particle

Leh

lay

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Leh (particle) means a Singlish/Singapore English sentence-ending particle used to soften a disagreement, offer a tentative suggestion, or gently remind the listener of something. Example: “I thought we were meeting at six leh.”

particle

A Singlish/Singapore English sentence-ending particle used to soften a disagreement, offer a tentative suggestion, or gently remind the listener of something.

""I thought we were meeting at six leh.""

""Cannot leh, the shop is closed already.""

How to use Leh

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA small word Singaporeans and Malaysians tack onto the end of a sentence to soften what they're saying — a gentle disagreement, a reminder, or a tentative suggestion.

When to use it

Colloquial Singlish/Manglish; not used in formal or written standard English.

Memory tip

Think of it as a tone-softener, similar to how "though" or "you know" can soften a sentence in casual English.

Trace the full origin ↓

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: Lehs

Test yourself on “Leh” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

"I thought we were meeting at six _____."

Etymology

Has two main origins: one borrowed from German Leh, perhaps an altered spelling of Löh, and the other borrowed from Khmer.

Origin: German

Rhymes for Leh

bleh

See all rhymes for Leh →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Leh” mean?

The word “Leh” means a Singlish/Singapore English sentence-ending particle used to soften a disagreement, offer a tentative suggestion, or gently remind the listener of something. In plain terms, a small word Singaporeans and Malaysians tack onto the end of a sentence to soften what they're saying — a gentle disagreement, a reminder, or a tentative suggestion.

How do you pronounce “Leh”?

“Leh” is pronounced lay (/leɪ/ in IPA).

How do you use “Leh” in a sentence?

Here is “Leh” used in a sentence: “"I thought we were meeting at six leh.".”

What part of speech is “Leh”?

“Leh” is a particle.