I Tell You First Meaning: The Ultimate Singlish Phrase Every Singaporean Uses

What does ‘I Tell You First’ mean in Singlish?

Short Answer: In Singlish, “I tell you first” is a classic conversational opener or warning used to preface a comment, complaint, or piece of gossip. It signals to the listener that what’s coming next is important, personal, or potentially sensitive – even if it’s actually kaypoh talk or completely harmless banter.

• Meaning: Common Singlish phrase used to preface info, gossip, or complaints
• Tone: Often dramatic, playful, or conspiratorial
• Used when: You’re about to drop some juicy info, issue a disclaimer, or make sure you not kena blame later
• Example: “I tell you first ah, the new kopi guy very slow today. Wait long long.”
• Good to know: Tone and context are everything — this phrase can sound serious, caring, gossipy, or shady depending on how it’s said

Introduction: Understanding This Iconic Singlish Expression

Ah, Singlish — our unofficial national language that flows seamlessly between kopi orders and bus stop rants. It’s cheeky, efficient, and uniquely us. As someone who finds joy in decoding our local lingo, I must point out — some phrases hit different. And the unbeaten champion of unsolicited info? “I tell you first.”

Somehow, these four words hold power to make us perk up, tune in, and mentally prepare for drama, disclaimers, or a compliment laced with warning. If you’ve ever felt the need to preface a “don’t say I never say ah” kind of statement, you’ll know — this phrase is indispensable in Singlish conversations.

Today, we unpack the meaning of “I tell you first,” where this Singlish phrase came from, how it’s used in Singapore, and throw in some classic Singaporean moments where this line shines like a freshly wiped hawker centre table. Ready?

The True Meaning Behind ‘I Tell You First’ in Singlish

On the surface, “I tell you first” may sound like a simple notification. But if you’ve lived — and gossiped — in Singapore long enough, you know better. This Singlish phrase is a verbal highlighter; a huge blink-blink neon sign that says, “you better listen arh.”

More Than Just Words in Singlish

It’s a disclaimer, a warning, an invitation to gossip — all rolled into one iconic Singlish expression. The context changes the meaning completely.

• Before a Complaint: “I tell you first, the nasi lemak downstairs not nice already.”
• Before a Warning: “I tell you first hor, boss today in bad mood.”
• Before Spilling Tea: “Eh, I tell you first, but don’t tell the others ah…”

The tone is usually conspiratorial — like you’re letting the listener in on an exclusive scoop or tip-off. Sometimes, it’s just to protect your own backside. Sometimes, it’s just because we can’t resist adding drama to everyday Singlish conversations.

The Singlish Effect

In true Singlish spirit, “I tell you first” isn’t about grammar — it’s about vibes. Literal translation into standard English might give you “Let me preface this” or “Just so you know,” but let’s be honest — no one says that before a good kaypoh story in Singapore.

Origins and Evolution of This Singlish Phrase

Now if we trace back — where did “I tell you first” come from in Singlish?

While there’s no official dictionary or earliest citation stamped by MOE, this phrase likely evolved organically from Singapore’s multilingual roots. It draws upon both Chinese syntax and Hokkien sentence structure, where frontloading important clauses is common, such as “我先告诉你” (I tell you first) in Mandarin.

Then throw in the expressive flair of local cultures and our uniquely kiasu/kaypoh/kiasi tendencies — and voila, this phrase became part of our everyday Singlish vocabulary.

How This Singlish Phrase Evolved Through the Decades

• Old School Auntie Era: “Aiyoh, I tell you first, she never appreciate one lah.”
• Secondary School Whisper Network: “Eh I tell you first, Mr Tan cannot mark properly.”
• IG Story Generation Z: Slapped onto captions with muted audio: “I tell you first ARHHH”

The adaptability of this Singlish expression has helped it stay relevant across generations, shifting from kopi shop tables to WhatsApp chats and IG captions effortlessly. That’s the power of Singlish — evolving, blending, but staying iconic in Singapore culture.

How Singaporeans Use ‘I Tell You First’ in Daily Life

Let’s be real — we don’t consciously plan these things. But somehow, “I tell you first” slips into Singlish conversations like chicken into your caifan plate — seamlessly.

Everyday Singapore Situations Where This Phrase Pops Up

• In the Office: “I tell you first ah, I going off at 5pm sharp.”
• Group Chats: “Later got meeting. I tell you first, boss confirm ask about the budget.”
• Family Scenarios: “Dinner I tell you first ah, only got broccoli.”

And then there are the passive-aggressive times, where this Singlish phrase is said not to help you but to protect the speaker’s own back:

“I tell you first hor, later don’t say I never say ah.”

This particular version is the insurance policy edition — the one all Singaporeans use when they suspect some tomfoolery is about to unfold at a wedding, class gathering, or office party.

Real Singapore Stories: Memorable ‘I Tell You First’ Moments

Let me kaypoh with you a bit. Here are some memorable real-life moments where this classic Singlish phrase took the spotlight.

The Bubble Tea Betrayal

My friend once said, “I tell you first ah, this new bubble tea shop looks sus.” I ignored her. Ordered a drink. It was basically pandan-flavoured regret. That moment? Burned into my memory. Moral of the story: trust your kaypoh friend when they use this Singlish warning.

Family Functions and Food Wars

Before big family reunions, my cousin always texts: “I tell you first, Auntie Susan coming. Don’t talk about politics.” That Singlish phrase has saved us more times than I can count. It’s not just gossip — it’s survival language.

Noisy Neighbour PSA

Another time, a neighbour rang my bell — “I tell you first, tonight the family next door got birthday party. Got karaoke.” That level of pre-warning using this classic Singlish expression? Truly community spirit.

These stories prove that “I tell you first” isn’t just language — it’s a social signal, a bond, and sometimes an early warning system built entirely on Singapore vibes.

Why This Singlish Phrase Captures Singapore Culture Perfectly

“I tell you first” is a shining example of our local genius — how four straightforward English words can carry tone, intent, and cultural context in Singlish.

It reminds us of the nuances we share in Singapore, the rhythms we understand instinctively, and the way language becomes our own. Whether you’re using this Singlish phrase to gossip, warn someone, or just add drama to an otherwise meh conversation — this expression carries pure Singaporean charisma.

So the next time someone leans in and says, “I tell you first”— listen up. What’s coming next might just be gold. Or gossip. Usually both in true Singapore style.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is ‘I tell you first’ unique to Singapore?

Yes, it’s a classic Singlish expression that blends English with local speech patterns influenced by Chinese, Malay, and regional languages.

2. Is the phrase always used seriously?

Nope! It can be used seriously, jokingly, or playfully depending on the tone and context — that’s the magic of Singlish.

3. Can ‘I tell you first’ be used in professional settings?

In informal work settings among Singaporeans, yes. But tread carefully in formal contexts — especially if your ang moh boss wouldn’t get it.

4. What’s the tone usually like?

Dramatic, conspiratorial, playful — depends on the speaker’s intent. It adds flair, lah!

5. Can you respond to ‘I tell you first’ dramatically?

Of course! Try “Walao really ar?” or “Ok lah say!” — join the drama. Just don’t break the trust of a kaypoh-in-confidence.

6. Does this phrase exist in other languages?

Many cultures have similar phrases, but “I tell you first” with Singlish flair is distinctively Singaporean in tone and usage.

7. Is it part of casual or deep conversations?

Both. Whether it’s light gossip or sincere sharing, Singaporeans naturally dress up the delivery.