Login

Blogs > Malaysian Chinese Insights & Slangs

10 Must-Know Malaysian Chinese Slangs

by Tracy LaoShi, 09 Sep 2023

Do you ever find yourself scratching your head when a Malaysian Chinese friend says something that sounds utterly foreign in Mandarin? Fear not! In this blog post, we're diving into five must-know Malaysian Chinese slangs that you'll encounter in your interactions with the Malaysian Chinese community.
Catch the sounds of Malaysian Chinese slangs in these viral TikTok videos! From 'lansi' to 'cincaii,' master the pronunciation and understand the meanings behind these unique expressions. 
Watch Part 1 here Watch Part 2 here

Common Malaysian Chinese Slangs:

1. "Lansi" - Arrogance/ Bossy attitude

Ever met someone who seems to be wearing an invisible crown? That's what we call "lansi." This Malaysian Chinese slang describes someone who's a bit too full of themselves or acting bossy.
 
Example
那个人很 lansi 
nà gè rén hěn lansi 
That person is very bossy 

So, next time you encounter a 'lansi' friend, you'll know what's up!

2. "Ham Sap Lou" - Pervert Guy

"Ham Sap Lou" is a handy term to remember. It's a no-nonsense way of warning your friends about a pervert guy lurking around.
 
Example
你小心那个 ham sap lou 
nǐ xiǎo xīn nà gè ham sap lou
Watch out for that pervert guy.

Staying safe and alert is always important!

3. Gab - Assemble Your Resources

This one comes from Cantonese and means "to assemble" or "share the cost." So, when you're planning to contribute to a group fund, you can say

Example:
我和你 gab 钱送礼物 
wǒ hé nǐ gab qián sòng lǐ wù
I will share the cost with you for the gift.

"Gab" is all about teamwork!
**Clarification and Apology:
We want to take a moment to clarify a pronunciation mistake in our pronunciation of the slang "gab." in our video.  In Cantonese, "gab" (gather resources) should be pronounced with the first tone. However, due to a mispronunciation, it was explained with the third tone, which means "to peek on." 

We sincerely apologize for any confusion caused by this error. Our aim is to provide accurate and helpful information, and we appreciate your understanding. Please use the correct pronunciation and meaning when using this slang.

4. "Paiseh" - Shy/Embarrased

Here's a Hokkien gem for you. "Paiseh" describes that feeling when you're shy, embarrassed, or just a tad awkward.
 
Example
很多人看我说中文。很 paiseh
hěn duō rén kàn wǒ shuō zhōng wén. hěn paiseh 
Many people are watching me speak Mandarin, and I am shy.

We've all been there, right?

5. "Sap Sap Sui" - Easy Peasy!

A Cantonese phrase that translates to "very easy." So, when someone asks if you're up for a Mandarin challenge, you can confidently reply:
 
Example
中文？ sap sap sui 啦
zhōng wén? sap sap sui la
Mandarin? Very easy!

Another alternatives to express "easy peasy" with Chinese

6. "Sibeh" -Very Very

It's a gem that hails from Teochew and simply means "very very."

Example
哇，我现在 sibeh 累
wa, wǒ xiàn zài sibeh lèi
Wow, I am damn tired now.

So, next time you want to emphasize just how 'very very' something is, throw in a 'sibeh' for good measure.

7. "gan jiong"- Nervous/Anxious

A Cantonese delight. It's the perfect word to express nervousness or anxiety.

Example
不要 ganjiong
bú yào ganjiong
Don't be so nervous" or "Don't be panicking." 

It's your go-to phrase when you want to calm someone down. Remember, no need to 'ganjiong'!

8. "Angmoh" - Caucasian

Ever wondered how Malaysian Chinese refer to Caucasians? Well, we say "Angmoh," a Hokkien term that literally means "red hair." It's a friendly way to describe our Caucasian friends. You might also hear "Guai Lou" from Cantonese, which means the same thing.
In Malay it will be 'Mat Salleh'

Example
Angmoh 很喜欢来这里
Angmoh hěn xǐ huān lái zhè lǐ
Caucasian like to come here

9. "Yumcha"-Hangout and Sip Some Tea

"Yumcha" is a Cantonese word that means "drink tea," but it goes beyond that, it's all about hanging out with friends. So, when someone says
 
Example
明天 yumcha 咯？
míng tiān yumcha lo?

They're inviting you to hang out or grab a drink tomorrow. Tea or not, it's all about spending quality time together.

10. "Cincai"- Easy-going, Anything will do

It can mean "whatever" or describe someone as easy-going.
 
Example
哎呀, cincai 啦，我都可以
ai ya, cincai la, wǒ dōu kě yǐ
Aiya, I am okay with anything.

It's the go-with-the-flow attitude that keeps things stress-free.

These Malaysian Chinese slangs add a unique twist to your Mandarin language journey. Embrace the diversity and enjoy the colorful tapestry of Malaysian Chinese culture and language. And if you want more slang insights, stay tuned for more!

Disclaimer:

The Malaysian Chinese slangs discussed in this blog post are presented purely for educational purposes and cultural awareness. We do not encourage or endorse the use of these slangs in a disrespectful or offensive manner. Language can be nuanced, and it's important to be mindful of the context and your audience when using such terms. We believe in promoting respectful and considerate communication at all times. If you come across any of these slangs in your interactions, now you have a better understanding of their meanings, but remember to use them thoughtfully and responsibly.



Our Mandarin Courses