My Chinese and Taiwanese friends usually answer the phone saying Wai. What does that literally translate into?

"Wai" (喂) is a common way to answer the phone in both Mandarin Chinese and Taiwanese. It's a casual, everyday greeting and doesn't have a literal translation that makes sense in English.

Think of it like saying "Hello" in English. It's just a way to signal that you're ready to start a conversation.

Here are some ways to understand "Wai":

* "Hello": The closest equivalent in English, though not a direct translation.

* "Hey": More casual and informal.

* "Yes": This is an accurate meaning when responding to a call you were expecting.

* "I'm here": Conveying that you are ready to receive the call.

Ultimately, "Wai" is a phone-specific greeting that indicates you're ready to answer the call.