luk1 kaat1碌ｃａｒｄ
Jyutpingluk1 kaat1
Yalelūk kāat
Definition
To pay for something by swiping a credit card or debit card.
colloquialmoneyshopping
How it's used
This term is a classic example of Hong Kong Cantonese code mixing, where an English verb is integrated into a Cantonese sentence structure. It functions exactly like a native verb, allowing for aspect markers like 碌咗card or 碌緊card. While it is universally understood and used in daily life, it is strictly colloquial and should be avoided in formal written correspondence or professional business settings.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly try to add a preposition like 'with' before card, but in Cantonese, the word card acts as the object of the verb 碌, so no extra particles are needed.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
