laai1 san2拉臣
Jyutpinglaai1 san2
Yalelāai sán
Definition
License; a loanword for a permit or official document.
colloquialtransportwork
How it's used
Derived from the English word license, this term is primarily used in spoken Cantonese to refer to professional or driving permits. It is common to hear it used in contexts involving driving tests or professional certifications where the formal term 牌照 might feel too stiff or bureaucratic. While widely understood, it is strictly colloquial and should be avoided in official documents or formal business correspondence.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this for any type of permit or certificate, but it is most naturally applied to driving licenses or specific professional qualifications. For general permits or business licenses, use 牌照 instead to sound more natural in a formal setting.
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.
