Don't Get Mad Anymore! When Foreigners Shout 'Ni Hao' at You, This Is the Ultimate High-EQ Response.

You're walking down a street abroad, soaking in the exotic vibe, when suddenly, a strangely pronounced 'Nee-how' (泥～豪～) comes from behind you.

You turn around and see a few foreigners smiling at you.

What do you feel at that moment? Initially, you might find it amusing or novel, but after experiencing it repeatedly, a complex emotion wells up within you. Are they being friendly or mocking? Just curious, or is there a hint of discrimination?

This 'Ni hao' is like a tiny thorn, irritating you subtly, making you feel a bit uneasy, yet you can't quite put your finger on why.

Why Does a Simple 'Ni Hao' Make People So Uncomfortable?

We're not being overly sensitive. This discomfort actually stems from three levels:

1. Being treated like a 'curiosity' or 'exotic specimen': It feels like you're walking down the street and suddenly become an object of spectacle, like a monkey in a zoo. The other person isn't interested in getting to know 'you' as an individual; they just find 'Asian faces' novel and want to 'provoke' a reaction. You're reduced to a label, rather than a living, breathing person.

2. The affront of being disturbed: No one likes being casually approached by strangers on the street, especially when such interactions come with a 'curiosity-seeking' and 'scrutinizing' gaze. For women, this feeling is even more unsettling, as it combines the double vulnerability of race and gender, leading to feelings of discomfort or even harassment.

3. Complex identity: When you respond to 'Ni hao,' in their eyes, you're almost inadvertently confirming that you are 'Chinese.' For many Taiwanese, the emotions and identity issues underlying this are simply too intricate to explain clearly in a fleeting three-second street encounter.

Faced with such situations, we typically have only two options: either pretend not to hear and quietly walk away, seething with internal frustration; or retort angrily, which not only makes us seem ill-mannered but could also provoke unnecessary conflict.

Is there no better way?

Transforming the 'Label' Others Give You into Your 'Calling Card'

Next time, try this method.

Instead of passively accepting that vague 'Asian' label stuck onto you, why not take the initiative and transform it into a unique 'calling card' that introduces who you truly are?

This is what I call the 'linguistic counter-attack' I later learned.

Whenever a foreigner says 'Ni hao' to me again, as long as the environment feels safe, I'll pause, smile, look at them, and then, like a street magician, begin my impromptu language lesson.

I'll tell them: "Hey! I'm from Taiwan. In our language, we say 'Lí-hó' (哩厚)!"

Typically, their reaction is one of wide-eyed surprise, as if they've stumbled upon a new continent. They've never known that besides 'Ni hao,' there's such a cool way to greet someone.

Next, I'll offer them two more 'bonus phrases':

• Thank you, called 'To-siā' (多蝦)
• Goodbye, called 'Tsài-huē' (再會)

See how the entire situation instantly flips?

What could have been an awkward or unpleasant encounter transforms into an interesting, positive cultural exchange. You're no longer the passive 'observed,' but the proactive 'sharer.' You didn't get angry, yet you earned respect in a far more powerful and engaging way.

This isn't merely about teaching them a phrase; you're also conveying a crucial message: Asia isn't monolithic; we boast rich and diverse cultures. Don't presume to define us simply with a 'Ni hao.'

Your Mother Tongue Is Your Coolest Superpower

I teach Taiwanese Hokkien because it's my native language, the one I'm most familiar with. If you're Hakka, you can teach them Hakka; if you're indigenous, you can teach them your tribal language.

This isn't about right or wrong; it's about pride.

What we're doing is breaking the stereotype that 'Asians = Chinese, Japanese, Koreans,' and using our unique language and culture to paint a clear and distinct 'Taiwanese' identity on the global map.

Imagine if every Taiwanese person did this: that foreigner learns 'Lí-hó' in Taiwanese Hokkien today, then 'Nim-ho' from a Hakka friend tomorrow, and the day after, meets an Amis friend. They might feel a little confused, but simultaneously, a rich, multi-dimensional, and diverse image of Taiwan will be established in their mind.

Together, we can break free from the quagmire of 'Ni hao.'

Of course, impromptu street lessons can only offer a fleeting glimpse. To engage in deeper, more sincere conversations with people across the globe and truly overcome language barriers, you need a more professional tool.

This is precisely where an AI real-time translation chat app like Intent becomes invaluable. It enables you to effortlessly connect with people from any corner of the world – make friends, discuss collaborations, or simply chat about life – all in your own mother tongue, fostering truly meaningful connections.

Next time, after you've impressed someone with 'Lí-hó,' perhaps you can open Intent and embark on an even more enriching cross-cultural dialogue.

Remember, your language and culture are not a burden to conceal, but rather your most brilliant calling card. Present it bravely!