Greetings
你好 (Nǐ hǎo)
nee how
Hello — the universal greeting. Taiwanese are warm to foreigners who try even a word of Mandarin.
謝謝 (Xièxie)
SYEH-syeh
Thank you. You'll say it constantly — to the convenience-store clerk, the bus driver, the night-market vendor. 'Bú huì' (boo HWAY) is 'you're welcome'.
Daily life
不好意思 (Bù hǎoyìsi)
boo how-EE-suh
Excuse me / sorry / 'pardon me' — the single most useful phrase in Taiwan. Use it to get attention, squeeze past, or apologise. Taiwanese politeness runs on it.
多少錢 (Duōshǎo qián)
DWOH-shao chyen
How much is it? Essential at markets and stalls — though most shops have clear prices and bargaining is NOT the norm here (unlike much of Asia).
悠遊卡 (Yōuyóukǎ)
yo-yo-kah
EasyCard — the stored-value card that taps you onto the MRT, buses, YouBike and pays at convenience stores. The first thing every newcomer buys.
我不會說中文 (Wǒ bù huì shuō zhōngwén)
wuh boo HWAY shwoh joong-wen
I don't speak Chinese. Younger Taiwanese often have some English; this phrase (plus a smile) usually triggers patient help or a translation app.
Food
這個 (Zhège)
JUH-guh
'This one' — point and say it to order at a night-market stall or bakery when you can't read the menu. Pair with 'yí ge' (one) for quantity.
內用 / 外帶 (Nèiyòng / Wàidài)
NAY-yong / WHY-dye
Dine in / take away. Every café and eatery asks this first. 'Wàidài' (takeaway) is a way of life given how Taiwanese eat out.
半糖去冰 (Bàntáng qùbīng)
ban-tang chyoo-bing
Half sugar, no ice — the connoisseur's bubble-tea order. Taiwan invented boba; customising sugar and ice level is expected, not fussy.
好吃 (Hǎochī)
how-chih
Delicious! The compliment that delights any cook or vendor — Taiwan's food pride is immense and well earned. 'Hǎohē' is the version for drinks.
Social
老闆 (Lǎobǎn)
LAO-ban
'Boss' — how you politely address the owner of a shop, stall or small restaurant. Calling out 'Lǎobǎn!' to order or pay is normal and friendly.
Emergency
救命 (Jiùmìng)
jyoh-ming
Help! (a cry for rescue). For emergencies dial 119 (fire/ambulance) or 110 (police); the 24h English foreigner hotline is 0800-024-111.