Formose

Formose is a historical toponym for Taiwan, used in various European languages to refer to the island. The name originates from the Portuguese ilha Formosa, meaning “Beautiful Island,” given by early explorers who noted the island’s scenery from the sea. In French sources the island was commonly called Île Formose, and the spelling Formose appears in older English-language maps and travel writings.

Etymology and usage: The form reflects a feminine adaptation of the Portuguese adjective formoso/formosa, meaning beautiful or well-made. The root ultimately derives from Latin formosus. Over time, Formosa and its variants were used broadly in Western literature, geography, and cartography to identify Taiwan, especially in the context of colonial and maritime navigation.

Geography and modern usage: The island lies off the southeastern coast of China and is today commonly known as Taiwan, with Taipei as its capital. In contemporary discourse, Formose is predominantly encountered in historical texts, classical maps, cultural works, and discussions of colonial-era nomenclature. It is not the official name used by the government on the island today.

Legacy: The term Formosa survives as a historical and literary reference. It appears in discussions of exploration, early cartography, and the Western historical record of Taiwan. While largely supplanted by Taiwan or Formosa in older sources, the name remains part of the historical vocabulary associated with the island.