gaa3 fe1 lou2咖啡佬
Jyutpinggaa3 fe1 lou2
Yalega fē lóu
Definition
A traffic warden or parking enforcement officer.
colloquialtransportpeople
How it's used
Refers specifically to the traffic wardens in brown uniforms who patrol streets to issue parking tickets. The term is a humorous, slightly derogatory nickname derived from the color of their uniforms, which resembles the color of coffee. It is widely understood in Hong Kong but should be used with caution as it is not a formal title.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
There is a parking warden ahead issuing tickets, let's go quickly.
You've been parked there for so long, watch out for the parking warden.
Related words
Common phrases
parking warden issuing a ticket
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with a person who actually works in a coffee shop, who would be called a 咖啡師 or 沖咖啡嘅人. Using this term in a formal setting or directly to a warden's face may be considered rude or provocative.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
