ce1 zoeng2車長车长
Jyutpingce1 zoeng2
Yalechē jéung
Definition
A polite title or term of address for a driver or operator of public transport, such as a bus or train.
colloquialpeopletransport
How it's used
Using this term shows respect for the professional responsibility of those operating public transport. It is the standard, polite way to address a bus driver or train operator in Hong Kong, replacing the older or more casual 司機. It elevates the role from someone who just drives a vehicle to someone who is in charge of passenger safety and service.
Measure word
wai6位waihExamples
Excuse me driver, I would like to get off at the next stop.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using 司機 when addressing bus or train operators directly, as it can sound slightly blunt or less professional in a service context. Reserve 司機 for private drivers or general references to the occupation rather than direct address.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
