Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “good luck” in Taiwanese. Whether you’re planning to visit Taiwan, have Taiwanese friends, or simply want to expand your language skills, learning these phrases will surely impress and warm your Taiwanese acquaintances’ hearts. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to express “good luck” in Taiwanese, as well as some practical tips and examples. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Good Luck in Taiwanese
When it comes to formal situations, such as addressing your superiors, strangers, or people you respect, it’s essential to use proper etiquette and show respect. Here are three formal ways to express “good luck” in Taiwanese:
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Mun Sau (文壽)
In more formal settings, “mun sau” is a widely-used phrase to wish someone good luck in Taiwanese. It carries the connotation of prosperity, success, and longevity.
For example, if your friend is about to take an important exam, you can say, “狄先生，祝您文壽！” (Mister Di, mun sau!).
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Gaoxin Beu (高興勿)
“Gaoxin beu” is another formal phrase that means “good luck” or “may you be joyous.” This phrase is often used to wish someone happiness and luck in their endeavors.
Suppose your colleague is starting a new business venture. You can say, “祝韓女士高興勿！” (Ms. Han, gaoxin beu!) to wish her good luck and happiness in her new endeavor.
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Khuè Siā (溪瑞)
In certain formal contexts, you can express “good luck” in Taiwanese by saying “khuè siā,” which emphasizes good luck and auspiciousness.
If you know someone who is going on a trip, you can wish them luck and a safe journey by saying, “阿軍，有事無事要溪瑞！” (Ah Jun, yau si mo si, iau khuè siā!).
Informal Ways to Say Good Luck in Taiwanese
Informal phrases are used among friends, family, or when you’re in a casual setting. Let’s explore some popular informal ways to express “good luck” in Taiwanese:
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Chúi Bûn (返聞)
When wishing good luck to close friends or loved ones, “chúi bûn” is a commonly used phrase that encourages success.
For instance, if your sibling is preparing for a challenging sports competition, you can cheer them on by saying, “加油啦！阿哲，返聞ㄟ！” (Jia yǒu lah! A che, chúi bûn-ê!).
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Bāng bāng-bāng (幫幫幫)
To show more support and enthusiasm, you can use the phrase “bāng bāng-bāng” when cheering someone on or wishing them luck.
Let’s say your friend is participating in a singing competition. You can say, “拼啦！阿倫，ㄅㄤ ㄅㄤ-ㄅㄤ ㄅㄤ ㄉ啦！” (Pīn lah! A lún, bāng bāng-bāng dah lah!), which means “Go for it! Alan, give it all you’ve got!”
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Ji̍t-pún Lâng (日本人)
In more informal settings, you can use the phrase “ji̍t-pún lâng” which means “Japanese people” to express “good luck.”
Suppose your friend is about to go on a first date. You can say, “阿軍，今日係日本人喔！” (Ah Jun, kin-ji̍t sī ji̍t-pún lâng o!), to wish him luck and show excitement about the date.
Tips and Cultural Context
Here are some additional tips and insights when it comes to expressing “good luck” in Taiwanese:
- Sincerity is Key: When wishing someone good luck, always express your sincerity and well-wishes. It will be greatly appreciated by the recipient.
- Accompany with Gestures: Adding appropriate gestures, such as a thumbs up or a pat on the back, can further emphasize your wishes.
- Understanding Local Customs: Taiwanese culture highly values modesty, so it’s not common for Taiwanese individuals to explicitly ask for good luck. Therefore, it is more common to express well-wishes indirectly.
Conclusion
Learning how to say “good luck” in Taiwanese can be a valuable tool in forging connections and showing respect to the Taiwanese people. By using the phrases we’ve provided and adapting them to different situations, you’ll be able to express your sincere well-wishes and spread positivity. Remember to be culturally sensitive and pay attention to the context in which you are using these phrases. Good luck with your language learning journey, and may you achieve fluency in Taiwanese!
