What Language Do They Speak in Singapore?
Facts last checked 9 October 2026.
Singapore has 4 official languages: Chinese, English, Malay, Tamil. Chinese is also an official language in 2 other countries worldwide.
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Chinese Phrasebook & Dictionary
The essentials for ordering food, asking directions and being polite.
Languages of Singapore at a glance
| Official languages | Chinese, English, Malay, Tamil |
|---|---|
| Number of official languages | 4 |
| Countries on this site where Chinese is official | 3 |
| People (demonym) | Singaporean |
| Capital | Singapore |
| Internet domain | .sg |
Other countries where Chinese is official
Chinese is also an official language in 2 other countries covered here:
Singapore in context
- Singapore covers 710 km², making it the 177th largest of the 196 countries on this site.
- Its population density of about 8,606 people per km² ranks 2nd of 196 (1st = most crowded).
- Singapore has no land borders with other countries on this site.
- With 6,110,200 people, Singapore holds about 0.9% of the population of South-Eastern Asia.
- With 4 official languages, Singapore has more than most countries on this site.
- Traffic drives on the left, and calendars start the week on Monday.
- Singapore is a member state of the United Nations.
Compare Singapore
Useful phrases for visitors to Singapore
Everyday Chinese phrases you will hear and use in Singapore:
| English | Chinese |
|---|---|
| Hello | 你好 (nǐ hǎo) |
| Thank you | 谢谢 (xièxie) |
| Please | 请 (qǐng) |
| Goodbye | 再见 (zàijiàn) |
| Yes | 是 (shì) |
| No | 不是 (bú shì) |
Everyday Malay phrases you will hear and use in Singapore:
| English | Malay |
|---|---|
| Hello | Helo |
| Thank you | Terima kasih |
| Please | Tolong |
| Goodbye | Selamat tinggal |
| Yes | Ya |
| No | Tidak |
Spellings can vary by region, and some languages use different forms for formal or informal speech. Even a simple greeting in the local language is usually appreciated.
Languages in Singapore — FAQ
What language do they speak in Singapore?
The official languages of Singapore are Chinese, English, Malay and Tamil.
How many official languages does Singapore have?
Singapore has 4 official languages: Chinese, English, Malay, Tamil.
Is Chinese spoken anywhere else?
Chinese is also an official language in 2 other countries.
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