kam2 kei4冚旗
Definition
Of a taxi driver, to stop service or indicate that they are only accepting harbour-crossing passengers.
- to stop accepting passengers by lowering the meter flag
- to indicate the next ride is a harbour crossing
- slangto die or stop functioning
How it's used
Originally referring to the physical act of flipping down the flag on old-fashioned mechanical taxi meters, this term remains the standard way to describe a driver going off-duty or restricting their service. It carries a sense of finality or unavailability that is much more specific than simply saying a taxi is full. When a driver is only accepting passengers heading to a specific destination, they are effectively signaling their status through this action.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal act of covering a flag in other contexts, as it is strictly tied to taxi operations in modern speech. Using it to describe other types of vehicles or general closures will sound confusing to native speakers.
Grammar color guide
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.
