Sian
xian
Just Tell Me
Sian describes feeling bored, weary, fed up or unenthusiastic about a situation in casual Singapore speech.
Also called: xian, sien
Explain Like I’m Five
Sian is what you say when something leaves you with very little energy or enthusiasm. It can mean bored, tired of the situation, disappointed or simply not looking forward to it.
Where You’ll Run Into It
You may hear it after a meeting is extended, plans are cancelled or someone faces another repetitive chore. Tone tells you whether the feeling is mild or strong.
Example
“The train is delayed again. Sian.”
The speaker feels fed up and unenthusiastic about the wait.
Watch Out
Sian is casual and broad. If the exact emotion matters, use a more precise word such as bored, disappointed, exhausted or frustrated.
Sources
Related
- singlishCan or notUpdated
Can or not is an informal Singapore way to ask whether something is possible, allowed, acceptable or agreed.
- 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.