打表吧
dǎ biǎo ba
Use the meter, please
打表吧 (Dǎ biǎo ba) is a polite request to a taxi driver to use the meter to calculate the fare. It helps to settle the price question before the journey begins.
What does 打表吧 (dǎ biǎo ba) mean?
打表吧 (dǎ biǎo ba) means “use the meter, please” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “start meter particle.”
When to use it
Neutral and direct. It's a common and appropriate way to ensure the driver uses the meter. For a slightly more polite request, you can add 请 (qǐng, “please”).
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “DAH-byaow bah.” The first two syllables have third tones, so the first one shifts up to a rising tone, making it “DÁ-byaow bah.” The final “ba” is light and neutral.
Other ways to say it
- 请打表qǐng dǎ biǎoplease use the meter
- 打表dǎ biǎostart the meter
Examples
师傅，打表吧。
shīfu, dǎ biǎo ba.
Driver, use the meter, please.
我们还是打表走吧。
wǒmen háishi dǎ biǎo zǒu ba.
Let's still go by the meter.
请问，可以打表吗？
qǐngwèn, kěyǐ dǎ biǎo ma?
Excuse me, can you use the meter?
Pro tip: Using 打表吧 at the start of a taxi ride is a good practice to avoid potential disputes over the fare later on.
Related phrases
去火车站 · To the train station, please在这儿停 · Stop here, please多长时间能到？ · How long will it take
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