What Are the Most Spoken Languages in Taiwan?

Taiwan is a fascinating island nation where ancient linguistic traditions meet modern multicultural influences. Whilst many people assume Mandarin Chinese is the only language spoken across this vibrant country, the reality reveals a far more diverse and colourful linguistic landscape. Understanding what languages are spoken in Taiwan provides valuable insight into the island’s rich cultural heritage and historical evolution.

This comprehensive guide explores the linguistic diversity of Taiwan, from the dominant Mandarin Chinese to Taiwanese Hokkien, Hakka, Japanese influences, and indigenous languages. Whether you’re planning to visit Taiwan, conduct business there, or are simply curious about its cultural fabric, this article will help you navigate the fascinating world of Taiwanese languages.

What Languages Do They Speak in Taiwan?

Taiwan’s linguistic environment is remarkably diverse, shaped by centuries of migration, colonisation, and cultural exchange. Today, several major languages coexist on the island, each playing a distinct role in daily life and cultural identity.

The most prominent languages spoken in Taiwan include:

• Mandarin Chinese (Taiwanese Mandarin) – the official language
• Taiwanese Hokkien – spoken by approximately 70% of the population
• Hakka Chinese – used by 6.6-12% of residents
• Formosan languages – indigenous Austronesian languages
• Japanese – still understood by older generations
• English – increasingly common as a second language

Understanding how many languages are spoken in Taiwan reveals the island’s multicultural character. Whilst Mandarin serves as the lingua franca for government, education, and formal business, many Taiwanese people are bilingual or even trilingual, seamlessly switching between Mandarin, Hokkien, and their native dialects in different contexts.

Taiwan’s unique position as a crossroads of cultures makes it essential for businesses and travellers to appreciate these linguistic nuances. Professional language services can bridge communication gaps and ensure your message resonates with local audiences.

Mandarin: Taiwan’s Official Language

Mandarin Chinese has been the official language of Taiwan since 1945, following the end of Japanese colonial rule. Today, approximately 83.5% of Taiwanese households use Mandarin as their primary or secondary language at home.

The History of Mandarin in Taiwan

Mandarin wasn’t always Taiwan’s dominant language. Before the 1940s, most Taiwanese people spoke either Hokkien or Hakka as their mother tongue. The language landscape changed dramatically when the Republic of China government relocated to Taiwan after the Chinese Civil War. The new administration made Mandarin the sole language of education and government, whilst actively discouraging the use of indigenous languages in public settings.​

This language policy had profound effects. Throughout the 1950s to 1980s, schoolchildren were punished for speaking Taiwanese Hokkien or other native languages in classrooms. The government promoted Mandarin through schools, media, and official channels, leading to a significant language shift across generations.

Taiwanese Mandarin vs Mainland Mandarin

Whilst Taiwanese Mandarin and Mainland Chinese Mandarin are mutually intelligible, they exhibit notable differences in vocabulary, pronunciation, and writing systems.​

Key differences include:

• Writing System: Taiwan uses Traditional Chinese characters, whilst Mainland China employs Simplified Chinese characters. Traditional characters preserve the original complex forms that have been used for thousands of years, reflecting Taiwan’s commitment to cultural heritage.
• Vocabulary Variations: Many everyday words differ between Taiwan and the Mainland. For example, Taiwanese people say “計程車” (jì chéng chē) for taxi, whilst Mainland Chinese use “出租車” (chū zū chē). Similarly, “外帶” (wài dài) means takeaway in Taiwan, whereas “帶走” (dài zǒu) means “take away” on the Mainland.​
• Pronunciation: Taiwanese Mandarin tends to have a softer, more melodic tone compared to the sharper Beijing accent. This is partly due to the influence of Taiwanese Hokkien on pronunciation patterns.

These distinctions are crucial for businesses seeking to expand into Taiwan’s market. Using the appropriate language variant demonstrates cultural awareness and builds trust with local audiences.

Taiwanese: The Heart of Local Communication

Taiwanese Hokkien, commonly referred to simply as “Taiwanese,” is the language that truly captures the soul of Taiwan. Spoken natively by approximately 70% of the population, Taiwanese Hokkien holds a special place in the hearts of local people.​

Understanding Taiwanese Hokkien

Taiwanese Hokkien is a Southern Min language. It originated in Fujian Province, southeastern China, and was brought to Taiwan by immigrants during the Qing Dynasty. Despite sharing a writing system with Mandarin, Taiwanese Hokkien is a distinct language with its own grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.​

The differences between Taiwanese and Mandarin are substantial. Whilst Mandarin uses four tones, Taiwanese Hokkien employs seven to eight tones, making it phonetically complex for Mandarin speakers to understand without specific training. A native Mandarin speaker cannot comprehend Hokkien without learning it separately, just as an English speaker wouldn’t understand German.

The Role of Taiwanese in Modern Society

Taiwanese Hokkien remains the primary language of daily conversation, particularly outside Taipei. It’s the language of night markets, family gatherings, and local television programmes. However, its usage has been declining among younger generations.

Recent studies show that less than 40% of Taiwanese born in the 1990s can speak Hokkien fluently. This language shift reflects broader societal changes, with Mandarin dominating education and professional environments. Many young people can understand Hokkien when their grandparents talk it, but struggle to respond in the same language.

Despite this decline, there’s been a cultural resurgence in recent years. The younger generation increasingly views Taiwanese Hokkien as an essential marker of Taiwanese identity, distinct from Mainland Chinese culture. This has led to renewed interest in learning and preserving the language.​

For businesses targeting Taiwan, understanding when to use Taiwanese Hokkien can make a significant difference. Rural areas and southern regions like Tainan and Kaohsiung have higher concentrations of Hokkien speakers. Professional translation services can help you communicate effectively with these audiences whilst maintaining cultural authenticity.​

Hakka: Taiwan’s Cultural Treasure

Hakka Chinese represents another vital thread in Taiwan’s linguistic tapestry. Approximately 6.6% to 12% of Taiwan’s population speaks Hakka, making it the third-most-common language on the island.

Who Are the Hakka People?

The Hakka are an ethnic group within the broader Han Chinese community, with their own distinct language, culture, and traditions. In Taiwan, Hakka speakers are concentrated in specific regions, particularly Miaoli County, Hsinchu County, and parts of Pingtung, Hualien, and Taoyuan.

In 2014, approximately 4.2 million Taiwanese identified as Hakka, accounting for 18% of the population. However, far fewer actually speak the language fluently. The number of Hakka speakers has declined by 1.1% per year, and only 22.8% of self-identifying Hakkas aged 19 to 29 can speak the language.

Hakka Dialects in Taiwan

Taiwanese Hakka is divided into five main dialects: Sixian, Hailu, Dapu, Raoping, and Zhao’an. The most widely spoken are Sixian and Hailu:

• Sixian dialect: Features six tones and originates from Meizhou, Guangdong. It’s primarily spoken in Miaoli, Pingtung, and Kaohsiung.
• Hailu dialect: It possesses seven tones and comes from Haifeng and Lufeng in Guangdong. It’s concentrated around Hsinchu.

Preservation Efforts

Like Taiwanese Hokkien, Hakka faces significant challenges due to the language shift towards Mandarin. The Hakka Affairs Council has designated 70 townships and districts where Hakka speakers make up more than one-third of the population, and has implemented programmes to preserve and promote the language.​

Hakka has been granted official “national language” status alongside Mandarin and Taiwanese Hokkien, providing access to public services, funding for media broadcasting, and educational resources. Despite these efforts, the great diversity of Hakka dialects has made standardisation difficult, impeding teaching efforts.

For organisations working in Taiwan’s multicultural environment, understanding regional language preferences demonstrates respect for local culture and can significantly enhance community engagement.

Japanese: A Colonial Legacy

Japanese remains an unexpected yet essential part of Taiwan’s linguistic landscape. Taiwan was under Japanese colonial rule from 1895 to 1945, a 50-year period that left lasting cultural and linguistic influences.​​

The Japanese Colonial Period

During the colonial era, the Japanese administration implemented comprehensive language policies to “Japanify” the Taiwanese population. Japanese language schools were established throughout the island, and speaking Japanese was mandated nationwide. Taiwanese, Hakka, and indigenous languages were suppressed and even forbidden in many contexts.

The colonial government promoted the “Imperialization Movement” in the 1930s, which made learning Japanese the foundation of education and cultural assimilation. By 1942, nearly 10,000 Taiwanese families had been recognised as “model households” that used Japanese in daily life, receiving privileges in school admission, civil service entry, and opportunities to study in Japan.​

Japanese Influence Today

Today, many elderly Taiwanese who grew up during the colonial period still speak Japanese. Some of this generation only learned to speak Japanese fluently and never fully mastered Mandarin, which was introduced after 1945.​​

Beyond the older generation, Japanese persists as an “elite” language among Taiwan’s business leaders. Many executives studied Japanese and visited Japan during their education, making it a language of commerce and cultural exchange. The close economic ties between Taiwan and Japan continue to make Japanese language skills valuable in the business world.​

Japanese loanwords have also permeated Taiwanese Mandarin and Hokkien. Words related to food, technology, and everyday life often retain their Japanese origins, reflecting the deep cultural connections forged during the colonial period.

Understanding this historical context is valuable for businesses engaging with Taiwan. The island’s relationship with Japan is complex, mixing colonial memories with modern economic partnership and cultural affinity. Cross-cultural communication requires sensitivity to these nuanced historical connections.

The Basics: Common Taiwanese Words and Phrases

Learning a few basic Taiwanese phrases can significantly enhance your experience when visiting or doing business in Taiwan. Whilst most young Taiwanese speak Mandarin, knowing some common expressions shows respect for local culture and helps build rapport.

Essential Greetings

• Hello: Nǐ hǎo (你好) – This is the standard Mandarin greeting used in most situations.
• Good morning: Zǎo ān (早安) – Use this before noon as a friendly way to start the day.
• Good evening/night: Wǎn ān (晚安) – Appropriate after dinner or when saying goodbye in the evening.​
• How are you?: Nǐ hǎo ma? (你好嗎？) – A natural follow-up to “Hello”.
• Thank you: Xièxiè (謝謝) – One of the most important phrases you’ll use. Taiwanese people are incredibly polite and say thank you frequently.
• You’re welcome: Bù huì (不會) – In Taiwan, this is the preferred response to thank you, rather than the Mainland Chinese “bù kè qì”.​

Taiwanese Hokkien Greetings

If you want to try speaking Taiwanese Hokkien, the basic greeting is “Lí-hó” (hello). However, Hokkien greetings typically include address terms that show respect and social closeness:​

• Lí-hó, A-tsí (Hello, Auntie) – For older women
• Lí-hó, Lāu-sī (Hello, Teacher) – For teachers
• Lí-hó, Péng-iú (Hello, Friend) – For peers

These culturally appropriate greetings demonstrate awareness of Taiwan’s social customs. For businesses, showing this level of cultural understanding can significantly improve relationships with local partners and clients. Professional interpretation services can help ensure your communications convey the right tone and respect.

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

Taiwan’s food scene is legendary, from bustling night markets to sophisticated restaurants. Knowing how to order food in Taiwanese will enhance your culinary adventures and show appreciation for local culture.

Essential Restaurant Phrases

• Menu: Càidān (菜單) – “Can I see the menu, please?” is “Kě yǐ gěi wǒ càidān ma?” (可以給我菜單嗎？)
• Order: Diǎn cān (點餐) – When you’re ready to order, say “Wǒ xiǎng yào diǎn cān” (我想要點餐)
• Takeaway: Wài dài (外帶) – When asked “Nèi yòng wài dài?” (內用外帶？), respond with this if you want takeaway
• Eat in: Nèi yòng (內用) – Use this if you’re dining in the restaurant
• Bill/Check: Jié zhàng (結帳) – Say this when you’re ready to pay
• Is it spicy?: Là ma? (辣嗎？) – Important for those who prefer mild food​

Understanding Menu Categories

Most Taiwanese restaurants organise their menus into sections:​

• Chǎo fàn lèi (炒飯類) – Fried Rice
• Chǎo miàn lèi (炒麵類) – Fried Noodles
• Tāng miàn lèi (湯麵類) – Noodle Soup
• Tāng lèi (湯類) – Soup
• Rè chǎo lèi (熱炒類) – Stir-fried Dishes

Ordering Specifics

When ordering, you can say “Wǒ yào zhè ge” (我要這個), meaning “I want this” whilst pointing at the menu item. Many local restaurants use order sheets where you write:​

• 一 for one order
• 丁 for two orders
• 正 for five orders​

For noodle dishes, you might encounter:

• Xì miàn (細麵) – Thin noodles
• Kuān miàn (寬麵) – Wide noodles
• Dāo xiāo miàn (刀削麵) – Thick knife-cut noodles​

Taiwan’s rich culinary culture reflects its diverse linguistic heritage. Many food terms show influences from Japanese, Taiwanese Hokkien, and indigenous languages. When localising restaurant menus or food-related content for Taiwan, working with native translators ensures you capture these cultural nuances accurately.

Useful Phrases to Use When Shopping

Taiwan offers excellent shopping experiences, from modern malls to traditional markets. These phrases will help you navigate retail environments with confidence.

Basic Shopping Phrases

• How much is this?: Duōshǎo qián? (多少錢？) or “Bē tsiánn-khì guá ê ha-ánn-á?” in Taiwanese Hokkien
• Can you give me a discount?: “I tshìm kā chē-á ko-khuân-á?” in Taiwanese Hokkien​
• I want to buy this: Point and say “Wǒ yào zhè ge” (我要這個)​
• Do you have…?: “Yǒu méi yǒu…?” (有沒有…？) – This versatile phrase lets you enquire about availability​

Shopping Etiquette

In Taiwan, bargaining is common at night markets but not in regular shops or malls. When shopping at night markets, pointing at items and asking about prices is perfectly acceptable. Many vendors appreciate foreigners’ attempts to speak basic Mandarin or Taiwanese, even if pronunciation isn’t perfect.

The phrase “Bù hǎo yì si” (不好意思) means “excuse me” or “pardon me” and is useful when getting someone’s attention or apologising for minor inconveniences.​

For businesses developing e-commerce platforms targeting Taiwan, localising product descriptions and shopping interfaces into Traditional Chinese with appropriate vocabulary significantly improves user experience and conversion rates.

Emergencies and Assistance: How to Ask for Help in Taiwanese

Whilst Taiwan is generally very safe, knowing emergency phrases provides peace of mind for travellers and expatriates.

Critical Emergency Phrases

• Help!: Jiùmìng a! (救命啊！) – Pronunciation: “Jee-oh-ming ah!”​
• Call 119: “I-āu 119 ho iánn-á” (有119去讓啊) – This is Taiwan’s emergency number for fire and medical emergencies​
• Hospital: Yīyuàn (醫院)​
• Police station: “Kāng-khoeh bô iông-khoeh-á?” (警察局在哪兒) means “Where is the police station?”​
• Do you have someone who can help?: “Lín iàu chiàu-khiáⁿ khah iánn-ê lāng-á?” (你有會救人的人嗎)​

Getting Assistance

• Excuse me: Bù hǎo yì si (不好意思) – Use this to politely get someone’s attention​
• I need help: Wǒ xūyào bāngmáng (我需要幫忙)​
• Where is…?: “…zài nǎlǐ?” (…在哪裡？)​

Most Taiwanese people are helpful and will try to assist foreigners, even with limited English. Major cities have English-speaking services at hospitals and police stations. However, having these basic phrases ready can expedite assistance in urgent situations.

For organisations providing services to international communities in Taiwan, offering multilingual support demonstrates commitment to accessibility and customer care.

Other Languages Spoken in Taiwan

Beyond the major languages, Taiwan’s linguistic diversity includes indigenous, immigrant, and sign languages.

Formosan Languages

The Formosan languages are a geographic grouping of Austronesian languages spoken by Taiwan’s indigenous peoples. These languages have significant historical importance in historical linguistics, as Taiwan is recognised as the homeland of the entire Austronesian language family, which spans from Madagascar to Hawaii.

Currently, approximately 16 Formosan languages are officially recognised, though some linguists argue this number could be higher if particular dialects are classified separately. The most widely spoken include:

• Amis – The language of the Amis people, Taiwan’s largest indigenous group
• Bunun
• Paiwan
• Saaroa
• Atayal
• Tsonic

Sadly, only about 1.4% of Taiwan’s population speaks Formosan languages at home. Of the approximately 26 languages spoken by indigenous peoples, at least 10 are now extinct, 4 or 5 are moribund, and all others are endangered to some degree.

Indigenous peoples constitute about 2.3% of Taiwan’s population, but only 35% of them speak their ancestral languages due to centuries of language shift. The government has established programmes to revitalise these languages, including romanisation systems, language classes, and certification programmes. All Formosan languages have been granted national language status.

Taiwanese Sign Language

Taiwanese Sign Language is used by the deaf community in Taiwan. It’s recognised as one of Taiwan’s national languages, with less than 1% of the population using it.​

Immigrant Languages

As Taiwan becomes increasingly globalised, immigrant languages are growing in presence. Vietnamese, Indonesian, Thai, and Tagalog are spoken by significant immigrant communities, particularly Southeast Asian workers.

Understanding this linguistic diversity is crucial for organisations working across Taiwan’s multicultural society. Providing services in multiple languages demonstrates inclusivity and expands your reach to diverse communities.

What Is the Official Language of Taiwan?

Mandarin Chinese, officially referred to as “Taiwanese Mandarin” or “Guoyu” (國語), is the sole official language of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for government, education, and formal business purposes.

However, Taiwan’s linguistic situation is more nuanced than this official designation suggests. In recent years, the government has granted “national language” status to several other languages, including Taiwanese Hokkien, Hakka, and the 16 officially recognised indigenous Formosan languages.

This “national language” status means these languages:

• Can be used to access public services
• Receive government funding for radio broadcasting, television programmes, and media publications
• They are included as elective courses in primary and secondary education
• Have dedicated public television and radio stations

This policy shift reflects growing recognition of Taiwan’s linguistic diversity and efforts to preserve languages that were historically suppressed. It represents an important step in cultural preservation and the acknowledgement of Taiwan’s multicultural identity.

For businesses and organisations, understanding Taiwan’s official language means recognising both the dominance of Mandarin in formal contexts and the cultural importance of other languages in daily life. Successful market-entry strategies consider linguistic complexity when developing communication materials.

Chinese Translation Services

Navigating Taiwan’s linguistic landscape requires more than basic language knowledge; it demands cultural understanding, regional awareness, and professional expertise. Whether you’re expanding your business into Taiwan, localising your website, or communicating with Taiwanese partners, professional Chinese translation services are essential.

Why Professional Translation Matters

Taiwan uses Traditional Chinese characters, which differ significantly from the Simplified Chinese used in Mainland China. These aren’t simply different fonts; they represent distinct writing systems with varying character structures, vocabulary choices, and cultural connotations.

Professional translators understand that Taiwan-specific content requires:

• Traditional Chinese characters with proper stroke formation
• Taiwan-specific vocabulary that differs from Mainland usage
• Cultural adaptation that resonates with Taiwanese sensibilities
• Industry-specific terminology appropriate for your sector

Machine translation tools cannot reliably handle these nuances. They often miss cultural context, misinterpret multi-character idioms, and fail to distinguish between characters with multiple meanings. For business-critical communications, legal documents, or marketing materials, professional human translation is indispensable.​

Elite Asia’s Chinese Translation Services

Elite Asia specialises in providing expert Traditional Chinese translation services tailored specifically for the Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau markets. Our native-speaking translators possess a deep understanding of regional linguistic variations and cultural contexts.

Our services include:

• Business translation for contracts, proposals, and corporate communications
• Marketing localisation that captures your brand voice whilst resonating with local audiences
• Website and app localisation optimised for Traditional Chinese users
• Interpretation services for meetings, conferences, and business negotiations
• Certified translation for legal and official documents

Our translators don’t just convert words; they preserve meaning, tone, and intent whilst adapting content for your target audience. Whether you need Simplified Chinese translation for Mainland markets or Traditional Chinese for Taiwan, we ensure your message communicates effectively across linguistic and cultural boundaries.

Comprehensive Localisation Solutions

Beyond translation, Elite Asia offers complete localisation solutions that address every aspect of entering Taiwanese markets:

• Content adaptation that respects cultural sensibilities and local preferences
• Desktop publishing ensures proper layout for Traditional Chinese text
• Subtitling and transcription for multimedia content
• AI-powered translation tools combined with human post-editing for optimal quality and efficiency
• Multilingual marketing strategies tailored for Asian markets

Our Client Portal provides seamless project management, enabling you to collaborate with our team, track progress, and access AI tools to accelerate turnaround times on larger projects.​

With offices in Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong, Elite Asia brings regional expertise and a deep understanding of Taiwan’s business culture. We’ve helped countless organisations successfully navigate the complexities of cross-cultural business communication throughout Asia.

Getting Started

Whether you’re translating a website, localising marketing materials, or preparing for business negotiations in Taiwan, professional language services ensure your success. Don’t let language barriers limit your potential in one of Asia’s most dynamic markets.

Contact Elite Asia today to discuss your Traditional Chinese translation needs. Our expert team is ready to help you communicate effectively with Taiwanese audiences, preserving your message whilst adapting it for cultural relevance.

Ready to expand your business into Taiwan with professionally localised content? Explore our Traditional Chinese Translation and Interpretation Services or our Simplified Chinese Translation and Interpretation Services to find the perfect solution for your market entry strategy.