73 Basic Mandarin Phrases for Your Next Trip to Taiwan 🇹🇼

Nǐ hǎo (你好)! That's "hello" in Mandarin, the official language of Taiwan. While Mandarin is also spoken in China and Singapore, the Taiwanese dialect has its own unique flavor, with a mix of Hokkien and Japanese influences. Get ready to impress the locals with your language skills and navigate your way through the vibrant streets of Taipei and beyond. In this ultimate guide, we'll cover 73 essential Mandarin phrases that will make your trip to Taiwan a breeze. From ordering mouth-watering xiaolongbao (小笼包) to flirting with that cute waiter at the night market, we've got you covered. So, let's dive in and master some Mandarin! 🙌

Greetings and Basic Phrases 🙋‍♀️

1. Nǐ hǎo (你好) - Hello
2. Zǎo ān (早安) - Good morning
3. Wǎn ān (晚安) - Good evening
4. Zài jiàn (再見) - Goodbye
5. Xièxiè (謝謝) - Thank you
6. Bù kèqì (不客氣) - You're welcome
7. Duìbùqǐ (對不起) - Sorry
8. Méi guānxi (沒關係) - No problem
9. Wǒ bù dǒng (我不懂) - I don't understand
10. Nǐ huì shuō yīngyǔ ma? (你會說英語嗎?) - Do you speak English?
11. Wǒ jiào... (我叫...) - My name is...
12. Nǐ jiào shénme míngzì? (你叫什麼名字?) - What's your name?
13. Hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ (很高興認識你) - Nice to meet you
14. Wǒ shì měiguó rén (我是美國人) - I'm American
15. Wǒ lái zì... (我來自...) - I'm from...

Getting Around 🚕

Navigating the bustling streets of Taiwan can be a challenge, but with these phrases, you'll be hopping on and off the MRT like a pro.

16. Qǐng wèn, zhège dìtiě zhàn zài nǎlǐ? (請問, 這個地鐵站在哪裡?) - Excuse me, where is this MRT station?
17. Wǒ xiǎng qù... (我想去...) - I want to go to...
18. Qǐng dài wǒ dào... (請帶我到...) - Please take me to...
19. Zhège duōshǎo qián? (這個多少錢?) - How much is this?
20. Wǒ yào qù jīchǎng (我要去機場) - I want to go to the airport
21. Wǒmen zài nǎlǐ xiàchē? (我們在哪裡下車?) - Where do we get off?
22. Qǐng màn yīdiǎn kāi (請慢一點開) - Please drive slower
23. Yòu zhuǎn (右轉) - Turn right
24. Zuǒ zhuǎn (左轉) - Turn left
25. Zhí zǒu (直走) - Go straight
26. Tíngchē (停車) - Stop the car
27. Wǒ yào dǎ chē (我要打車) - I want to call a taxi

Dining Out 🍜

Taiwan is a food lover's paradise, with night markets, street vendors, and restaurants serving up delicious dishes around the clock. Here's how to order like a local.

28. Wǒ xiǎng yào... (我想要...) - I would like...
29. Zhège duōshǎo qián? (這個多少錢?) - How much is this?
30. Wǒ bù chī ròu (我不吃肉) - I don't eat meat
31. Wǒ shì sùshí zhǔyì zhě (我是素食主義者) - I'm a vegetarian
32. Zhè shì shénme? (這是什麼?) - What is this?
33. Hěn hǎo chī (很好吃) - It's delicious
34. Zài lái yī fèn (再來一份) - One more, please
35. Máfan gěi wǒ zhàngdān (麻煩給我帳單) - May I have the bill, please?
36. Qǐng gěi wǒ yībēi shuǐ (請給我一杯水) - May I have a glass of water, please?
37. Wǒ bù néng chī zhège (我不能吃這個) - I can't eat this
38. Wǒ duì... guòmǐn (我對...過敏) - I'm allergic to...
39. Lǎobǎn, zhè shì shénme? (老闆, 這是什麼?) - Boss, what is this?
40. Xiǎolóngbāo (小籠包) - Soup dumplings
41. Zhá jī (炸雞) - Fried chicken
42. Zhū ròu fàn (豬肉飯) - Pork rice
43. Kǎo yā (烤鴨) - Roast duck
44. Chòu dòufu (臭豆腐) - Stinky tofu (don't knock it until you try it!)

Shopping and Bargaining 💰

From bustling night markets to trendy boutiques, Taiwan is a shopper's dream. Master these phrases to score the best deals.

45. Duōshǎo qián? (多少錢?) - How much?
46. Tài guì le! (太貴了!) - That's too expensive!
47. Piányí yīdiǎn (便宜一點) - A little cheaper, please
48. Wǒ yào zhège (我要這個) - I want this one
49. Yǒu méiyǒu biéde yánsè? (有沒有別的顏色?) - Do you have other colors?
50. Wǒ kěyǐ shì yīxià ma? (我可以試一下嗎?) - Can I try it on?
51. Zhège duō dà/duō xiǎo? (這個多大/多小?) - What size is this?
52. Wǒ bù xūyào dàilǐwù (我不需要袋子) - I don't need a bag
53. Xièxiè, bù yòng zhǎo (謝謝, 不用找) - Keep the change, thanks

Flirting and Making Friends 😘

Taiwanese people are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Break the ice with these flirty phrases and make some new friends.

54. Nǐ hěn piàoliàng (你很漂亮) - You're very pretty
55. Nǐ de yǎnjīng hěn měi (你的眼睛很美) - Your eyes are beautiful
56. Wǒmen jiē xià jiàn miàn ba? (我們接下見面吧?) - Shall we meet up next time?
57. Nǐ xǐhuān chī shénme? (你喜歡吃什麼?) - What do you like to eat?
58. Wǒ xiǎng gēn nǐ yīqǐ qù... (我想跟你一起去...) - I want to go to... with you
59. Gěi wǒ nǐ de hàomǎ ba (給我你的號碼吧) - Give me your number
60. Jiā wǒ de LINE ba (加我的LINE吧) - Add me on LINE (the most popular messaging app in Taiwan)
61. Wǒ néng qǐng nǐ hē yībēi ma? (我能請你喝一杯嗎?) - Can I buy you a drink?
62. Nǐ zài zhèlǐ zuò shénme? (你在這裡做什麼?) - What brings you here?
63. Wǒ kěyǐ gēn nǐ hé zhào ma? (我可以跟你合照嗎?) - Can I take a photo with you?

Useful Slang and Local Expressions 😎

Impress the locals with these trendy Taiwanese slang words and expressions.

64. Hǎo lì hài (好厲害) - Amazing or impressive
65. Chāo kěng (超坑) - Overpriced or a rip-off
66. Xiān mì (鮮蜜) - Hot chicks or hunks
67. Xīnghóng (星宏) - To make out or French kiss
68. Bù shuǎng (不爽) - Unhappy or pissed off
69. Gǔn dàn (滾蛋) - F*ck off or get lost
70. Dǎ bài wěi (打敗味) - Disgusting or gross
71. Kū bī (酷斃) - Cool as hell
72. Shǎ xiāng (殺翔) - To go crazy or wild
73. Fěn sǐ le (粉絲了) - To become a fan or to stan someone

FAQs ❓

Q: Do I need to speak Mandarin to travel in Taiwan?A: While speaking Mandarin definitely helps, many Taiwanese people understand basic English, especially in tourist areas. With a few key phrases and some body language, you'll be able to get by just fine.

Q: Is it rude to use slang in Taiwan?A: It depends on the context and who you're talking to. Using slang with friends or young people is generally okay, but it's best to stick to more formal language with elders or in professional settings.

Q: What should I avoid saying in Taiwan?A: Avoid discussing sensitive political topics like Taiwan's relationship with China, and steer clear of comparing Taiwan to China in general. Also, be aware that some gestures, like pointing with your index finger or beckoning with your palm facing up, are considered rude in Taiwan.

Q: How do I ask for directions in Taiwan?A: You can use phrases like "Qǐng wèn, ... zài nǎlǐ?" (請問, ... 在哪裡?) which means "Excuse me, where is...?" or "... zěnme zǒu?" (... 怎麼走?) which means "How do I get to...?" Don't be afraid to ask for help – Taiwanese people are generally very friendly and willing to assist lost travelers.

Now that you're armed with these essential Mandarin phrases, you're ready to take on Taiwan like a pro. From the bustling streets of Taipei to the serene beaches of Kenting, you'll be able to connect with locals, savor delicious cuisine, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of this amazing island nation. Zàijiàn (再見), and happy travels! 🛫