Greetings and welcome to this guide on how to say “what” in Taiwanese! Whether you’re planning a trip to Taiwan, have Taiwanese friends or colleagues, or simply have an interest in the language, learning how to say “what” is an essential part of communicating effectively. In this guide, we will explore both the formal and informal ways of expressing “what” in Taiwanese, while also providing regional variations when necessary. So let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What”
When it comes to formal situations, such as addressing elders, superiors or showing respect, using the appropriate level of formality is crucial. Here are a few formal ways to say “what” in Taiwanese:
- “個什麼” – Pronounced as “gē sú-ba” in the Taiwanese language, this is the most common way to say “what” formally. It is a direct translation from Mandarin Chinese and is widely understood across Taiwan.
- “啥物” – This is another formal term for “what” in Taiwanese, pronounced as “Siānn-mih” in Taiwanese Hokkien dialect. It is commonly used in formal settings and is also understood in different regions.
Informal Ways to Say “What”
When you’re in a casual or informal setting, such as conversing with friends, peers, or younger individuals, using a more relaxed form of “what” is suited. Let’s explore some informal ways:
- “咧” – Pronounced as “leh” in Taiwanese, this is a common and informal way to say “what.” It is often used among friends or acquaintances in a lighthearted context. For example, “你做嘛咧” (Lí tsòo mā lē?) means “What are you doing?”
- “啥” – Pronounced as “sá” or “sa” in Taiwanese, this informal term for “what” is commonly used in casual conversations and is equivalent to saying “what” in English. For instance, “你想做啥” (Lí sióng tsòo sá?) means “What do you want to do?”
- “乜” – Pronounced as “bé” or “bia” in Taiwanese, this is another informal term for “what.” It is often used among peers, friends, or family members in a relaxed setting. For example, “乜物開春” (Bé bút khói-chhun) means “What kind of clothes for spring?”
Regional Variations
Although Taiwanese Hokkien is widely spoken across Taiwan, there are some regional variations when it comes to saying “what.” Local dialects may have specific terms or pronunciations not used in other areas. Here are a few examples:
Taichung Dialect
In the Taichung region, it is common to use the term “咧呢” (leh-ne) or “咧勒” (leh-leh) instead of just “咧” (leh) as described earlier. For instance, “你去咧呢” (Lí khì lē-ne?) means “Where are you going?”
Tainan Dialect
In the Tainan region, a common way to say “what” is “聽著” (tshit-tio̍h). For example, “你做聽著” (Lí tsòo tshit-tio̍h?) means “What are you doing?”
Tips for Using “What” in Taiwanese
Now that you know the various ways to say “what” in Taiwanese, here are a few tips to remember while using this word:
- Cultural Context: Remember that using appropriate levels of formality is crucial in the Taiwanese culture. Adjust your usage of “what” based on the situation and the people you are talking to.
- Tone and Intonation: Pay attention to the tone and intonation used by native speakers when pronouncing “what” in Taiwanese. This will help you sound more natural and be better understood.
- Practice with Native Speakers: Engaging in conversations with native Taiwanese speakers will greatly enhance your understanding and fluency of the language. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or practice with friends or language exchange partners.
- Learn Common Phrases: Along with learning how to say “what,” it’s helpful to learn common phrases that incorporate this word. This will allow you to have more meaningful conversations and express yourself more effectively.
Now armed with the knowledge of how to say “what” in formal and informal contexts in Taiwanese, you’ll be able to navigate various situations with ease. Remember to be patient with yourself as you learn, and most importantly, have fun with the process! Happy language learning!
