What's the main language of Taiwan? Do they speak Mandarin in Taiwan? Do I need to speak Taiwanese to visit Taiwan? What about Chinese? 

If you're asking yourself these questions, welcome, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll share 23 common phrases that will help you navigate your journey with confidence, whether you're planning a vacation or going on a cycle tour in Taiwan.  

First things first, what's the main language of Taiwan? 

Mandarin Chinese holds the title as the official language and is widely spoken across the island. But Taiwan's linguistic scene is much more colorful thanks to its rich history and cultural diversity. 

Besides Mandarin, Taiwanese Hokkien, often just called Taiwanese, is prevalent especially among the older folks and in the south. It's a language rich in cultural heritage, filled with its own literature, music, and media. 

Then there’s the Hakka language, with its unique identity and strong community roots in certain pockets of Taiwan, celebrated through special TV channels and cultural festivals. 

Not to be forgotten, Taiwan also boasts a variety of Indigenous languages, each representing the unique heritage of Taiwan's Indigenous peoples. 

In this article, we’ll focus on the most prominent dialect and share 23 common Mandarin phrases that will help you navigate your Taiwan journey with confidence. 

"But, do I need to speak Mandarin to visit Taiwan?" 

Not at all! English is quite commonly spoken in the larger cities, and hand gestures paired with a friendly smile can get you surprisingly far. However, picking up a few common Mandarin phrases can boost your travel experience – not crucial, but it certainly adds a sprinkle of magic to your journey. 

Rest assured, if you book one of our guided cycling tours, our friendly local guides have your back to bridge any language gaps encountered. 

Just a heads up, you may need to attempt some words a few times to dial-in your pronunciation. Try practicing on an English speaking local if possible, and if you are struggling just open this article on your phone and point to our local translations. 

The Basics: Common Taiwanese Words and Phrases 

1. Hello - Nǐ hǎo (你好) 
Pronunciation: Nee-how 

Nǐ hǎo, translates to "You good." To show more respect, especially towards elders, use "Ni Hao Ma" (你好吗), which means "Are you good?" or, essentially, "How are you?"  

Ensure that with every Ni Hao you make eye contact and offer a slight bow of the head to show respect. When greeting elders, direct your eyes towards the ground and always greet the oldest person first.  

Intrigued? We've got a whole blog post dedicated to explaining how to greet in Asian countries. 

2. Thank you - Xièxiè (謝謝) 
Pronunciation: Shyeah-shyeah 

3. Please - Qǐng (請) 
Pronunciation: Ching 

4. Excuse me / I'm sorry - Duìbuqǐ (對不起) 
Pronunciation: Dway-boo-chee 

5. Yes - Shì (是) 
Pronunciation: Shrr 

6. No - Bù shì (不是) 
Pronunciation: Boo-shrr 

7. Nice to meet you - Hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ (很高興認識你) 
Pronunciation: Hun-gaow-shing ren-shee nee 

8. Goodbye - Zàijiàn (再見) 
Pronunciation: Zai-jee-en 

Goodbye is just as important as saying hello in Taiwan.  

The phrase "Zàijiàn (再見)," which sweetly translates to "see you again," carries with it a heartfelt wish to meet once more. This keeps the feelings between people warm and hopeful for the future. It shows a lovely optimism for more shared moments and kindness, something that's truly cherished in Taiwanese culture.  

9. What a beautiful view! - Fēngjǐng hěn měi! (风景很美!) 
Pronunciation: Fung-jing hun may!  

As you're gliding through Taroko Gorge, cycling alongside the East Rift Valley, and winding through the low, jungly hills of the Coastal Mountain Range, the phrase "What a beautiful view" will resonate with you more times than you can imagine.  

Our Bike Taiwan tour is designed to leave you speechless with its breathtaking scenery. 

Food and Drinks: How to Order and Appreciate Food in Taiwanese 

10. Enjoy your meal - Qǐng màn yòng (请慢用) 
Pronunciation: Ching man yong 

Before you dive into your meal, especially when you're at a family gathering or having dinner with the elderly in Taiwan, you might hear someone say 'Qǐng màn yòng'.  

This translates literally to 'Please eat slowly' but equates to 'Enjoy your meal.'  

It's a sweet and thoughtful way of saying, 'Hey, there's no rush. Really savor your food and our time together.' It echoes a lovely part of Taiwanese culture that values the wellbeing and comfort of everyone at the table, reminding us that meals are more than just eating—they're about cherishing the moments we get to spend with each other. 

11. Delicious - Hěn hào chī (很好吃) 
Pronunciation: Hun how chrr 

‘Hěn hào chī’ will become a familiar part of your vocabulary on our Bike, Walk, and Dumpling tour in Taiwan.  

12. Wine - Pútaojiǔ (葡萄酒) 
Pronunciation: Poo-tow-jee-oh 

13. Beer - Píjiǔ (啤酒) 
Pronunciation: Pee-jee-oh 

14. Cheers! - Gānbēi! (干杯!) 
Pronunciation: Gan-bay!  

As your cycling day draws to a close, let "Cheers" be the word that celebrates a remarkable ride. Encounter Taiwan’s East Coast at your own pace on our self-guided tour. 

15. Water please - Qǐng gěi wǒ shuǐ (請給我水) 
Pronunciation: Ching gay waw shway 

16. Check, please - Mǎidān (买单) 
Pronunciation: My-dahn 

17. I would like ___, please - Wǒ yào ___ (我要 ___ ) 
Pronunciation: Waw yow ___ 

Useful Phrases to Use when Shopping 

18. How much is this? - Zhège duōshǎo qián? (这个多少钱?) 
Pronunciation: Juh-guh dwoh-shaow chee-en? 

19. I'll take it - Wǒ yào zhège (我要这个) 
Pronunciation: Waw yow juh-guh 

Emergencies and Assistance: How to Ask for Help in Taiwanese 

20. Help! - Jiùmìng a! (救命啊!) 
Pronunciation: Jee-oh-ming ah! 
 
21. Hospital - Yīyuàn (医院) 
Pronunciation: Ee-yoo-en 
 
22. It hurts! - Téng (疼) 
Pronunciation: Tung 

Last, But Certainly Not Least: 

I love Taiwan! - Wǒ ài Táiwān! (我愛台灣!) 
Pronunciation: Waw eye Tie-wan! 

Keep this phrase close to your heart; it will certainly earn you smiles and warmth from the locals on your next bike tour of Taiwan. 

Speak, Explore, Connect 

And that's a wrap! Get ready to navigate Taiwan's diverse landscapes, from cycling through the world's deepest marble gorge to feasting on slurp-worthy noodles, with more confidence and a bit of Mandarin in your toolkit. 

Everything you're looking for is just a click away with our meticulously curated cycling tours! Escape the ordinary, dive into an adventure, and experience the unique narrative of Taiwan.