particle
sia
syah
Sia (particle) means a sentence-ending word (from Singlish/Malay) used to express frustration, shock, exhaustion, or exasperation. Example: “So tired sia, I just want to sleep.”
particle
1
A sentence-ending word (from Singlish/Malay) used to express frustration, shock, exhaustion, or exasperation.
"So tired sia, I just want to sleep."
"Wah, that exam was hard sia!"
How to use sia
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA Singlish exclamation added to the end of a sentence to emphasize strong feeling, like "man" or "ugh" in English.
When to use it
Colloquial Singapore/Malaysia English (Singlish); not used in standard or formal English.
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So tired _____, I just want to sleep.
Etymology
Borrowed into Singlish from Malay sial, an exclamation of dismay or bad luck.
Rhymes for sia
See all rhymes for sia →Frequently asked questions
What does “sia” mean?
The word “sia” means a sentence-ending word (from Singlish/Malay) used to express frustration, shock, exhaustion, or exasperation. In plain terms, a Singlish exclamation added to the end of a sentence to emphasize strong feeling, like "man" or "ugh" in English.
How do you pronounce “sia”?
“Sia” is pronounced syah (/sjɑː˧/ in IPA).
How do you use “sia” in a sentence?
Here is “sia” used in a sentence: “So tired sia, I just want to sleep.”
What part of speech is “sia”?
“Sia” is a particle.
Where does the word “sia” come from?
The word “sia” comes from Malay. Borrowed into Singlish from Malay sial, an exclamation of dismay or bad luck.
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