caau1 paai4抄牌
Jyutpingcaau1 paai4
Yalechāau pàaih
Definition
To issue a traffic ticket, or to ask a stranger for their phone number.
- to write a traffic ticket; to endorse a driving licence
- slangto ask a stranger for their phone number
colloquialtransportcommunication
How it's used
Beyond the literal meaning of issuing a traffic ticket, this term is widely used in casual social settings to mean asking for someone's contact information, usually a phone number. It carries a playful or slightly flirtatious nuance when used in this social context. The transition from the formal traffic enforcement meaning to the social one is a classic example of how Cantonese slang evolves through metaphor.
Examples
Be careful of getting a ticket for illegal parking.
He just got a ticket on the roadside, how miserable.
Related words
Common phrases
to get a ticket
to ask for a phone number
Common mistake
Do not confuse the traffic enforcement meaning with the social meaning when speaking to strangers. Using it to ask for a phone number can sound very forward or even cheeky depending on the tone of voice.
Grammar color guide
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Verb
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Particle
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
