Definitions

pái (noun) signboard; billboard; plate; tablet
pái (noun) playing card; mahjong tile; game piece
pái (noun) medal; badge

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "牌" derives from the concept of a flat wooden tablet, with its structure incorporating the radical "片" to denote a thin slice or piece and the component "卑" primarily serving a phonetic role. Initially denoting physical objects like placards or name tags, its meaning expanded over time to encompass a range of markers including commercial brands, gaming pieces such as playing cards, and various forms of identification, all while retaining its composite form of "片" and "卑" to associate with flat, rectangular items used for designation.

Example Sentences Hide

我喜欢那个子。

Wǒ xǐhuān nàge páizi.

I like that brand.

需要清洗。

Chēpái xūyào qīngxǐ.

The license plate needs cleaning.

商店门口有门

Shāngdiàn ménkǒu yǒu ménpái.

There is a house number plate at the shop entrance.

他打打得很好。

Tā dǎ pái dǎ de hěn hǎo.

He plays cards very well.

广告上写着新闻。

Guǎnggàopái shàng xiězhe xīnwén.

The billboard has news written on it.

我们公司申请了新照。

Wǒmen gōngsī shēnqǐng le xīn páizhào.

Our company applied for a new license.

这张在游戏中很重要。

Zhè zhāng pái zài yóuxì zhōng hěn zhòngyào.

This card is very important in the game.

环保部门检查了车辆的排污照。

Huánbǎo bùmén jiǎnchá le chēliàng de páiwū páizhào.

The environmental protection department inspected the vehicle's emission license.