I once stood frozen at a bus stop, unsure whether the sign said “left” or “right.” Even asking for help felt intimidating. But learning just a few key Mandarin phrases slowly gave me the confidence to navigate daily life – and even understand my supervisor better.
If you’re a Filipino worker planning to work—or already working—in Taiwan, learning basic Mandarin can help you communicate better, avoid misunderstandings, and build trust with locals and employers. You don’t need to be fluent. Even just a few key phrases can go a long way.
Common Greetings in Mandarin
These are everyday greetings I used to break the ice or greet my co-workers:
- Hello – 你好 (Nǐ hǎo)
- Good morning – 早安 (Zǎo ān)
- Good afternoon – 下午好 (Xiàwǔ hǎo)
- Good evening – 晚上好 (Wǎnshàng hǎo)
- Goodbye – 再见 (Zàijiàn)
Essential Phrases You’ll Use Often
These simple phrases helped me say “thank you” and ask for help:
- Thank you – 谢谢 (Xièxiè)
- Excuse me / Sorry – 不好意思 (Bù hǎo yìsi)
- Please – 请 (Qǐng)
- Yes – 是 (Shì)
- No – 不是 (Bù shì)
Useful Phrases in the Workplace
Here’s what I use when talking to my supervisor or co-workers:
- I understand – 我懂了 (Wǒ dǒng le)
- I don’t understand – 我不懂 (Wǒ bù dǒng)
- Can you help me? – 你可以帮我吗? (Nǐ kěyǐ bāng wǒ ma?)
- Where is…? – …在哪里? (…zài nǎlǐ?)
- How much is this? – 这个多少钱? (Zhège duōshǎo qián?)
Emergency Phrases Every OFW Should Know
Hopefully, you’ll never need these—but it’s better to be prepared:
- Help! – 救命! (Jiùmìng!)
- I need a doctor – 我需要医生 (Wǒ xūyào yīshēng)
- Call the police – 叫警察 (Jiào jǐngchá)
How I Started Learning Mandarin in the Philippines
If you’re still in the Philippines preparing to work in Taiwan, it’s a great time to start learning. Here are some ways I tried:
- Enroll in a Language School
I attended a short course at Dash Cultural and Educational Institute. Some schools also offer online classes.
- Find a Private Tutor
Websites like TUTOROO helped me find native speakers who taught me 1-on-1. This was great for pronunciation practice.
- Use Free Language Apps
I used Duolingo and HelloChinese daily. Just 15 minutes a day helped me build vocabulary fast.
- Watch Chinese Dramas & Listen to Mandarin Songs
Watching with subtitles helped me understand tone and rhythm. Music made memorization easier.
- Join a Language Exchange Group
Look for Facebook groups or university-run language exchanges where you can practice casually.
- Practice Daily
I labeled items around the house in Mandarin and repeated key phrases in the mirror. Little by little, it started to stick.
Recommended Books for Learning Mandarin
These are books that helped me (and many others) start from zero:
Grammar & Vocabulary
- Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar: A Practical Guide – Clear grammar explanations
- Mandarin Chinese Picture Dictionary – Great for visual learners
- 2000 Most Common Chinese Words in Context – Practical phrases with examples
Reading & Writing
- Reading and Writing Chinese – Covers characters from beginner to HSK level
- Chinese Character Writing For Dummies – Easy introduction to character writing
All-in-One Learning
- Easy Peasy Chinese – Beginner-friendly with audio
- Integrated Chinese (4th Edition, Volume 1) – Popular in language schools
- Complete Mandarin Chinese (Teach Yourself) – Great for independent learners
Don’t Just Memorize—Start Conversing
Books and apps are great tools, but the best way I truly started learning was by using Mandarin in daily life. Instead of treating it like a school subject, I turned it into a conversation starter—at the market, with coworkers, or even just saying “你好” (Nǐ hǎo) to the guard on my way to work.
Here’s what helped me the most:
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Practice one phrase a day, then use it in real life. Even small exchanges build confidence.
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Repeat what you hear on TV or in public—try to mimic the tones and rhythm.
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Keep it simple: Don’t wait until you’re fluent to speak. “Thank you,” “This one, please,” or “How much?” are powerful when spoken with effort.
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Laugh at your mistakes—they’re part of the journey.
In the end, it’s not about perfect grammar. It’s about being understood—and being brave enough to speak.
Why Learning Basic Mandarin Matters for OFWs in Taiwan
Even just a handful of Mandarin phrases can make your daily life in Taiwan smoother, safer, and more rewarding. Here’s how basic language skills help in real-world situations:
At work (factory, hospital, or household)
➤ Understanding simple instructions like “stop,” “wait,” or “clean here” can prevent costly mistakes.
➤ Saying “我不懂” (Wǒ bù dǒng – I don’t understand) lets your supervisor know when you need clarification instead of guessing.
In emergencies
➤ Knowing how to say “我需要医生” (Wǒ xūyào yīshēng – I need a doctor) can save time in urgent situations.
➤ Calling for help with “救命!” (Jiùmìng! – Help!) can draw attention fast.
During errands or public interactions
➤ Asking “多少钱?” (Duōshǎo qián? – How much?) helps you shop without feeling lost.
➤ Using “谢谢” (Xièxiè – Thank you) builds respect and trust in your neighborhood.
For relationship-building
➤ Greeting coworkers with a simple “早安” (Zǎo ān – Good morning) creates warmth and friendliness in the workplace.
➤ Locals appreciate the effort – it shows you’re open to their culture, which can lead to better treatment and even unexpected favors.
You don’t need to be fluent. Just start small. A few phrases can go a long way in making you feel more confident, safer, and better integrated into your new environment.
Final Thoughts
Learning basic Mandarin for Filipino workers in Taiwan isn’t just helpful—it’s empowering. It helps you avoid confusion, connect with locals, and handle daily life with more confidence. Whether you’re just starting out or already working in Taiwan, every word you learn brings you closer to feeling at home.
And don’t worry about being perfect. Just start with “你好” (Nǐ hǎo)—that’s how it began for me.