The main language of Taiwan
The main language of Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese (also known as Standard Chinese or Guóyǔ / 國語), which is the official language used in government, education, and media.
However, Taiwan is linguistically diverse! Here’s a quick overview:
Languages Spoken in Taiwan:
▎Mandarin Chinese (Guóyǔ / 國語)
The official language and most widely spoken across all age groups.
▎Taiwanese Hokkien (also called Tâi-gí / 台語)
A Southern Min dialect spoken by about 70% of the population, especially in the south and among older generations.
▎Hakka (客家話 / Kèjiāhuà)
Spoken by the Hakka ethnic group, mainly in areas like Hsinchu, Miaoli, and Taoyuan.
▎Formosan Indigenous Languages
There are around 16 officially recognized Indigenous groups in Taiwan, each with their own Austronesian language (e.g., Amis, Paiwan, Atayal). These are endangered but being preserved through education and cultural initiatives.
▎English
Widely taught in schools and increasingly used in tourism, though not everyone is fluent. In major cities and tourist areas, you’ll usually find English signage and speakers.
Language Tips for Travelers
Mandarin phrases will be the most useful for daily interactions.
Knowing a few Taiwanese Hokkien expressions can delight locals.
English works well in Taipei and tourist hotspots, but less so in rural areas.
Essential Taiwanese Mandarin Phrases
Basic Taiwanese Mandarin Phrases and Words for Your Vacation to Taiwan
Planning a trip to Taiwan? While many locals speak Mandarin, and younger generations often understand some English, learning a few essential Taiwanese phrases can go a long way—especially in night markets, rural areas, and small towns. Not only will it help you get around more smoothly, but locals will definitely appreciate the effort!
Below is a handy list of 30 useful Taiwanese Mandarin and Hokkien (Taiwanese dialect) words and phrases that will make your travel experience more enjoyable and immersive.
Greetings & Essentials
Hello – 你好 (nǐ hǎo)
Standard greeting for anyone, anywhere.
Good morning – 早安 (zǎo ān)
Use in the morning to greet locals, hotel staff, or your breakfast vendor.
Good evening – 晚安 (wǎn ān)
Say this before going to bed or leaving for the night.
Goodbye – 再見 (zài jiàn)
Use when parting ways or ending a conversation.
Thank you – 謝謝 (xiè xie)
Always say this after a service or meal.
You’re welcome – 不客氣 (bú kè qì)
Response to “thank you.”
Excuse me / Sorry – 對不起 (duì bù qǐ)
Useful for small mistakes or polite attention-getting.
No problem – 沒關係 (méi guān xì)
Respond kindly when someone says “sorry.”
Please – 請 (qǐng)
Use before requests to be polite.
Yes / No – 是 (shì) / 不是 (bú shì)
Simple affirmations.
At Restaurants or Night Markets
Delicious – 好吃 (hǎo chī)
Show your appreciation for a tasty dish.
I want this – 我要這個 (wǒ yào zhè gè)
Point to a dish or product and say this when ordering.
How much is this? – 這個多少錢？(zhè gè duō shǎo qián?)
Ask vendors for prices.
Can I have the menu? – 請給我菜單 (qǐng gěi wǒ cài dān)
Please give me the menu.
No spicy – 不辣 (bú là)
Perfect if you prefer mild food.
A little spicy – 小辣 (xiǎo là)
Great middle ground for spice lovers.
Very spicy – 很辣 (hěn là)
Use with caution!
I’m full – 我吃飽了 (wǒ chī bǎo le)
Say this after finishing your meal.
Takeout – 外帶 (wài dài)
Use for ordering food to go.
Eat here – 內用 (nèi yòng)
When you want to dine in.
Getting Around
Where is the MRT? – 捷運在哪裡？(jié yùn zài nǎ lǐ?)
Ask when locating Taipei’s metro.
Where is the bathroom? – 廁所在哪裡？(cè suǒ zài nǎ lǐ?)
Always helpful in public places.
I want to go to [place] – 我要去 [地點] (wǒ yào qù…)
Tell taxi drivers or ask for directions.
Left / Right / Straight – 左 / 右 / 直走 (zuǒ / yòu / zhí zǒu)
Ask direction
Stop here, please (for taxis) – 請在這裡停 (qǐng zài zhè lǐ tíng)
Use in taxis when you’ve arrived.
Helpful Everyday Phrases
I don’t understand – 我聽不懂 (wǒ tīng bù dǒng)
When you need help or clarification.
Do you speak English? – 你會說英文嗎？(nǐ huì shuō yīng wén ma?)
Ask politely if you need help in English.
Help me – 幫幫我 (bāng bāng wǒ)
Emergency or confused moments.
I’m lost – 我迷路了 (wǒ mí lù le)
Say this if you’re lost or need directions.
This is my first time in Taiwan – 我第一次來台灣 (wǒ dì yī cì lái tái wān)
Use to start a friendly conversation with locals.
Tips
Mandarin is the official language in Taiwan, but Taiwanese Hokkien (commonly called “Taiyu”) is widely spoken, especially by older generations and in southern Taiwan.
Knowing just a few local words shows respect for the culture and can spark warm smiles from locals.
Don’t worry about pronunciation—just try your best, and people will usually be happy to help you.
If you don’t know how to pronounce it, you can just point to the Chinese word on the website. This is also a very useful way to ask
Taiwanese Words & Phrases (Part 2)
more essential Taiwanese Mandarin phrases — perfect for travelers looking to dive deeper into local culture and conversations.
Accommodation & Travel
有空房嗎？– Do you have a room available?
Ask when booking a hotel.
yǒu kòng fáng ma? (yo kong fahng mah)
我要訂房 – I want to book a room
Say this at a hotel front desk.
wǒ yào dìng fáng (wuh yow ding fahng)
有Wi-Fi嗎？– Is there Wi-Fi?
Useful in cafes or hostels.
yǒu wài fài ma? (yo why fie mah)
密碼是什麼？– What’s the password?
To ask for Wi-Fi or other codes.
mì mǎ shì shén me? (mee mah shir shun muh)
這是我護照 – This is my passport
Presenting ID at hotels or stations.
zhè shì wǒ hù zhào (juh shir wuh hoo jow)
Money & Shopping
可以刷卡嗎？– Can I pay by card?
Ask before purchasing.
kě yǐ shuā kǎ ma? (kuh yee shwah kah mah)
我沒有零錢 – I don’t have change
Helpful when paying cash.
wǒ méi yǒu líng qián (wuh may yo leeng chyen)
太貴了 – Too expensive
Try bargaining in night markets.
tài guì le (tie gway luh)
便宜一點好嗎？– Can it be cheaper?
Use with vendors or taxi drivers.
pián yí yì diǎn hǎo ma? (pyen yee ee dyen how mah)
收現金嗎？– Do you accept cash?
Especially useful at small stalls.
shōu xiàn jīn ma? (show syen jeen mah)
Getting Around (continued)
搭捷運 – Take the MRT
Use when asking for directions.
dā jié yùn (dah jyeh yoon)
搭計程車 – Take a taxi
For cab rides.
dā jì chéng chē (dah jee chuhng chuh)
這裡怎麼走？– How do I get there?
Ask for walking directions.
zhè lǐ zěn me zǒu? (juh lee zen muh dzo)
走路多久？– How long does it take on foot?
Great for planning your walk.
zǒu lù duō jiǔ? (dzo loo dwaw jyo)
搭公車 – Take a bus
Mentioned when traveling outside metro areas.
dā gōng chē (dah gong chuh)
Food Specific
這是什麼？– What is this?
Ask if you’re unsure about a food.
zhè shì shén me? (juh shir shen muh)
可以推薦嗎？– Can you recommend something?
Great at restaurants or food stalls.
kě yǐ tuī jiàn ma? (kuh yee tway jyen mah)
我吃素 – I’m vegetarian
Important dietary info.
wǒ chī sù (wuh chir soo)
不要蔥 / 蒜 – No green onion / garlic
For dietary or taste preferences.
bú yào cōng / suàn (boo yow tsong / swan)
打包 – To-go (takeaway box)
Ask to pack your leftovers.
dǎ bāo (dah bao)
Communication
可以拍照嗎？– Can I take a photo?
Ask before photographing people or places.
kě yǐ pāi zhào ma? (kuh yee pie jow mah)
你的英文很好 – Your English is very good
Compliment locals for speaking English.
nǐ de yīng wén hěn hǎo (nee duh ying when hunn how)
我喜歡台灣 – I like Taiwan
Simple way to express love for the country.
wǒ xǐ huān tái wān (wuh shee hwan tie wahn)
天氣很熱 – It’s very hot
Talk about the weather (useful in Taiwan’s summer!).
tiān qì hěn rè (tyen chee hunn ruh)
下雨了 – It’s raining
Taiwan gets lots of rain—be prepared!
xià yǔ le (shyah yoo luh)
Social & Fun Phrases
好可愛！– So cute!
Use when seeing pets, kids, or cute desserts.
hǎo kě ài (how kuh eye)
好漂亮 – So pretty
Compliment scenery, outfits, or décor.
hǎo piào liàng (how pee-ow lyang)
我很開心 – I’m happy
Share good vibes.
wǒ hěn kāi xīn (wuh hunn kai sheen)
小心！– Be careful!
Warn someone kindly.
xiǎo xīn (shyow sheen)
加油！– You can do it! / Go for it!
Common cheer in Taiwan for encouragement.
jiā yóu (jyah yo)
Taiwanese Words & Phrases (Part 3)
Common Conversations
你叫什麼名字？– What’s your name?
Great for making friends.
nǐ jiào shén me míng zì? (nee jyao shun muh meeng dzuh)
我叫… – My name is…
Use when introducing yourself.
wǒ jiào… (wuh jyao…)
你從哪裡來？– Where are you from?
Icebreaker with locals.
nǐ cóng nǎ lǐ lái? (nee tsong nah lee lie)
我從…來 – I’m from…
Complete your answer from the question above.
wǒ cóng…lái (wuh tsong… lie)
很高興認識你 – Nice to meet you
Friendly first impression.
hěn gāo xìng rèn shì nǐ (hunn gow shing run shir nee)
Learning & Asking
這是什麼意思？– What does this mean?
Ask about unfamiliar words or signs.
zhè shì shén me yì sī? (juh shir shun muh yee suh)
請說慢一點 – Please speak more slowly
Use if the speaker is too fast.
qǐng shuō màn yì diǎn (cheeng shwaw mahn ee dyen)
可以再說一次嗎？– Can you say it again?
Repeat for better understanding.
kě yǐ zài shuō yí cì ma? (kuh yee dzai shwaw ee tsuh mah)
我在學中文 – I’m learning Chinese
Locals will often encourage you!
wǒ zài xué zhōng wén (wuh dzai shweh jong when)
說中文還是英文？– Chinese or English?
Ask what language is preferred.
shuō zhōng wén hái shì yīng wén? (shwaw jong when hi shir ying when)
Health & Safety
我不舒服 – I don’t feel well
Say this at a pharmacy or hotel if sick.
wǒ bù shū fú (wuh boo shoo foo)
我需要醫生 – I need a doctor
For emergencies.
wǒ xū yào yī shēng (wuh shyoo yow ee shung)
請幫我叫救護車 – Please call an ambulance
Life-saving phrase.
qǐng bāng wǒ jiào jiù hù chē (cheeng bahng wuh jyao jyo hoo chuh)
藥局在哪裡？– Where is the pharmacy?
Useful when seeking over-the-counter help.
yào jú zài nǎ lǐ? (yao jyoo dzai nah lee)
我要口罩 – I need a mask
Masks are commonly used in Taiwan.
wǒ yào kǒu zhào (wuh yow koh jow)
Time & Numbers
今天 – Today
For setting appointments or asking about events.
jīn tiān (jeen tyen)
明天 – Tomorrow
Use when booking tours or asking about plans.
míng tiān (meeng tyen)
昨天 – Yesterday
In case you’re talking about past travel or events.
zuó tiān (dzwaw tyen)
現在幾點？– What time is it now?
Ask politely for the time.
xiàn zài jǐ diǎn? (syen dzai jee dyen)
我遲到了 – I’m late
Apologize if you’re running behind.
wǒ chí dào le (wuh chir dao luh)
Shopping & Services (continued)
我要買這個 – I want to buy this
Great for souvenir shopping.
wǒ yào mǎi zhè gè (wuh yow my juh guh)
太小了 / 太大了 – Too small / Too big
For fitting rooms or clothes stalls.
tài xiǎo le / tài dà le (tie shyow luh / tie dah luh)
有別的顏色嗎？– Do you have other colors?
Ask when shopping for clothes or bags.
yǒu bié de yán sè ma? (yo byeh duh yen suh mah)
這是什麼材質？– What material is this?
Ask about fabric or product details.
zhè shì shén me cái zhí? (juh shir shun muh tsai jr)
可以退貨嗎？– Can I return this?
Helpful for shopping at malls.
kě yǐ tuì huò ma? (kuh yee tway hwaw mah)
Cultural & Daily Life
祝你有美好的一天 – Have a nice day
Polite farewell.
zhù nǐ yǒu měi hǎo de yì tiān (joo nee yo may how duh ee tyen)
小費 – Tip (gratuity)
Tipping isn’t expected in Taiwan, but you may hear the word.
xiǎo fèi (shyow fay)
洗手間在哪裡？– Where is the restroom?
Polite restroom request.
xǐ shǒu jiān zài nǎ lǐ? (she show jyen dzai nah lee)
我要收據 – I want a receipt
For expenses or tax refund purposes.
wǒ yào shōu jù (wuh yow show joo)
祝你旅途愉快！– Have a good trip!
Use this when saying goodbye to fellow travelers.
zhù nǐ lǚ tú yú kuài! (joo nee lyoo too yoo kwai)