Japanese Influencer Lists 3 Words That Instantly Identify Taiwanese Abroad

A Japanese influencer based in Taiwan has identified three specific words that, for her, instantly signal someone is Taiwanese when she encounters them abroad. Erica, who frequently shares observations about Taiwanese and Japanese culture, posted a video detailing her unique method for distinguishing Taiwanese Mandarin speakers from those from mainland China.

Erica explained that while pronunciation alone can be difficult to differentiate, paying attention to specific vocabulary is key. The three words she highlighted are "cut watermelon" (切西瓜), "LINE PAY," and the Taiwanese expletive "ㄍㄢˋ！靠！" (gàn! kào!). She believes that hearing these terms is a reliable indicator of Taiwanese identity.

The video quickly went viral, attracting over 4 million views and significant engagement from both Taiwanese and Japanese audiences. Many Taiwanese netizens praised Erica's keen observation skills, with some sharing additional linguistic identifiers. Suggestions included the interjection "蛤？" (há?), the phrase "少一個3小啦" (shǎo yī ge sān xiǎo la), and the polite "不好意思" (bù hǎo yì si), often used by Taiwanese people. Some noted that Taiwanese people tend to be more direct in criticizing their own leaders compared to Chinese speakers, and that Taiwanese people often use "thank you" frequently.

Beyond language, commenters pointed to distinctive Taiwanese cultural habits, such as wearing shorts and sandals, carrying thermos bottles, and a generally more relaxed and open demeanor. The overall impression, some described, is a "southern country vibe" characterized by a straightforward, innocent, and uninhibited approach, often accompanied by more expressive body language and a gentler tone when speaking to strangers.

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If you are worried about not being able to recognize Taiwanese people or Chinese speakers from other countries while abroad, you can pay attention to whether they say these words, which can serve as a quick judgment.