Having lived in Tainan for 8 years now, I've grown quite fond of the Taiwanese (or Hoklo, if you will) language. Even though my Mandarin is much better, I still prefer to hear Taiwanese and I try to converse in it as much as possible. I know the language is not as popular among other non-native speakers, but I'd like to hear from those of you out there that like to speak Taiwanese.
What are your favorite Taiwanese words?
The first that comes to my mind (though a bit vulgar) is "chhua sai" meaning literally to shit in one's pants, but generally meaning that you messed up.
Another, slightly vulgar, is "iao siu" which started out as cursing another to a shortened life, but more typically is used to mean "Damn it!"
Also, "U ia, bo?" which is used to mean "Really?" but literally means "Does it have a shadow (is is therefore not a ghost)?"







