Official Language
Mandarin Chinese (Taiwanese Mandarin)
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: iis.kh.edu.tw, howwidelyspoken.com
Overall4/10Less English-friendly than about 90% of cities
Good to know
Good to Know
- English proficiency is lower in Kaohsiung than in Taipei or central Taiwan; plan to learn basic Mandarin phrases for smoother daily interactions
- Taxi drivers typically speak limited English; carry a card with your destination written in Mandarin or use a translation app
- Younger people and students are more likely to speak English; locals appreciate effort to greet or thank them in Mandarin
- Growing bilingual push: since 2019, the city has emphasized English in signage and civil service, improving English availability in some official contexts
- Expat community is growing with regular language exchanges and social events; these are valuable for both language practice and social integration
- Tourist areas and major shopping districts generally have better English signage and staff than smaller neighborhoods
Official Language
Mandarin Chinese (Taiwanese Mandarin)
Mandarin Language Info
- Importance
- Essential for meaningful daily life
- Writing System
- Traditional Chinese characters (not simplified)
- Mandarin Learning Notes
- English-speaking instruction available at schools; basic survival phrases appreciated by locals and enhance experience significantly
Learning Resources In Kaohsiung
Language Schools
- Kaohsiung Language School (multiple locations)
- Wall Street English
- British Council
- KNS Language Institute
- Global Village Organization
Other Learning Options
- Private tutors available through local expat communities
- Language exchange meetups (common in city, mixing locals and expats)
- University programs
- Online platforms (TutorABC, MyTutor, Duolingo, Rosetta Stone)
Other Official Languages
Other Official Languages
- Taiwanese Hokkien (Taiwanese)
- Hakka
- Formosan Indigenous Languages
English Proficiency Level
- Description
- Limited proficiency overall; varies significantly by context and demographics
Key Details
- Taiwan ranks around 30th-40th globally in English proficiency
- Less than 20% of Kaohsiung population speaks English to communicate effectively
- Kaohsiung has lower English proficiency than northern/central cities like Taipei
- Younger people and urban professionals more likely to speak English than older residents
- Tourism and business sectors have better English speakers than general population
English Friendliness Assessment
- Rating
- Moderate; possible language barriers without Mandarin
- Day To Day Navigation
- English is understood in professional, international, and tourist areas, but day-to-day interactions (taxis, smaller restaurants, local shops) may require Mandarin or gestures
Practical Notes
- Many restaurants in tourist areas have English menus
- Major venues and businesses increasingly bilingual
- Government bilingual initiative: Kaohsiung implemented bilingual road signs and civil servant English requirements under 2019 mayoral program
- Expats report needing support from English-speaking friends for everyday errands without Mandarin knowledge
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this language & english friendliness research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Kaohsiung
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.