Whether you’re in a night market grabbing a quick can of 台啤 (Táipí – Taiwan Beer) or sitting down at a specialized brewpub, knowing the lingo is essential. The word for beer, 啤酒 (Píjiǔ), is easy enough, but ordering the correct style, temperature, and quantity requires specialized vocabulary.
This article is your complete toolkit for navigating the vibrant drinking culture in Taiwan, from the essential toasts to the specific terms for your favorite craft brew.
Section I: The Fundamentals (Types and Temperatures)
Before you order, you need to know the basic structure and condition of the beer itself. This is critical for differentiating between what’s on tap and what’s in a bottle.
Basic Beer Terms
| Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning | Usage Context |
| 啤酒 | Píjiǔ | Beer (General Term) | |
| 生啤酒 | Shēng Píjiǔ | Draft Beer / Tap Beer | Lit. Fresh Beer. Crucial for ordering at bars. |
| 瓶裝啤酒 | Píngzhuāng Píjiǔ | Bottled Beer | Standard term for bottled variety. |
| 泡沫 | Pàomò | Foam / Head | Used when complimenting or criticizing the pour. |
| 麥芽 | Màiyá | Malt | Technical term for brewing ingredients. |
| 酒精濃度 | Jiǔjīng Nóngdù | Alcohol Percentage (ABV) | Essential for strong beers. |
Temperature And Condition
In Taiwan, you often must specify temperature, or you might receive a 常溫 (chángwēn) or room temperature beer.
- 冰鎮 (Bīngzhèn): Chilled or Iced. (The preferred condition for lagers.)
- 常溫 (Chángwēn): Room temperature. (Sometimes preferred for stouts or specific craft beers.)
Yak Tip: When in doubt, ask for a cold one: 請問，有冰鎮的啤酒嗎？ (Qǐngwèn, yǒu bīngzhèn de píjiǔ ma?)
Section II: Decoding Beer Styles (The Craft Scene)
The rise of craft brewing means you need more than just 啤酒. Knowing these styles will allow you to confidently order from any modern menu.
Standard and Classic Styles
- 拉格 (Lāgé): Lager. (The most common commercial type, including Taiwan Beer.)
- 愛爾 (Ài’ěr): Ale. (The general category for top-fermented beers.)
- 黑啤酒 (Hēi Píjiǔ): Dark Beer / Stout / Porter. (Lit. Black Beer.)
- 小麥啤酒 (Xiǎomài Píjiǔ): Wheat Beer. (Used for Hefeweizens and Witbiers.)
Popular Craft Brew Terms
| Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning | Context Vibe |
| 印度淡色愛爾 | Yìndù Dànsè Ài’ěr | India Pale Ale (IPA) | The full formal translation. Often just called IPA. |
| 波特 | Bōtè | Porter | Used for heavier, dark styles. |
| 比利時啤酒 | Bǐlìshí Píjiǔ | Belgian Beer | Often used for specific fruity/high-alcohol styles. |
| 酸啤酒 | Suān Píjiǔ | Sour Beer | Used for Goses or Lambics. |
Section III: Ordering And Quantity (Measure Words And Sets)
Knowing the correct measure words and phrases for sets of beer is critical, especially when buying from a convenience store or market.
Measure Words for Beer
- 瓶 (Píng): Measure word for bottles.
- 罐 (Guàn): Measure word for cans.
- 杯 (Bēi): Measure word for glasses/mugs.
- 扎 (Zhā): Measure word for a large pitcher/jug of beer (common in older bars).
Sets and Bulk
- 一手 (Yī shǒu): A six-pack or a common unit of six. (Lit. “One hand.” This is extremely common slang in Taiwan.)
- 一箱 (Yī xiāng): A case/box (usually 24 or 12 units).
Ordering Template:
請問，我要兩罐台啤和一手瓶裝啤酒。 (Qǐngwèn, wǒ yào liǎng guàn Táipí hé yī shǒu píngzhuāng píjiǔ.)
Translation: Excuse me, I want two cans of Taiwan Beer and a six-pack of bottled beer.
Section IV: The Drinking Ritual (Toasts, Slang, and Culture)
The social side of drinking is governed by etiquette and specific phrases. These are the vocabulary items that signal you are participating fully in the culture.
Essential Toasts and Rituals
- 乾杯 (Gānbēi): Cheers! / Bottoms Up! (Lit. Dry the glass.) The mandatory main toast.
- 一口 (Yī kǒu): One sip. (Used when you want to drink slowly or politely refuse to 乾杯 the whole glass.)
- 隨意 (Suíyì): As you please. (A host will say this to tell you not to feel pressured to finish your drink.)
- 敬你 (Jìng nǐ): I respect you / A toast to you. (Used when making a specific, personal toast to an individual.)
Drunkenness and Capacity Slang
- 酒量 (Jiǔliàng): Drinking capacity. (A common topic of discussion.)
- 我酒量不好。 (Wǒ jiǔliàng bù hǎo.) – I don’t have a good drinking capacity. (A polite refusal.)
- 醉了 (Zuì le): Drunk. (The formal state.)
- 茫了 (Máng le): Tipsy / Buzzing / Totally wasted. (Popular, casual slang, especially in Taiwan, suggesting an elevated, slightly chaotic state.)
Quick Reference Table: Beer Basics and Slang
| Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning | Category |
| 啤酒 | Píjiǔ | Beer | General |
| 生啤酒 | Shēng Píjiǔ | Draft Beer | Type |
| 黑啤酒 | Hēi Píjiǔ | Dark Beer / Stout | Type |
| 台灣啤酒 | Táiwān Píjiǔ | Taiwan Beer (臺啤) | Local Staple |
| 酒精濃度 | Jiǔjīng Nóngdù | Alcohol Percentage (ABV) | Technical |
| 冰鎮 | Bīngzhèn | Chilled / Iced | Condition |
| 一手 | Yī shǒu | Six-pack / Set of Six | Quantity Slang |
| 乾杯 | Gānbēi | Cheers! / Bottoms Up! | Toast |
| 敬你 | Jìng nǐ | A toast to you | Toast |
| 酒量 | Jiǔliàng | Drinking Capacity | Social |
| 茫了 | Máng le | Wasted / Tipsy | Slang |
Yak’s Final Thought
When you lift your glass, make sure you know the difference between 乾杯 (gānbēi) (the commitment to finish) and 一口 (yī kǒu) (the polite sip). And remember: if you drink too much, you’re not just 醉了 (zuì le)—you’re officially 茫了 (máng le). Now go forth and enjoy the local brews!