dou1 kaat1嘟咭
Jyutpingdou1 kaat1
Yaledōu kāat
Definition
To tap, swipe, or beep a card on an electronic reader.
colloquialtransportdaily actions
How it's used
Originating from the sound made by electronic card readers, this term is used universally for any contactless payment or access control system. It is the standard way to describe using an Octopus card or an employee ID badge. While it implies a contactless tap, it is also frequently used for older magnetic stripe cards that require a physical swipe.
Examples
Remember to beep your card when you go through the gate.
Common phrases
beep an Octopus card
beep card to enter the gate
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the English word swipe, as the Cantonese term specifically highlights the sound of the machine rather than the physical motion of sliding a card.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
