lah
Lah (particle) means a sentence-ending word used in Singapore/Malaysia English and similar varieties to add emphasis, reassurance, or a casual, friendly tone. Example: “Don't worry lah, everything will work out.”
How to Use Lah
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small word added to the end of a sentence in Singlish and similar dialects to soften a statement or add emotional colour.
Informal and regional — common in Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong English, but not standard in most other English varieties.
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Don't worry _____, everything will work out.
Etymology
Borrowed from Malay lah and reinforced by similar particles in Hokkien and Cantonese, all used to add emphasis or soften a statement.
Rhymes for lah
See all rhymes for lah →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “lah” mean?
The word “lah” means a sentence-ending word used in Singapore/Malaysia English and similar varieties to add emphasis, reassurance, or a casual, friendly tone. In plain terms, a small word added to the end of a sentence in Singlish and similar dialects to soften a statement or add emotional colour.
How do you pronounce “lah”?
“Lah” is pronounced lah (/lɑː/ in IPA).
How do you use “lah” in a sentence?
Here is “lah” used in a sentence: “Don't worry lah, everything will work out.”
What part of speech is “lah”?
“Lah” is a particle.
Where does the word “lah” come from?
The word “lah” comes from Cantonese. Borrowed from Malay lah and reinforced by similar particles in Hokkien and Cantonese, all used to add emphasis or soften a statement.
Featured In
Vocabulary lists that include lah: