Moving to Singapore or planning to stay for a while? Mastering a few practical English phrases can make your daily life so much smoother. English is one of Singapore’s official languages, widely used in business, education, and everyday communication. Here, we’ve compiled 50 essential English expressions that you’ll find extremely handy while navigating life in this vibrant city-state.
Greetings and Small Talk
- Good morning! / Good afternoon! / Good evening!
- How are you?
- Nice to meet you.
- How’s your day going?
- Have a great day!
- Take care!
- See you later!
- Thank you so much.
- You’re welcome.
- Excuse me, may I ask you something?
Asking for Directions
- Could you please tell me how to get to [location]?
- Is it far from here?
- Which MRT line should I take?
- How many stops is it to [station]?
- Is there a bus I can take to [place]?
- Can I walk there from here?
- Where is the nearest ATM?
- How long does it take to get there?
Shopping and Dining
- How much is this?
- Do you accept credit cards?
- Is there a discount?
- Can I get a receipt, please?
- Can I see the menu, please?
- I would like to order [dish name].
- Can I have this to go?
- Could I get the bill, please?
- What’s the specialty here?
- Is this dish spicy?
Everyday Needs
- Where is the nearest supermarket?
- Is there a pharmacy nearby?
- I’d like to buy a SIM card.
- Could you help me with this, please?
- What time does it close?
- Is Wi-Fi available here?
- Where can I find a taxi stand?
- Can I make a reservation?
Health and Emergencies
- I need to see a doctor.
- Is there a clinic around here?
- It’s an emergency!
- Can you call an ambulance, please?
- I’m allergic to [substance].
- I’ve lost my wallet.
- I need to report a lost item.
Social Situations
- What do you recommend to visit in Singapore?
- Have you tried [local dish]?
- Where’s a good place for sightseeing?
- Are there any events happening this weekend?
- Let’s keep in touch!
- Could you add me on WhatsApp?
- I’m looking forward to seeing you again!
Why These Phrases Matter
In Singapore, although many people are multilingual, being able to communicate smoothly in English is crucial, especially for newcomers. Whether you are buying groceries, asking for help, traveling across the city, or making new friends, these simple phrases will empower you to interact confidently.
Practicing them daily will also help you understand local culture better, as Singaporeans often use English mixed with local expressions known as “Singlish.” But don’t worry—starting with these essentials ensures you’ll always be understood.
Final Tip
Try to practice speaking these phrases aloud! The more you use them, the more natural they will feel. Living in a vibrant city like Singapore is an incredible experience, and mastering basic English communication is the first step to fully enjoying all it has to offer.
Happy learning and welcome to Singapore!
