Tâi-gí Made Easy

Mother’s Day is only two days away! Though not a public holiday, Taiwan celebrates Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May each year. How heartwarming it would be to express our gratitude to mothers in Tâi-gí. This week, we’ll learn some related vocabulary and an idiom in Tâi-gí. ●Words to Know:1. 阿母 a-bú (n.) mother2. 後生 hāu-senn (n.) son3. 查某囝 tsa-bóo-kiánn (n.) daughter 4. 偉大 uí-tāi (adj.) great, important, impactful5. 有孝 iú-hàu (v.) to be a good son / daughter6. 感謝 kám-siā (v.) to thank ●Idiom of the week:生囝師仔，飼囝師傅。Senn-kiánn sai-á, tshī kiánn sai-hū.(The one who gives birth is a beginner; the one who raises the child is a master.)

Earlier this week, Bloomberg reported that Taiwan’s stock market has overtaken Canada’s to become the world’s sixth-largest. Among companies in Taiwan, TSMC accounts for nearly 45% of the Taiwan Stock Exchange’s total market capitalisation. As people in Taiwan are making a fortune with stocks, this week, we’ll learn some related terms and an idiom in Tâi-gí.   ●Words to Know: 1. 買股票 bé-kóo-phiò (v.) to buy stocks 2. 股東 kóo-tong (n.) stockholder 3. 交割 kau-kuah (v.) settlement (to exchange stocks and money) 4. 趁錢 thàn-tsînn (v.) to make money 5. 了錢 liáu-tsînn (v.) to lose money   ●Idiom of the week: 食緊挵破碗。 Tsia̍h-kín lòng-phuà uánn. (Eating in a hurry causes you to break the bowl.)

As an island, Taiwan is full of endemic species that are unique and nowhere to be found in other places. This week, we’ll learn how to name some of the most frequently seen endemic animals in Taiwan in Tâi-gí.    ●Words to Know: 1. 長尾山娘 tn̂g-bué-suann-niû (n.) Taiwan Blue Magpie 2. 臺灣烏熊 Tâi-uân-oo-hîm (n.) Formosan Black Bear 3. 烏雉雞 oo-thī-ke (n.) Mikado Pheasant 4. 台灣猴山仔 Tâi-uân-kâu-san-á (n.) Formosan Macaque 5. 阿里山塗龍 A-lí-san thôo-liông (n.) Alishan salamander   ●Idiom of the week: 猴也會跋落樹跤。 Kâu iā ē pua̍h-lo̍h tshiū-kha. (Even a monkey can fall from a tree.)

In Taiwan, tea is part of our everyday life. From morning oolong to late-night bubble tea, tea follows us through every part of the day. Tea is also how we treat our guests—we always make tea to show our welcome. This week, we’ll learn some Tâi-gí words and an idiom related to tea. So pour yourself a warm cup, take a deep breath, and let the fragrance guide us into today’s Tâi-gí lesson.   ●Words to Know: 1. 茶米 tê-bí (n.) tea (leaves) 2. 啉茶 lim tê (v.) to drink tea 3. 紅茶 âng-tê (n.) black tea 4. 烏龍茶 oo-liông-tê (n.) Oolong tea 5. 泡茶 phàu tê (v.) to make tea   ●Idiom of the week: 賣茶講茶芳，賣花講花紅。 Bē tê kóng tê phang, bē hue kóng hue âng. (Those who sell tea praise its fragrance; those who sell flowers praise their redness.)

It's been raining dramatically in Taiwan! Every late spring here, the weather turns warm, humid, and rainy. Here comes the plum rain season! When cold and warm air masses meet and linger, we get weeks of steady drizzle. It’s called “plum rain” because it arrives right when plums ripen and fall. Today, let’s learn some Tâi-gí words and an idiom for this rainy time of year.   ●Words to Know: 1. 黃酸雨 n̂g-sng-hōo / 梅仔雨 muê-á-hōo (n.) plum rain / East Asian rainy season 2. 春天 tshun-thinn (n.) spring  3. 梅仔 muê-á (n.) plum 4. 雨傘 hōo-suànn (n.) umbrella 5. 落雨 lo̍h-hōo (v.) to rain   ●Idiom of the week: 好天著存雨來糧。 Hó-thinn tio̍h tshûn hōo-lâi-niû (On sunny days, store food for rainy days.)

5 April marks the Tomb Sweeping Day, or the Qingming Festival, in Taiwan this year! On this national holiday, families visit ancestral graves to clean tombs, offer food and incense, as well as burn joss paper to honour ancestors. This week, let’s learn some Tâi-gí words related to Tomb Sweeping Day.   ●Words to Know: 1. 清明 tshing-bîng (n.) Tomb Sweeping Day 2. 墓仔埔 bōng-á-poo (n.) cemetery  3. 培墓 puē-bōng (v.) to sweep the tomb 4. 墓紙 bōng-tsuá (n.) tomb paper 5. 祖先 tsóo-sian (n.) ancestor   ●Idiom / Proverb of the week: 清明無轉厝，無祖；過年無轉厝，無某。 Tshing-bîng bô tńg tshù, bô tsóo; kuè-nî bô tńg tshù, bô bóo. (If you don’t return home for Qingming, you have no ancestors; if you don’t return home for New Year, you have no wife.)

From 18 March till 10 April, 2014, hundreds of youngsters, mostly university students, ramped into Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan. They occupy the space for one reason: to protest against the trade agreement between Taiwan and China signed in a black box. The occupation became known as the Sunflower Movement, which changed Taiwan’s political scene tremendously. The movement gave birth to a new generation of Taiwanese politicians and activists, who have stronger Taiwanese identities, have less interest in ties with China, and aspire for a better democracy. The movement took the sunflower as its symbol because it is heliotropic. These young people were looking for the sun to rise in politics. And this value is clearly reflected in the movement’s anthem – Island’s Sunrise (島嶼天光). This week, we’ll learn a few lines from the song, so that you can sing along to this powerful tune.

What is your favourite sport? Do you like watching sports? With professional leagues like baseball and basketball, Taiwan is an island that is so passionate about sports! In fact, Taiwan even participated in the World Baseball Classic, which just came to an end earlier this week, defeating Czech Republic and Korea. This week, let’s learn some Tâi-gí words related to sports.   ●Words to Know: 1. 運動 ūn-tōng (n.) sport 2. 野球 iá-kiû (n.) baseball  3. 籃球 nâ-kiû (n.) basketball 4. 跤球 kha-kiû (n.) football 5. 泅水 siû-tsuí (v.) swim 6. 比賽 pí-sài (n.) sport match   ●Idiom of the week: 好額毋值得會食，好命毋值得勇健。 Hó-gia̍h m̄-ta̍t-tit ē tsia̍h, hó-miā m̄-ta̍t-tit ióng-kiānn. (Being rich is not as valuable as being able to eat; having a good life is not as valuable as being healthy and strong.)

Are you a cinephile? As a film critic, watching films is one the things that Wanson loves to do in his free time. This week, let’s learn some Tâi-gí words related to going to the movies.   ●Words to Know: 1. 電影 tiān-iánn (n.) film 2. 戲院 hì-īnn (n.) movie theatre  3. 拍電影 phah-tiān-iánn (phr.) shoot a film 4. 主角 tsú-kak (n.) main character 5. 字幕 jī-bōo (n.) subtitles   ●Idiom  of the week: 人生親像大舞台，苦齣笑詼攏公開。 Jîn-sing tshin-tshiūnn tuā bú-tâi, khóo-tshut tshiò-khue lóng kong-khai. (Life is like a big stage – sad scenes and comedic scenes are all performed in public.)

Do you know that public transportation is so important to the cities of Taiwan? We rely on buses, metro, trains, and sometimes even high speed rail to commute to work! This week, let’s learn some Tâi-gí words related to public transportation in Taiwan.   ●Words to Know: 1. 公車 kong-tshia (n.) bus 2. 捷運 tsia̍t-ūn (n.) metro  3. 火車 hué-tshia (n.) train 4. 高鐵 ko-thih (n.) high speed rail 5. 買車票 bé tshia-phiò (phr.) buy a ticket  6. 車頭 tshia-thâu (n.) train station   ●Idiom  of the week: 狗吠火車。 Káu puī hué-tshia. (A dog barks at a train.)

2026 marks the 79th anniversary of the February 28th incident.    In 1947, Taiwanese people stood up against the Kuomintang’s nationalist government after a murder committed by the government’s tobacco investigator. This incident led to a wide clash between the Taiwanese locals and the newcomers from China. Soldiers fired upon the protesters and civilians across the island after the incident.   Two years after the incident, Taiwan entered the “White Terror” period, when the society was controlled by martial law. During the White Terror, countless Taiwanese civilians, mostly suspected leftists and intellectuals, were unjustly arrested and executed. The island was under an atmosphere of fear, surveillance, and self-censorship.   Last year, A Foggy Tale (大濛), Taiwanese filmmaker Chen Yu-hsun’s latest feature on the White Terror, took the top prize at the Golden Horse Awards in Taipei. It is a moving take on how people find courage in a foggy, authoritarian era.    This week, we’ll learn a few lines from “A Foggy Midnight” (大濛的暗眠), the film’s theme song, so that you can sing along to this beautiful tune.

Welcome to the New Year of the Horse! If you are in Taiwan, you might still be enjoying the holidays. However, do you have any plans for the future, or any new year resolutions? Recently, I found a Tâi-gí song that is so catchy, 寫予未來的情歌 (Love song to the future), by 張語噥 Sammy. It is a letter dedicated to those still grinding through the day, and those who struggle with doubt but refuse to give up. With an upbeat melody, the song reminds us that our hopes for life and our visions for the future belong to us. This week, we’ll learn a few lines from its lyrics, so that you can sing along to this beautiful tune.

Lunar New Year is just around the corner. Are you ready to meet a bunch of family and friends who reunite with you at this time of year? This week, let’s learn some useful Tâi-gí phrases for greeting people during the Lunar New Year!   ●Phrases to Know: 1. 新年快樂 sin-nî khuài-lo̍k (Happy New Year) 2. 恭喜發財 kiong-hí huat-tsâi (Wishing you prosperity and wealth) 3. 食紅棗，年年好 Tsia̍h âng-tsó, nî nî hó (Eat red dates and have a good year every year) 4. 食甜甜，予你好緣規厝邊 Tsia̍h tinn tinn, hōo-lí hó iân kui tshù-pinn (Eat sweets and may you have good relationships with everyone around you) 5. 食龍眼，予你趁錢若海湧 Tsia̍h lîng-gíng,  hōo-lí thàn-tsînn nā hái-íng (Eat longan and may your wealth surge like the ocean) 6. 食紅柿，予你事事攏如意⁣ Tsia̍h âng-khī, hōo-lí sū sū lóng lû-ì (Eat persimmons and may everything goes as you wish for) 7. 敬你一杯茶，祝你身體健康無問題⁣ Kìng lí tsi̍t pue tê, tsiok lí sin-thé kiān-khong bô būn-tê (I offer you a cup of tea and wish you good health with no problems)

It's been so cold in Taiwan recently! Do you have a runny nose or sore throat? I hope you are well. This week, let’s learn some Tâi-gí words related to catching a cold.   ●Words to Know: 1. 感冒 kám-mōo (phr.) catch a cold 2. 頭疼 thâu-thiànn (n.) headache  3. 咳嗽 ka-sàu (v.) cough  4. 發燒 huat-sio (phr.) have a fever 5. 看醫生 khuànn-i-sing (phr.) see the doctor    ●Idiom  of the week: 愛媠毋驚流鼻水。 Ài-suí m̄ kiann lâu phīnn-tsuí. (They’d rather have a runny nose than give up looking good.)

Wanson is in Japan right now, on vacation with his family. This week, let’s learn some related words and wait for his return next week!   ●Words to Know: 1. 歇寒 hioh-kuânn (n.) winter vacation 2. 坐飛行機 tsē-hue-lîng-ki (phr.) take a plane  3. 日本 ji̍t-pún (n.) Japan 4. 出國 tshut-kok (v.) go abroad 5. 旅行 lú-hîng (n.) travelling   ●Idiom  of the week: 一日走拋拋，一暝點燈膋。 Tsi̍t ji̍t tsáu-pha-pha, tsi̍t mê tiám ting-lâ. (Wandering around all day, then burning the midnight oil to fight through the night.)

Last year, in January, I started my journey as an exchange student in Paris. It was the first time I left my family for such a long time. They were worried about me, and I was anxious about leaving them, too. The same thing happened to the Tâi-gí singer, Justin Su. When his daughter went to France to study there, he wrote a song to her. He expressed his best wishes and his deep love to his daughter. The song is titled “飛” (Soaring). This week, we’ll learn a few lines from its lyrics, so that you can sing along to this beautiful tune.

Morning markets are the best places to experience Taiwan’s vibrant food culture. From meat and vegetables to seafood, these ingredients represent the flavours of Taiwan. And, people there usually speak Tâi-gí. We’ll continue learning some useful words to help you go shopping in a Taiwanese market. This week, let’s focus on fruits. ●Words to Know: 1. 果子 kué-tsí / 水果 tsuí-kó (n.) fruit 2. 葡萄 phû-tô (n.) grape 3. 蓮霧 lián-bū (n.) wax apple 4. 柿仔 khī-á (n.) persimmon 5. thoo-má-tooh (n.) tomato   ●Idiom  of the week: 西瓜倚大爿。 Si-kue uá tuā pîng. (Lean toward the bigger side of the watermelon.)

This year, I spent New Year’s Eve watching live broadcasts of celebration concerts all over Taiwan on TV with my family. There was one song that caught my attention — 台灣查某囝 (The Daughter of Taiwan) by 李竺芯 Siri Lee. The previous host of Tâi-gí Made Easy, Ching-en, has introduced this talented young singer, who performs in Tâi-gí. This week, we’ll focus on this particular song and learn a few lines from the lyrics, so that you can sing along to this beautiful tune.

Morning markets are the best places to experience Taiwan’s vibrant food culture - and people there usually speak Tâi-gí. We’ll continue learning some useful words to help you navigate the Taiwanese market. This week, we're joined by Allen to explore how to describe seafood.   ●Words to Know: 1. 海產 hái-sán (n.) seafood 2. 魚 hî (n.) fish 3. 蝦 hê (n.) shrimp 4. 小管仔 sió-kńg-á (n.) Baby Squid 5. 蚶仔 ham-á (n.) clam   ●Idiom  of the week: 一日討海，三日曝網。 Tsi̍t ji̍t thó-hái, sann ji̍t pha̍k bāng. (Catching fish for one day, but spending three days drying the fishing nets.)

Are you ready for 2026? In Taiwan, people love doing the New Year countdown on December 31. The most famous countdown event takes place at Taipei 101, featuring a fireworks display and a concert. This week, we’ll learn some vocabulary about the New Year, so you can count down with your friends in Taiwan! ●Words to Know: 1. 跨年 khuà-nî (phr.) to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2. 2026 jī-khòng-jī-la̍k (n.) 2026 3. 煙火 ian-hué (v.) fireworks 4. 相挨相𤲍 sio-e-sio-kheh (idiom) very crowded 5. 平安順序 pîng-an sūn-sī (phr.) safe and smooth ●Song of the week: 詹雅雯 Chan Ya-Wen - 今年一定會好過

In Taiwanese culture, Dongzhi, or the Winter Solstice, is not just the shortest day of the year. In the past, people believed that after Dongzhi, everyone officially became one year older. One of the most important Dongzhi customs in Taiwan is eating tangyuan (glutinous rice balls). Their round shape symbolises wholeness, reunion, and harmony within the family.  This week, we'll learn some vocabulary about Dongzhi, so that you can celebrate the day with your friends in Taiwan!  ●Words to Know: 1. 冬節 tang-tseh (n.) Dongzhi 2. 挲圓仔 so înn-á (phr.) making tangyuan 3. 團圓 (v.) reunion 4. 烏麻仔 oo-muâ-á (n.) sesame 5. 塗豆 thôo-tāu (n.) peanut ●Idiom of the week: 冬節圓仔食落加一歲。Tang-tseh înn-á tsia̍h lo̍h ke tsi̍t huè. Eating tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) on Dongzhi means you've turned one year older.

Morning markets are the best places to experience Taiwan’s vibrant food culture. From meat and vegetables to seafood, these ingredients represent the flavours of Taiwan. And, people there usually speak Tâi-gí. We’ll continue learning some useful words to help you go shopping in a Taiwanese market. This week, let’s focus on meat. ●Words to Know: 1. 豬肉 ti-bah (n.) pork 2. 排骨 pâi-kut (n.) pork ribs 3. 雞肉 ke-bah (n.) chicken 4. 牛肉 gû-bah (n.) beef 5. 羊肉 iûnn-bah (n.) lamb 6. 鴨肉 ah-bah (n.) duck ●Idiom of the week: 看人食肉，毋通看人相拍。Khuànn lâng tsia̍h bah, m̄-thang khuànn lâng sio-phah. (It's better to watch others eat meat than to watch them fight.)

Morning markets are the best places to experience Taiwan’s vibrant food culture, where all the ingredients represent part of Taiwan's flavours. This week, we’ll continue to learn some useful words, specifically vegetables, to help you go shopping in a Taiwanese market. ●Words to Know: 1. 蔥仔 tshang-á (n.) scallion 2. 紅菜頭 âng-tshài-thâu (n.) carrots 3. 莧菜 hīng-tshài (n.) Amaranth Leaves / Chinese spinach 4. 香菇 hiunn-koo (n.) shintake mushrooms 5. 高麗菜 ko-lê-tshài (n.) cabbage   ●Idiom  of the week: 食魚食肉，也著菜佮。Tsia̍h hî tsia̍h bah, iā tio̍h tshài kah. (Eating fish and meat is important, but it's also essential to eat vegetables.)

Morning markets are the best places to experience Taiwan’s vibrant food culture. From meat and vegetables to seafood, these ingredients represent the flavours of Taiwan. And, people there usually speak Tâi-gí. This week, we’ll learn some useful words to help you go shopping in a Taiwanese market.   ●Words to Know: 1. 菜市仔 tshài-tshī-á (n.) market 2. 頭家 thâu-ke (n.) boss / shop owner 3. 俗 sio̍k (adj.) cheap 4. 貴 kuì (adj.) expensive 5. 鮮 tshinn (adj.) fresh   ●Idiom of the week: 無魚，蝦嘛好 Bô hî, hê mā hó. (If you can’t get fish, buying shrimp is fine too.)

Tropical Storm Fung-Wong reached southern Taiwan last week, becoming the first typhoon to make landfall in the past 58 years. With Taiwan’s weather changing so dramatically lately, let’s learn a few words to describe it. ●Words to Know: 1. 落雨 lo̍h-hōo (v.) raining 2. 好天 hó-thinn (n.) a sunny and comfortable day 3. 風真透 hong tsin thàu (phr.) really windy 4. 寒 kuânn (adj.) cold 5. 熱 lua̍h (adj.) hot ●PHRASE of the week: 鳳凰風颱 hòng-hông hong-thai Fung-Wong (Phoenix) typhoon

Today, we’re listening to one of the most beloved Tâi-gí songs in Taiwan of all time — Ke-āu (家後) by Jody Chiang (江蕙).  As the most popular song of the most popular modern Tâi-gí singer, this song tells the story of a woman who has spent her life caring for her husband and family with deep love and devotion.  Let’s learn a few lines from the lyrics, so that you can sing along and get to know the meaning of the song.

As the weather turns cooler in November, Taiwan’s markets is filled with the flavours of early winter. On this week’s Tâi-gí Made Easy, we’ll learn how to say these seasonal foods in Tâi-gí. Let s explore how these foods show the rhythm of Taiwan’s vibrant food scene. ●Words to Know: 1. 菜頭 tshài-thâu (n.) radish 2. 椪柑 phòng-kam (n.) Ponkan 3. 弓蕉 king-tsio (n.) banana 4. 烏魚 oo-hî (n.) mullet 5. 白帶魚 pe̍h-tuà-hî (n.) silverfish ●Idiom of the week: 弓蕉吐囝為囝死 King-tsio thòo kiánn uī kiánn sí. (The banana gives birth to its child, and dies for its child.)

With the diverse cultures that have influenced Taiwan, there are many Tâi-gí words that originate from other languages! This week, we will continue to learn some new words and explore the influence of English,  Japanese, and more on the Taiwanese language. ●Words to Know: 1. ùn-tsiàng (n.) driver 2. mài-kù (n.) microphone 3. 便當 piān-tong (n.) bento / boxed lunch 4. gá-suh (n.) gas stove / gas 5. 磅空 pōng-khang (n.) tunnel / bunker ●Idiom of the week: Pha-lih-pha-lih. (Someone is very fashionable.)

With the diverse cultures that have influenced Taiwan, there are many Tâi-gí words that originate from other languages! This week, let’s learn some new words and explore the influence of English,  Japanese, French, and more on the Taiwanese language. ●Words to Know: 1. oo-tóo-bái (n.) scooter / motorcycle 2. 雪文 sap-bûn (n.) soap 3. 麭 pháng (n.) bread 4. bì-lù (n.) beer 5. lài-tah (n.) lighter ●Idiom of the week: A-ta-mah khōng-ku-lí. (Someone is so stupid that their brain is full of concrete.)

Have you met anyone whom you’d like to spend your life with? Today, we are listening to a song in Tâi-gí that touches on the relationship between you and your significant other – 一人一半 You Complete Me by 旺福 Won Fu. This track is the theme song of the Taiwanese TV drama The Making of an Ordinary Woman. The lyrics are simple yet powerful. People follow different life paths: some succeed, others don’t. But deep down, we all share the same hope to find someone who will always stay by our side.

On 10 October, also known as Double Tenth Day, people in Taiwan celebrate our National Day! Historically, 10 October 1911 marked the day of the Xinhai Revolution, which led to the termination of the Qing Dynasty in China and ultimately resulted in the establishment of the Republic of China, the official name of the ruling government in Taiwan. As people in Taiwan celebrate our National Day, there will be flag-raising ceremonies all over the country on 10 October. Plus, you can participate in the fireworks display in Nantou this year. Moreover, there is an exceptional projection mapping show illuminating the facade of the Presidential Office. This week, we’ll explore some words related to the National Day!   ●Words to Know: 1. 國慶 kok-khìng (n.) National Day 2. 國旗 kok-kî (n.) the national flag 3. 煙火 ian-hué (n.) fireworks 4. 鬧熱 lāu-jia̍t (adj.) lively, with lots of activities 5. 放假 pàng-ká (phr.) to have a day off

The Moon Festival is one of Taiwan’s most important holidays when families gather. The festival is on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, when the moon is at its fullest. This year, it falls on 6 October. In Taiwan, families and friends gather to watch the moon, eat mooncakes and pomelos, and enjoy outdoor barbecues. This week, we’ll explore some words and idioms related to the festival! ●Words to Know: 1. 中秋節 Tiong-tshiu-tseh (n.) the Moon Festival 2. 月娘 gue̍h-niû (n.) the Moon 3. 月餅 gue̍h-piánn (n.) mooncake 4. 柚仔 iū-á (n.) pomelo 5. 烘肉 hang-bah (v.) to barbecue ●Idiom of the week: 年驚中秋，月驚十九。Nî kiann tiong-tshiu, gue̍h kiann si̍p-kiú. (People are afraid of Mid-Autumn in a year, and are afraid of the 19th day in a month.)

This week, we’ll be listening to a song that brings back a lot of memories for many people in Taiwan: Bike (腳踏車) by Jason Wang (王識賢). This song is all about riding a bike and waiting for the lover. Let’s ride along together with this song.

Night markets are one of the most important parts of Taiwanese culture!Whether it is a weekday or a weekend evening, people enjoy strolling through these lively spots where so many food stalls and vendors gather. This week, we’ll learn some essential words related to the night market.   ●Words to Know: 1. 踅夜市 se̍h iā-tshī (phr.) to go to the night market 2. 鹹酥雞 kiâm-soo-ke (n.) Taiwanese fried chicken 3. 煙腸 ian-tshiâng (n.) sausage 4. 擔 tànn (n.) a stall 5. 拍珠仔 phah tsu-á (phr.) play pinball   ●Idiom of the week: 三跤步一坎店。Sann kha-pōo tsi̍t khám tiàm. (Every three steps, there’s a small shop.)

If you’re a student — welcome back to school! The semester has just started in Taiwan in September. In today’s episode, we’ll get to know some fun and useful Taiwanese phrases related to campus life and learning. Whether you’re meeting new friends or talking about homework, these expressions will help you get ready for the new semester.    ●Words to Know: 1. 開學 khai-ha̍k (n.) the start of school 2. 讀冊 tha̍k-tsheh (v.) to study 3. 老師 lāu-su (n.) teacher 4. 同學 tông-o̍h (n.) classmate 5. 智識 tì-sik (n.) knowledge   ●Idiom of the week: 讀冊，讀佇尻脊骿。Tha̍k-tsheh, tha̍k tī kha-tsiah-phiann. (Studying mechanically without real understanding.)

This week, we'll learn some poetic lines in Tâi-gí from the lyrics of The Usual (同款) by Pei-Yu Hung (洪佩瑜). The track is the theme song of the movie "Day Off," which tells the touching story of a barber and her client. Let's sing a long to the lines together!

The Qixi Festival, also known as Chinese Valentine’s Day, celebrates the legend of the Weaver Girl (織女) and the Cowherd (牛郎). According to the lunar calendar, the festival falls on 29 August this year. This week, we’ll explore some words and an idiom related to the festival!   ●Words to Know: 1. 情人節 tsîng-jîn-tseh (n.) Valentine’s Day 2. 織女 Tsit-lú (n.) Weaver Girl 3. 牛郎 Gû-nn̂g (n.) the Cowherd 4. 河溪 hô-khe (n.) Milky Way 5. 客鳥 kheh-tsiáu (n.) magpie   ●Idiom of the week: 愛著較慘死 Ài--tio̍h khah tshám sí. (Once you fall in love, it's more miserable than death.)

We're stepping into the Ghost Month in Taiwan... According to the legend, this is a time when the gates of the underworld are open. The highlight is the Ghost Festival (中元節) on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month. On the day, people hold ceremonies offering food to the spirits who don’t have a home (Pudu 普渡). You might also witness the beautiful yet solemn tradition of releasing the lanterns on water to guide lost souls. Tune in to learn the essential Tai-gi words for you to get through the month!   ●Words to Know: 1. 鬼月 kuí-gue̍h (n.) Ghost Month 2. 鬼門 kuí-mn̂g (n.) the gates of the underworld 3. 中元節 Tiong-guân-tseh (n.) Ghost Festival 4. 普渡 phóo-tōo (v.) to offer food to the spirits who don’t have a home (Pudu) 5. 放水燈 pàng-tsuí-ting (phr.) to release water lanterns   ●Idiom of the week: 七月半鴨仔，毋知死活。 Tshit-gue̍h-puànn ah-á, m̄ tsai sí-ua̍h. (A duck on the Ghost Festival, unaware of its fate.)

Summer is typhoon season in Taiwan. In fact, the island was struck by a typhoon on August 13. This week, we explore some useful typhoon-related words and phrases, which are perfectly timed for the moment.   ●Words to Know: 1. 風颱 hong-thai (n.) typhoon 2. 風颱天 hong-thai-thinn (n.) typhoon day 3. 做風颱 tsò-hong-thai (phr.) a typhoon is hitting 4. 火燒雲 hué-sio-hûn (n.) red clouds (before a typhoon) 5. 做大水 tsò-tuā-tsuí (phr.) flooding   ●Idiom of the week: 掃著風颱尾 sàu-tio̍h hong-thai-bué (Get caught in the crossfire.)

In this special farewell episode of Taigi Made Easy, we learn how to say goodbye and express well wishes in Taigi. Phrases like tsài-huē and tsiok-hok lí hīng-hok bí-buán offer warm, meaningful ways to part. The episode also features the classic song Tsiok-hok by Jody Chiang — a touching ballad about letting go with grace. Though this chapter closes, the journey of learning Taigi and exploring Taiwanese culture continues.

In this episode of Tai-gi Made Easy, we spotlight rising Tai-gi singer Siri Lee, whose album Suí  swept the 2024 Golden Melody Awards. Learn how she blends modern sounds with her native Taiwanese language to create fresh, meaningful music — including her viral hit “puānn puānn leh.” Discover how her work is reshaping the future of Taiwanese pop culture, one heartfelt lyric at a time.

In this episode of Tai-gi Made Easy, we build on last week’s body parts vocabulary and learn how to describe common types of pain in Tai-gi — like “headache” (thâu thiànn) and “toothache” (tshuì-khí thiànn). We also explore fun idioms and cultural insights, including the summer treat bí-thai-ba̍k and the expression ngē-phīnn for describing a stubborn person. A perfect mix of language learning and culture!

In this episode of Tai-gi Made Easy, we continue our exploration of body parts — this time focusing on everything below the neck. Learn how to say “shoulders,” “chest,” “arms,” “feet,” and more in Tai-gi, plus hear a fun idiom that uses the word for “nose”! Don’t forget to review last week’s lesson on facial features as we build your vocabulary step by step.

In this episode, we're diving into the world of body-related vocabulary—starting from the neck up. We'll explore common English phrases and expressions that involve the head, face, eyes, ears, and more. From "off the top of your head" to "lend me your ears," you'll discover how these everyday body parts shape the way we speak. Stay tuned for future episodes where we’ll continue the journey down to the toes!

Last time, we got a taste of how to talk about drinks in Tâi-gí— from basic words to common favorites. You learned how to say what you're drinking and got comfortable using key vocabulary in everyday situations. In this episode, we're building on that foundation. You'll learn how to put those words into natural, full sentences so you can order a drink or chat about your beverage preferences with ease.

In this episode, you’ll learn basic Tâi-gí phrases for drinking different kinds of beverages — from water to tea and beyond!

In this episode, we’ll learn how to order food in Tâi-gí.

The 38th Golden Melody Awards ceremony will take place at Taipei Arena on June 28th. This event brings together Taiwan’s music lovers and top artists to celebrate the country’s outstanding musical achievements. Among this year’s nominees is Chiā Bêng-iū, who has earned recognition in several major categories: Best Lyricist, Best Male Singer, and Best Tai-gi Album for his latest release, Pian-lâm. Additionally, one of the album’s tracks, “Pian-lâm-hong,” is nominated for Song of the Year. Tune in to listen to this captivating song and discover more about this iconic singer!

Let’s learn the names of colors in Tâi-gí!

In this episode, you'll learn how to talk about the ways you get from place to place. Discover how to express the use of different modes of transportation—like cars, trains, or vessels—when describing how you reach a destination or accomplish an activity.