loeng5 nap1 jat1 baan1兩粒一班两粒一班

Jyutpingloeng5 nap1 jat1 baan1

Yaleléuhng nāp yāt bāan

Definition

A senior police inspector.

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How it's used

This term refers specifically to the rank of Senior Inspector in the Hong Kong Police Force, identified by the two pips on their shoulder boards. It is a classic example of how Hong Kongers use visual cues from uniforms to create slang for professional titles. It is strictly used within informal, peer to peer conversation and should never be used when addressing an officer directly.

Examples

teng1聽gong2講gam1今jat6日loeng5兩lap1粒jat1一baan1班wui2會lai4嚟ceon4巡si6視。

I heard a senior inspector is coming to inspect today.

nei5你gin3見dou2到loeng5兩nap1粒jat1一baan1班gei3記dak1得jiu3要ging3敬lai5禮aa4呀。

Remember to salute when you see a senior inspector.

Common phrases

loeng5兩nap1粒jat1一baan1班ceon4巡lo4邏

a senior inspector on patrol

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with other rank slang based on shoulder insignia, such as 一粒花 for Inspector or 三粒花 for Chief Inspector. Using this term in a formal setting or to an officer's face is considered disrespectful and unprofessional.