What Does “Taiwan” Mean in English?

The name “Taiwan,” used today to refer to the East Asian country, also known as the Republic of China, has a history spanning more than 300 years. “Taiwan” is the romanization of the Chinese name for the island, which, in turn, originates from an indigenous aboriginal language.

Meaning of the Word “Taiwan” in Chinese

In Mandarin Chinese, the official language of Taiwan, the characters for Taiwan are 台灣 or 臺灣. The first character, 台 (ㄊㄞˊ – tái), which can also be written as 臺, denotes a terrace or elevated platform, while the second character, 灣 (ㄨㄢ – wān), signifies bay or cove. Therefore, when combined, the characters convey the imagery of a “terraced bay” or a “terrace by the bay,” reflecting Taiwan’s mountainous terrain and abundant coastal areas.

History of the Name “Taiwan”

In the 17th century, the Dutch established a commercial post in the south of the island, near modern-day Tainan. This post was constructed on a coastal sandbar that the Dutch named “Tayouan” or “Taioan” derived from the name of a local aboriginal tribe.

This name was swiftly embraced by Chinese settlers as the designation for the sandbar and the surrounding region, commonly transcribed as 大員 (ㄉㄚˋ ㄩㄢˊ – dà yuán).

Over time, this name extended to encompass the entire island. While various forms of Chinese writing were employed in the early years, the characters “臺灣” became official in the late 17th century during the Qing Dynasty with the establishment of the Taiwan Prefecture.

Other Names Used to Refer to Taiwan

Beyond “Taiwan,” the island is known by various names in different contexts. In international organizations, Taiwan often participates under the name “Chinese Taipei” to navigate diplomatic sensitivities related to the “One-China” policy. Locally, some indigenous communities use their own languages to refer to the island, emphasizing the diverse linguistic heritage that enriches Taiwan’s cultural landscape. Additionally, Taiwan is often also referred as “Formosa”, derived from the Portuguese name “Ilha Formosa” meaning “Beautiful Island” in English.