Definition

1. 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.

2. 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

1. of or relating to or characteristic of the island republic on Taiwan or its residents or their language
   • the Taiwanese capital is Taipeh

Noun

1. any of the forms of Chinese spoken in Fukien province
2. a native or inhabitant of Taiwan