deng1 paai4釘牌钉牌
Jyutpingdeng1 paai4
Yaledēng pàaih
Definition
To have one's license suspended or revoked.
colloquialworktransport
How it's used
Originally referring to the physical act of removing a license plate from a vehicle, this term has evolved into a common metaphor for any professional license being revoked. It carries a sense of finality and serious consequence, often implying that the person can no longer legally perform their job. While it is most frequently associated with driving, it is also used for professional credentials like those of doctors or accountants.
Examples
He got his license suspended because of drunk driving.
If you run the red light again, be careful about getting your license suspended.
Related words
Common phrases
license suspended and job suspended
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply losing a physical card, as it specifically refers to the administrative act of a governing body stripping someone of their legal right to operate or practice.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
