lah
/lɑː/ particle C2- Placed at the end of a sentence to accentuate the mood or attitude of the speaker. · Pitch contour: low-mid [lɑ(ː)˨], mid-falling [lɑː˧˨]· Don’t do it lah, it’s not worth it.
- Placed at the end of a sentence to convey reassurance or express solidarity. · Pitch contour: low-mid [lɑ(ː)˨], mid-falling [lɑː˧˨]· You won’t drown one lah. The water is very shallow.
- Indicates an attempt at expressing sympathy, conveying informality or sincerity, or establishing a rapport with the listener. · Pitch contour: low-mid [lɑ(ː)˨]· Just try your best lah, and don’t think too much about it.
- Placed at the end of an assertive statement to express denial or dismissiveness. · Pitch contour: low-mid [lɑ(ː)˨], mid-falling [lɑː˧˨]
- Used after an assertive statement to reinforce its authoritativeness, or to show that the speaker is confident with what they are saying. · Pitch contour: low-mid [lɑ(ː)˨], mid-falling [lɑː˧˨]· These shoes are too small lah.
- Asserts that something is clear, obvious or straightforward. · Pitch contour: falling [lɑ(ː)˦˨]· Near-synonym: lor (sense 2)
- Used to tone down an imperative sentence, so it sounds more like a request or suggestion. · Pitch contour: falling [lɑ(ː)˦˨]
- Indicates strong persuasion at the end of an imperative sentence. · Pitch contour: mid-falling [lɑː˧˨]· Don’t waste your time there lah.
From the library
Perhaps the most recognizable feature of this vernacular is its extensive use of pragmatic particles, particularly the ubiquitous“lah.”
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