Lah
la
Just Tell Me
Lah is a common Singlish sentence-ending particle that adds tone such as emphasis, reassurance, insistence or friendly familiarity depending on delivery.
Also called: la
Explain Like I’m Five
Lah usually does not add a new dictionary fact to a sentence. It colours how the sentence feels, and its effect changes with the words, voice and relationship between speakers.
Where You’ll Run Into It
You may hear lah in relaxed conversation between friends, family or colleagues. It is part of colloquial Singapore English rather than formal standard English.
Example
“Don’t worry lah, we still have time.”
Here, lah helps the reassurance sound casual and familiar.
The Part People Get Wrong
Lah is not a decoration that can be added naturally to every sentence. Tone and context matter, and forced use can sound like an imitation.
Watch Out
Use standard English where clarity or formality is important, especially with people who may not understand Singlish.
Sources
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