Dictionary

paiseh en · ADJ

Pronunciation

• [ˌpʰaɪ˨˦ ˈse˨˩] (Singapore)

Etymology

From Hokkien 歹勢／歹势 (phái-sè, “embarrassed”).

Meanings

1. (Manglish, Singlish) Embarrassed; humiliated; shy
   • ‘So paiseh because everyone is staring.’ 2001 June 17, Karamjit Kaur, The Straits Times, Singapore:
   • I know I’m not their teacher, but I still feel pai seh not giving enough attention. If children are approaching me, it’s either because they think I’m accessible, or their teachers for some reason send them my way. If I don’t respond, they’ll think I’m sombong (Malay for “proud”), and then how? 2006 August 13, Colin Goh, The Straits Times, Singapore:
   • We say sorrysorrysorry to make sure we are: / So pai say, we have to repeat two, three times; .. 2000, Leong Liew Geok, “Forever Singlish”, in Women without Men, Singapore, page 130:
   • Remember when we first met? My husband's underwear fell into your backyard. So paiseh to come down and ask you. 2009, Jean Tay, Boom, Epigram Books, →ISBN, Act I, scene x, page 45:

Forms

paiseh en · INTJ

Pronunciation

• [ˌpʰaɪ˨˦ ˈse˨˩] (Singapore)

Etymology

From Hokkien 歹勢／歹势 (phái-sè, “embarrassed”).

Meanings

1. (Manglish, Singlish) Excuse me; sorry (expression of regret or embarrassment).

Forms

Synonyms

malu

paiseh en · VERB

Pronunciation

• [ˌpʰaɪ˨˦ ˈse˨˩] (Singapore)

Etymology

From Hokkien 歹勢／歹势 (phái-sè, “embarrassed”).

Meanings

1. (Manglish, Singlish, intransitive, invariable) To be ashamed and reluctant; to be shy or embarrassed.

Forms