tell Me
Can or not is an informal Singapore way to ask whether something is possible, allowed, acceptable or agreed.
Also called: can anot, can or cannot
Explain Like I’m Five
Can or not turns “can” into a compact question. Depending on context, it may ask about practical possibility, permission, suitability or whether another person agrees.
Where You’ll Run Into It
It is common in quick, informal conversations about plans and requests. The same speaker may use standard English in a formal email and “can or not?” with a friend.
Example
“Meet at seven, can or not?”
The speaker is asking whether seven o’clock works for the other person.
Watch Out
The phrase can sound blunt when used with the wrong tone or in a formal situation. “Would that work for you?” is a neutral alternative.
Sources
Related
- singlishLahUpdated
Lah is a common Singlish sentence-ending particle that adds tone such as emphasis, reassurance, insistence or friendly familiarity depending on delivery.
- singlishPaisehUpdated
Paiseh expresses embarrassment, shyness, awkwardness or apologetic reluctance in casual Singapore conversation.
- singlishSianUpdated
Sian describes feeling bored, weary, fed up or unenthusiastic about a situation in casual Singapore speech.