Traveling Phrases
Traveling in Taiwan is an enriching experience, and knowing basic phrases can help you navigate, interact with locals, and enjoy your journey to the fullest.
Asking for Directions
Getting around can be easier if you know how to ask for directions politely.
| 請問...在哪裡？ | qǐng wèn...zài nǎ lǐ? | Excuse me, where is...? | Fill in the blank with your destination, e.g., 車站 (chē zhàn, 'the station'). |
| 我迷路了 | wǒ mí lù le | I'm lost. | Let someone know you need help finding your way. |
| 這裡怎麼走？ | zhè lǐ zěn me zǒu? | How do I get there? | A general question to ask for directions. Usually asked when pointing a location on map. |
| 左轉 / 右轉 | zuǒ zhuǎn / yòu zhuǎn | Turn left / Turn right. | These are the keywords you will often hear when locals give directions; such as 'Turn left' or 'turn right' as they gesture with their hands. |
Landmark Phrases
When asking for or following directions, these phrases will help you understand and describe locations more precisely.
| 在紅綠燈 | zài hóng lǜ dēng | At the stop light. | Indicate a location near traffic lights or a signal. |
| 在路的盡頭 | zài lù de jìn tóu | At the end of the road. | Describe the final point of a street or path. |
| 在十字路口 | zài shí zì lù kǒu | At the intersection. | Reference a crossing point of two or more streets. |
| 在右邊 | zài yòu biān | On the right side. | Specify a position to the right. |
| 在左邊 | zài zuǒ biān | On the left side. | Specify a position to the left. |
| 在拐角處 | zài guǎi jiǎo chù | At the corner. | Describe a location at the turn of a street or building. |
| 在對面 | zài duì miàn | Opposite. | Indicate something directly across from a reference point. |
| 在附近 | zài fù jìn | Nearby. | Refer to a place close to your current location. |
| 隔壁 | gé bì | Next door. | Indicate an adjacent place or location. |
Transportation
Communicating while using Taiwan's transportation system is essential.
| 我要去 [目的地] | wǒ yào qù [mù dì dì] | I want to go to [destination]. |
| 一張票到 [目的地] | yì zhāng piào dào [mù dì dì] | One ticket to [destination]. |
| 公車站在哪裡？ | gōng chē zhàn zài nǎ lǐ? | Where is the bus stop? |
| 高鐵 / 捷運 | gāo tiě / jié yùn | High-speed rail / MRT (subway). |
Ordering Food
Taiwan is famous for its food. Use these phrases to enhance your dining experience.
| 菜單 | cài dān | Menu. | Ask for a menu when dining. |
| 我可以點這個嗎？ | wǒ kě yǐ diǎn zhè gè ma? | Can I order this? | Point to a dish and ask politely. |
| 有沒有不辣的菜？ | yǒu méi yǒu bù là de cài? | Do you have non-spicy dishes? | Ask for less spicy options. |
| 外帶 | wài dài | Takeout. | Request food to go. |
Shopping
Whether in night markets or stores, these phrases will help.
| 多少錢？ | duō shǎo qián? | 'How much does it cost?' |
| 太貴了 | tài guì le | 'Too expensive.' |
| 可以便宜一點嗎？ | kě yǐ pián yí yì diǎn ma? | 'Can it be cheaper?' |
| 我看看 | wǒ kàn kàn | 'I'm just looking.' |
Emergency Situations
In case of emergencies, these phrases may help.
| 救命！ | jiù mìng! | 'Help!' |
| 我需要醫生 | wǒ xū yào yī shēng | 'I need a doctor.' |
| 我丟了 [物品] | wǒ diū le [wù pǐn] | 'I lost [item].' |
| 警察 | jǐng chá | 'Police.' |
Polite Expressions
Politeness is highly valued in Taiwan. Use these phrases often.
| 謝謝 | xiè xiè | 'Thank you.' |
| 對不起 | duì bù qǐ | 'Sorry.' |
| 不好意思 | bù hǎo yì sī | 'Excuse me' or 'Sorry.' |
| 麻煩您 | má fán nín | 'Sorry to trouble you.' |
| 請讓我過 | qǐng ràng wǒ guò | 'Please let me pass.' |