Taiwan is a country where multiple languages intersect—Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but you’ll also hear Hokkien (Taiwanese), Hakka, indigenous languages, and a growing number of foreign tongues spoken throughout its cities and schools.
Whether you’re a local student, an expat, or an international professional, learning an additional language in Taiwan is becoming increasingly common—and strategic.
But the question isn’t just if you should learn a new language. The real question is: which one is right for you?
The answer depends on your career ambitions, personal interests, travel goals, or educational needs. Many people begin their journey with an 英語補習班 (English class), while others pursue languages like Japanese, Korean, or French to align with culture, trade, or global trends.
Let’s explore the top language options you might consider learning in Taiwan and how to decide what fits your lifestyle and goals best.
English
If you’re aiming for international mobility—whether for work, higher education, or personal development—English remains the most important foreign language to learn in Taiwan. It’s the global default for communication across industries, and proficiency in English opens doors to multinational companies, overseas study programs, and digital careers.
In Taiwan, English is a required subject in schools, but many people seek out extra practice through tutoring, online platforms, or immersive lessons to gain the confidence needed to speak fluently. With Taiwan strengthening its international partnerships and becoming a growing destination for global business, knowing English isn’t just helpful—it’s expected in many professional settings.
Japanese
For many people in Taiwan, Japanese is the second most attractive foreign language to learn. Taiwan and Japan share strong cultural and economic ties, and Japanese pop culture—anime, J-pop, food, and travel—has a significant fan base here.
Professionally, Japan is one of Taiwan’s largest trade partners. If you’re in the tech, manufacturing, tourism, or hospitality industry, knowing Japanese can offer a real advantage. Taiwanese professionals who work with Japanese clients, suppliers, or tourists often find that even basic Japanese skills can improve relationships and job prospects.
Culturally, many Taiwanese people simply enjoy Japanese entertainment, fashion, and travel. Learning Japanese makes these experiences more meaningful and immersive. Whether you’re preparing for a business trip, planning to study abroad in Japan, or just want to understand your favorite dramas without subtitles, a 日語補習班 can help you get started or level up quickly.
Korean
Korean is quickly growing in popularity across Taiwan, especially among younger learners. With the Hallyu wave—K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean beauty products—Korean culture is deeply woven into daily life for many Taiwanese youth.
Beyond entertainment, Korea is also a major economic partner to Taiwan. Professionals in marketing, e-commerce, and consumer goods often find that learning Korean can enhance job opportunities and cross-border collaborations. And for travelers or students thinking of spending time in Korea, even basic fluency can make a huge difference in local engagement and daily communication.
If you’re drawn to modern culture and want to work with Korean companies or brands, learning the language can give you a competitive edge.
French, German, and Southeast Asian Languages
Taiwan’s international relationships aren’t limited to East Asia. There’s growing demand for professionals who speak French or German, particularly in the fields of science, engineering, fashion, and hospitality. Countries like France and Germany offer scholarships and tuition-free education for international students, which makes language acquisition an appealing path for those considering study abroad.
At the same time, Taiwan’s diplomatic and labor relationships with Southeast Asia have made languages like Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian increasingly valuable. For those working in international development, healthcare, or government, these languages can provide practical tools for better communication and stronger relationships with immigrant and labor communities.
How to Choose the Right Language for You
The best language to learn isn’t the one everyone else is studying—it’s the one that serves your future. If your career or studies require communication with global partners, English is the safest and most strategic choice. If you love Japanese culture or work with Japanese clients, learning Japanese can be both personally and professionally rewarding.
Your lifestyle, passions, and goals should shape your decision. Are you planning to live abroad? Do you want to work in international marketing or tech? Are you interested in diplomacy, education, or translation? These questions will guide you toward the most beneficial language path.
Whatever you choose, consistency is key. Taking lessons, watching media in your target language, and practicing regularly with a tutor or partner will turn your curiosity into real skill.
Final Thoughts
With its global outlook and multicultural influences, Taiwan is a uniquely supportive environment for language learners.
Whether you’re building your resume, preparing for overseas travel, or diving deeper into another culture, there’s never been a better time to learn a new language here.
