Question Words

1. 啥物？

   Siánn-mih?

   What?

   Usage

   The question word to ask what something is or what was said

2. 佗位？

   Tó-uī?

   Where?

   Usage

   Asks for a place; point at a map or an object while you say it

3. 當時？

   Tang-sî?

   When?

   Usage

   Asks about time — departures, opening hours

4. 啥人？

   Siánn-lâng?

   Who?

   Usage

   Asks about a person, including who is in charge

5. 為啥物？

   Uī-siánn-mih?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason; keep your tone soft so it does not sound like an accusation

6. 按怎？

   Án-tsuánn?

   How?

   Usage

   Asks for a method — how to get there, how to use something

7. 幾个？

   Kuí ê?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks for a number of things, people, or stops

8. 偌濟錢？

   Guā-tsē tsînn?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   The standard way to ask a price — the most used shopping question

9. 佗一个？

   Tó tsi̍t ê?

   Which one?

   Usage

   Choosing among options; use it while pointing

10. 這是啥物？

    Tse sī siánn-mih?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Point at a dish or an item to ask what it is — handy in markets and eateries

11. 便所佇佗位？

    Piān-sóo tī tó-uī?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    One of the most used travel questions; fine to ask anyone

12. 這馬幾點？

    Tsit-má kuí tiám?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Asks the current time — useful while waiting for transport

13. 有無？

    Ū bô?

    Do you have it?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is available; point at the item and it works

14. 會使無？

    Ē-sái bô?

    Can you do it?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is possible — a discount, a repair, a takeaway

15. 愛錢無？

    Ài tsînn bô?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

    Check whether luggage storage, entry, or Wi-Fi costs money

16. 免錢無？

    Bián-tsînn bô?

    Is it free?

    Usage

    Check whether a sample, a map, or a shuttle is free of charge

17. 敢好？

    Kám hó?

    Is this OK?

    Usage

    Asks for permission; pair it with pointing

18. 敢袂使？

    Kám bē-sái?

    Is it not allowed?

    Usage

    Used to double-check after being turned down

19. 你敢有要緊？

    Lí kám ū iàu-kín?

    Are you OK?

    Usage

    Used to check on someone's wellbeing — a different role from "敢好？" (asking permission)

20. 敢真的？

    Kám tsin ê?

    Really?

    Usage

    A short reaction confirming something surprising

21. 你敢確定？

    Lí kám khak-tīng?

    Are you sure?

    Usage

    Presses for confirmation of a fact — more formal than "敢真ê？"

22. 你對佗位來？

    Lí tuì tó-uī lâi?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    A classic conversation starter

23. 你叫啥名？

    Lí kiò siánn-miâ?

    What's your name?

    Usage

    A classic conversation starter

24. 你幾歲？

    Lí kuí huè?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    Commonly asked of older people, but can feel intrusive with, e.g., young women — read the relationship before asking

25. 敢會使做伙翕相？

    Kám ē-sái tsò-hué hip-siòng?

    Can we take a photo together?

    Usage

    Asks for permission to take a photo together

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