taiwanese
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Relating to Taiwan, its people, or its culture: Describes something originating from or characteristic of the island republic of Taiwan.
- Relating to the language(s) of Taiwan: Describes the linguistic forms associated with Taiwan.
Noun:
- A person from Taiwan: A native or inhabitant of Taiwan.
- A language variety: Refers to any of the forms of Chinese spoken in Fujian (Fukien) province and widely used in Taiwan, such as Hokkien (often called "Taiwanese" locally).
Usage Examples
Adjective:
- The Taiwanese economy is export-oriented. (The economy of Taiwan is export-oriented.)
- She enjoys Taiwanese cinema. (She enjoys cinema from Taiwan.)
Noun (Person):
- He is a Taiwanese. (He is a person from Taiwan.)
- Many Taiwanese live abroad. (Many people from Taiwan live abroad.)
Noun (Language):
- My grandmother speaks Taiwanese. (My grandmother speaks the Hokkien language as used in Taiwan.)
- Learning Taiwanese helps communicate with locals. (Learning the local language helps communicate with locals.)
Advanced Usage
- Demonym: The noun "Taiwanese" functions as a demonym, a word for the people of a specific place.
- The Taiwanese are known for their hospitality. (The people of Taiwan are known for their hospitality.)
- Linguistic Identifier: Used to specify a particular linguistic variant within the Chinese language family.
- The Taiwanese spoken in Tainan has some unique features. (The Hokkien variant spoken in Tainan has some unique features.)
Variants and Related Words
- Taiwan: (Proper Noun) The island republic itself.
- Hokkien: (Noun) The Southern Min Chinese language, of which the variety spoken in Taiwan is a major branch. Often used synonymously with "Taiwanese" in a linguistic context.
- Minnan: (Noun) Another term for the Southern Min language.
Synonyms
- Formosan: (Adjective) An older or more formal term meaning "of or from Taiwan." (Less common in modern everyday usage).
- From Taiwan: (Phrase) A descriptive phrase equivalent to the adjective.
Important Notes
- The term "Taiwanese" can refer to nationality/citizenship, ethnicity, or language, depending on context.
- In linguistic contexts, "Taiwanese" most precisely refers to the local variety of Hokkien (Southern Min), which is different from Mandarin Chinese, the official language of Taiwan.
Adjective
- of or relating to or characteristic of the island republic on Taiwan or its residents or their language
- the Taiwanese capital is Taipeh
Noun
- any of the forms of Chinese spoken in Fukien province
- a native or inhabitant of Taiwan