Basic Words

1. 是

   Sī

   Yes

   Usage

   The basic affirmative reply; also works when someone checks something with you

2. 毋是

   M̄ sī

   No

   Usage

   The basic negative reply; say it gently to stay polite

3. 請

   Tshiánn

   Please

   Usage

   Add it when asking for something; it also works on its own

4. 多謝

   To-siā

   Thank you

   Usage

   The basic thank-you when you receive something or get help

5. 歹勢

   Pháinn-sè

   Excuse me

   Usage

   Use to get a stranger's attention or to squeeze past someone

6. 對不起

   Tuì-put-khí

   Sorry

   Usage

   An apology when you are at fault — bumping into someone, making a mistake

7. 無要緊

   Bô-iàu-kín

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Both to wave off an apology and to decline help or concern

8. 我聽無

   Guá thiann bô

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Say this first when the language is not getting through; people will rephrase

9. 我知影矣

   Guá tsai-iánn--ah

   I understand

   Usage

   The reply when you have understood; it also signals agreement

10. 好矣

    Hó--ah

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Tell staff you are done with a meal, a payment, or a procedure

11. 請等一下

    Tshiánn tán tsi̍t-ē

    Please wait

    Usage

    A polite way to ask someone to hold on

12. 小等咧

    Sió-tán--leh

    Just a moment

    Usage

    For just a few seconds — while you find your wallet or your bag

13. 大人一位

    Tuā-lâng tsi̍t uī

    One adult, please

    Usage

    At a ticket window or entrance, to state how many people

14. 我無訂位

    Guá bô tīng-uī

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    Say this first when walking into a restaurant or hotel without booking

15. 我有訂位

    Guá ū tīng-uī

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    At the front desk; follow it with your name

16. 請鬥相共

    Tshiánn tàu-sann-kāng

    Please help me

    Usage

    Call for help in an emergency — it is fine to shout this

17. 請閣講一遍

    Tshiánn koh kóng tsi̍t piàn

    Once more, please

    Usage

    Ask someone to repeat what they just said

18. 請講較慢咧

    Tshiánn kóng khah bān--leh

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When someone speaks too fast; people almost always slow down

19. 我會曉講一屑仔

    Guá ē-hiáu kóng tsi̍t-sut-á

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Keeps the conversation going while lowering expectations

20. 你會曉講英語無？

    Lí ē-hiáu kóng Ing-gí bô?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Check for a shared language when you need to discuss something complicated

21. 這

    Tse

    This

    Usage

    Show it while pointing at something in front of you

22. 彼

    He

    That

    Usage

    Show it while pointing at something near the other person

23. 遮

    Tsia

    Here

    Usage

    Show it while pointing at a place

24. 遐

    Hia

    There

    Usage

    Show it while pointing at a place

25. 我

    Guá

    I / Me

    Usage

    Show it while pointing at yourself

26. 你

    Lí

    You

    Usage

    Show it while pointing at the other person

27. 做伙

    Tsò-hué

    Together

    Usage

    Use to say you want to go along with someone

28. 有夠矣

    Ū-kàu--ah

    That is enough

    Usage

    Point at it to stop someone from serving more

29. 一个人

    Tsi̍t ê lâng

    One person

    Usage

    Point at it to give the size of your party

30. 兩个人

    Nn̄g ê lâng

    Two people

    Usage

    Point at it to give the size of your party

31. 三个人

    Sann ê lâng

    Three people

    Usage

    Point at it to give the size of your party

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