Tagged particle
particleexclamationfoodmamakdailyemotioninsultmoneyworkschoolfamilyfestivedrivinginternetregionalpeoplephrasecomplimentsuperstitionromancekampung
- ahMarks a question, a dramatic pause, or extra emphasis in the middle or end of a sentence. Also spelt ar.
- bahSabah's all-purpose particle for agreement, encouragement or emphasis, like 'okay lah' or 'yes'. Also spelt ba.
- deiTamil-origin call for attention, like 'hey' or 'dude', used with friends. Also spelt dey.
- horAsks for agreement, like 'right?' or 'you know?', or adds a warning tone.
- jeMalay for 'only' or 'just'. Also spelt jer, aje, saja.
- kanMalay for 'right?' or 'isn't it?', used to confirm something. Stretch it to kannn for extra drama.
- kotMalay for 'maybe' or 'I guess', added to sound unsure. Also spelt kut.
- kununSabahan particle meaning 'supposedly' or 'so they say', often dripping with sarcasm.
- lahThe king of Manglish particles. Tacked onto the end of a sentence to soften it, stress it, or just make it sound Malaysian. Also spelt la, …
- lehAdds a soft, slightly pleading or tentative tone, or gently pushes back on something.
- liaoFrom Hokkien, meaning 'already', or that something is finished or done for.
- lorShows resignation or that something is obvious, like 'well, that's how it is'. Also spelt loh.
- mahMeans 'it's obvious lah' and is used when giving a reason that should have been clear. Also spelt ma.
- mehTurns a sentence into a doubtful or surprised question, like 'really?' or 'is that so?'.
- niaMeans 'only' or 'just', usually to downplay something.
- oneTacked onto the end of a sentence for emphasis or to describe someone's nature, borrowed from Chinese grammar.
- whatUsed at the end of a sentence to contradict or justify, like 'but obviously'. Also spelt wat.
- worAdds surprise or reports something you just noticed, like 'oh, apparently'. Also spelt wo.