san1 paai4 zai2新牌仔

Jyutpingsan1 paai4 zai2

Yalesān pàaih jái

名詞

Definition

A novice driver, especially a young male who has recently passed their driving test.

colloquialpeopletransport

How it's used

This term specifically targets the lack of experience associated with someone who has recently obtained their license. While it literally translates to new license boy, it is frequently applied to any gender in casual conversation. It often carries a slightly patronizing tone, implying that the person is prone to making mistakes or driving too cautiously.

Measure word

go3個go

Examples

keoi5佢zung6仲hai6係san1新paai4牌zai2仔，zaa1揸ce1車hou2好gan2緊zoeng1張㗎。

He is still a new driver, he gets very nervous when driving.

nei5你zou6做me1咩gam3咁geng1驚？hai6係mai6咪san1新paai4牌zai2仔lai2嚟㗎？

Why are you so scared? Are you a new driver?

Common phrases

san1新paai4牌zai2仔zaa1揸ce1車

a new driver driving

zou6做san1新paai4牌zai2仔

to be a new driver

Common mistake

Do not use this term to describe someone who is simply new to a job or a hobby, as it is strictly reserved for driving contexts. Using it in other situations will sound confusing to native speakers.