lo2 cau4攞籌攞筹

Jyutpinglo2 cau4

Yaleló chàuh

Definition

To get a queue ticket, token, or waiting number.

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How it's used

This phrase is essential for navigating Hong Kong's busy service culture, from popular restaurants to government offices and clinics. It specifically refers to the physical act of taking a numbered slip from a dispenser or machine to secure your place in line. Using this instead of generic words for waiting shows you understand the local system of queue management.

Examples

nei5你gei3記dak1得zou2早di1啲heoi3去lo2攞cau4籌aa4呀。

Remember to go get a queue ticket early.

ji4而gaa1家lo2攞zo2咗cau2籌mei6未aa4呀？

Have you gotten a queue ticket yet?

Common phrases

lo2攞cau4籌gei1機

queue ticket dispenser

lo2攞cau4籌paai4排deoi2隊

to get a ticket and wait in line

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with 排隊, which means to physically stand in a line. 攞籌 implies you have a ticket and can often step away from the immediate counter area until your number is called.