About

ShanghaiDictionary.com is the world's first comprehensive online Shanghainese dictionary. With 28,618 words and expressions, it is searchable in English, pinyin, and Shanghainese characters, accessible in the West, and free. I was surprised to find that there is not a single online dictionary with more than a few hundred words or searchable translation between English and Shanghainese, so I created this site. As the son of a Shanghainese speaker, I wanted to help document the dying language. Since language is part of culture, it is important to document Shanghainese.

To me, the language has a warm, familial but practical tone to it. It is personal and funny like Yiddish with many clever expressions that are inherently funny like ts’ing sz h’ú (woman without makeup/unspoilt stock) or ah mó lú (to leisurely walk and window shop).

Feel free to contact me here.