Here’s What Language Is Spoken in Taiwan in 2025

If you’re visiting or moving to Taiwan, one question comes up fast: What language do people speak here?

The short answer? Mandarin is the official language, but Taiwan is multilingual. You’ll hear Mandarin, Taiwanese Hokkien, Hakka, and even Indigenous languages across different regions. And English? It’s growing—but not as fast as you might think.

In 2025, English education is expanding thanks to Taiwan’s Bilingual Nation 2030 policy. More schools, businesses, and public signs now include English. But does this mean you can get by speaking just English? Not everywhere. In Taipei, it’s easier. In smaller cities, Mandarin or Taiwanese is essential.

So, if you’re planning to live, work, or do business in Taiwan, here’s what you need to know about the languages spoken in 2025. Let’s break it down.

Mandarin

Mandarin Chinese is Taiwan’s primary language. Over 80% of the population speaks it fluently, and it’s used in government, business, education, and media.

But here’s something to know—Mandarin in Taiwan isn’t the same as in China. It uses traditional Chinese characters, while China uses simplified ones. The accent is also different, with Taiwanese Mandarin sounding softer and more relaxed than the standard Beijing accent.

By 2025, Mandarin will remain dominant, but there’s a shift. Younger generations mix English words into daily conversations, especially in tech, business, and online culture. But don’t expect locals to always switch to English—Mandarin is still key for daily life.

So, if you’re serious about living in Taiwan, learning basic Mandarin phrases will help you navigate daily interactions. You don’t need to be fluent, but knowing key words can go a long way.

Taiwanese Hokkien

Taiwanese Hokkien, often just called Taiwanese, is spoken by around 70% of the population. While Mandarin is used for official business, Taiwanese dominates in local markets, family conversations, and older generations.

In 2025, Hokkien isn’t fading—it’s making a comeback. Younger people are embracing it as part of Taiwanese identity, and the government promotes its use through education and media.

If you live in the south, in cities like Tainan, Kaohsiung, or Chiayi, expect to hear more Taiwanese than Mandarin in daily life. If you plan to work with local businesses or older communities, learning basic Hokkien phrases can help you build stronger connections.

English in Taiwan

Taiwan’s government has big plans for English. Under the Bilingual Nation 2030 policy, English is becoming more common in education, workplaces, and public services.

By 2025, English is more visible, but does this mean everyone speaks it? Not quite.

Here’s where it stands:

• In Taipei, major businesses, hotels, and international schools use English daily. You can survive here without speaking Mandarin.
• In smaller cities? English fluency drops significantly. Outside of major tourist areas, you’ll struggle without Mandarin.

A 2024 government report found that while over 85% of students in Taiwan learn English, only 30% feel comfortable using it in conversation. That’s because most Taiwanese learn English for exams, not for speaking.

So, if you want to improve your English while living in Taiwan, private tutoring is the way to go. Platforms like AmazingTalker (英文課程) offer personalized lessons that fit your schedule. Whether you need business English or just casual conversation skills, one-on-one tutoring helps you learn faster.

Hakka and Indigenous Languages

Taiwan is home to around 4.5 million Hakka people, and their language, Hakka, is spoken in areas like Miaoli, Hsinchu, and parts of Kaohsiung.

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Indigenous communities—which make up 2% of the population—speak Austronesian languages that are completely different from Mandarin. These include Amis, Atayal, Paiwan, and more.

By 2025, both Hakka and Indigenous languages are getting more government support, with TV programs, cultural initiatives, and education programs helping to keep them alive.

For most foreigners, learning Mandarin will be enough—but if you live in Hakka or Indigenous areas, learning basic greetings in these languages can help you connect with local communities.

Should You Learn English in Taiwan?

Even if you’re a native Mandarin speaker, English skills can give you a big advantage in Taiwan’s job market.

Many companies now require strong English proficiency for roles in finance, tech, and international business. The demand for English-speaking employees is growing, and those who speak English fluently earn up to 30% more than those who don’t.

If you want to improve your English skills while living in Taiwan, consider joining an English training course (英文補習班). These courses are designed for adults, professionals, and students who want to speak with confidence in real-world situations.

Final Thoughts

It all depends on where you are and what you’re doing.

• Mandarin is the main language, and you’ll need it for work, business, and daily life.
• Taiwanese Hokkien is essential for local connections, especially in southern Taiwan.
• English is growing, but fluency is still limited outside of Taipei.
• Hakka and Indigenous languages remain strong in specific regions.

So, if you’re moving to Taiwan in 2025, learning Mandarin is your best bet. But if you work in international business, investing in strong English skills can open better job opportunities and higher salaries.