Walk into any modern office in Singapore — from the sleek towers of Marina Bay to the creative co-working spaces of Tanjong Pagar — and you’ll hear a familiar mix of English, Singlish, and Mandarin in daily conversations.
For expats and international professionals, this can feel intimidating at first.
How do you join a conversation, greet a coworker, or thank your manager — without sounding awkward?
The good news: You don’t need to be fluent.
You just need a few workplace-friendly Mandarin phrases that make you sound confident, respectful, and culturally aware.
Here’s your essential guide to speaking Mandarin at work in Singapore — from meetings and small talk to teamwork and emails.
1. Meetings & Presentations — Make a Strong Impression
In Singapore’s multicultural offices, using a few Mandarin greetings shows respect and professionalism.
Even a simple “nǐ hǎo (你好)” can warm up a room before a meeting starts.
Useful Business Mandarin Phrases
Dà jiā zǎo.
大家早。
Good morning, everyone.
Wǒ men kāi shǐ kāi huì ba.
我们开始开会吧。
Let’s start the meeting.
Xiè xie nǐ de yì jiàn.
谢谢你的意见。
Thank you for your input.
Wǒ tóng yì nǐ de kàn fǎ.
我同意你的看法。
I agree with your point.
Wǒ men huí tóu zài lián xì.
我们回头再联系。
Let’s follow up later.
Pro Tip: Close every presentation with “Xièxie dàjiā (谢谢大家)” — it’s professional, warm, and always appreciated.
2. Small Talk — Break the Ice Like a Local
Office life in Singapore often revolves around quick pantry chats or lunch breaks.
Using simple Mandarin greetings helps you build real friendships — and blend in naturally.
Try these everyday expressions:
Nǐ chī fàn le ma？
你吃饭了吗？
Have you eaten?
Jīn tiān máng ma?
今天忙吗？
Busy today?
Hǎo lèi a!
好累啊！
So tired!
Jiā yóu!
加油！
Keep it up!
Yī qǐ qù chī wǔ fàn ba!
一起去吃午饭吧！
Let’s eat together.
Culture note: “Jiā yóu (加油)” — literally “add oil” — is one of Singapore’s favorite cheer-up phrases. Say it before a presentation or when your team is working late!
3. Reporting & Teamwork — Stay Polite and Professional
Singaporean workplaces value clarity and courtesy.
Adding polite Mandarin phrases to emails or team chats makes your tone warmer and more collaborative.
Duì bù qǐ, wǒ chí dào le.
对不起，我迟到了。
Sorry for the delay.
Qǐng kàn yī xià zhè fèn wén jiàn.
请看一下这份文件。
Please review this document.
Méi wèntí.
没问题。
No problem.
Email Tip: End with “Xiè xie nǐ de bāng zhù (谢谢你的帮助 – Thank you for your help).”
It’s polite, friendly, and always well received.
4. Express Gratitude — Build Meaningful Connections
Gratitude goes a long way in Singapore’s workplace culture.
These phrases express sincerity and professionalism:
Xiè xie nǐ de bāng zhù.
谢谢你的帮助。
Thank you for your help.
Xīn kǔ le!
辛苦了！
You’ve worked hard!
Fēi cháng gǎn xiè.
非常感谢。
I really appreciate it.
Xiè xie nǐ de shí jiān.
谢谢你的时间。
Thanks for your time.
Míng tiān jiàn!
明天见！
See you tomorrow.
Insider tip: “Xīnkǔ le (辛苦了)” is beloved in Singapore offices — a warm way to recognize a colleague’s effort after long hours.
5. Why Learning Mandarin Matters for Professionals in Singapore
Mandarin is more than a language here — it’s part of how Singapore connects cultures and does business.
- Knowing even basic Mandarin helps you:Communicate better with clients and colleagues
- Understand cultural subtleties
- Build trust and long-term partnerships
“When a foreign colleague greets me in Mandarin, I feel they really want to connect,” says Li Wen, an HR manager in Singapore.
“It’s not about fluency — it’s about effort.”And thanks to online learning, you can build this skill anytime, anywhere — no classroom required.
Ready to Speak Mandarin Confidently at Work?
Whether you’re in finance, tech, or hospitality, speaking even a little Mandarin helps you connect, collaborate, and stand out.
Start your free 1-on-1 online Mandarin trial class with a native teacher from eChineseLearning — designed for busy professionals who want real-world Mandarin for meetings, small talk, and teamwork.
Because in Singapore, even a few words in Mandarin can open doors you never imagined.
Quiz：If your coworker says “Xīnkǔ le!” (辛苦了) after a long meeting, what do they mean?
A) You did something wrong.
B) You’ve worked hard — great job!
C) Let’s have lunch.
Comment your answer below!
FAQs about Learning Business Chinese in Singapore
Q1: Why should professionals in Singapore learn Mandarin?
Mandarin is one of Singapore’s official languages and widely used in business. Learning it builds rapport, cultural understanding, and professional confidence.
Q2: I’m a complete beginner — where do I start?
Begin with everyday workplace phrases. eChineseLearning offers customized 1-on-1 lessons for expats and professionals in Singapore.
Q3: Is Mandarin hard for English speakers?
It takes practice, but with guided lessons, most learners can hold short work conversations within a few weeks.
Q4: Can I learn Mandarin while working full-time?
Yes! Our flexible online lessons fit any schedule — morning, lunch break, or after work.
✅ Correct Answer: B — It’s a polite way to say “Well done!”