Kiasu意思

"Kiasu" is a Hokkien phrase that means "afraid to lose" or "scared to lose" in English. It is commonly used in Singapore and Malaysia, where Hokkien is one of the most widely spoken Chinese dialects. The term is often used to describe someone who is overly competitive, anxious to win, or unwilling to let others get an advantage over them, especially in situations where there is a perceived scarcity or limited resources.

The concept of kiasu is deeply ingrained in the culture of Singapore and Malaysia, and it is often used humorously or self-deprecatingly to describe oneself or others. It can manifest in various situations, such as in education, where parents and students may be kiasu about getting into the best schools or scoring the highest grades. In daily life, it could mean being overly cautious or protective of one's own interests, sometimes to the point of being rude or inconsiderate to others.

While kiasu behavior can sometimes be seen as negative, it is also a reflection of the hardworking and achievement-oriented culture in Singapore and Malaysia, where many people are driven to succeed and not be left behind.