Sound Like a Native

English vs. Manglish

If you’re living in Malaysia or nearby or another nearby Southeast Asian country, you may gotten used to using some shortcuts or slang words that we don’t use in the west. While these words are quick and convenient to use while speaking to a local Malaysian or Singaporean, you may want to switch to words or phrases more commonly spoken in western countries if you come across foreigners from the U.S. or U.K.

1. Can lah – If you want to emphasis that someone is allowed to do something, you can say: “Oh sure you can!”
2. Got meh – In the west, we’re more likely to say: “Oh really, is that true?”
3. Aga aga – If you want to use a similar phrase in English, you can say “just about” or “more or less.”

 

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