Commonly found variants; note these may range from acceptable alternatives to
non-standard forms or incorrect spellings*.
* Singlish is a largely spoken creole, and as such descriptivism (recording forms that reflect actual pronunciation in spoken language, or as appearing in the linguistic corpus) is more pertinent than strict prescriptivism. Nevertheless, the use of more standard forms (or for words originating in languages with Latin script, such as Malay, accurate to the original spelling) is recommended and encouraged.
* Singlish is a largely spoken creole, and as such descriptivism (recording forms that reflect actual pronunciation in spoken language, or as appearing in the linguistic corpus) is more pertinent than strict prescriptivism. Nevertheless, the use of more standard forms (or for words originating in languages with Latin script, such as Malay, accurate to the original spelling) is recommended and encouraged.
also can:
chye png chai png caipng cai peng
cai png
[ˈt͡sʰaɪ˦˨ ˌpŋ̍˨]
简
繁
→
Hokkien:
菜饭
菜飯
poj:
chhài-pn̄g
Detailed etymology
definitions
noun
- white rice with portions of assorted dishes, typically a selection or combination of vegetable dishes and meat or fish dishes chosen by the customer from a display
Come on, how can a Singaporean not support a guy who understands the pleasure of chai png?
— 2008 November 16, Colin Goh. The Sunday Times (LifeStyle). p.12
synonyms:
usage notes
Effectively the Chinese counterpart of nasi padang. Since it is typically uninteresting and simple, yet one of the more affordable meals one can order, it is often seen as a humble meal and a symbol of the working class. However, the same cannot be said for those who order cai png with fish (a far more expensive option), for this is (usually jokingly) seen as lavish and atas.