Definition
招牌 (zhāo pai) has two related meanings: a physical shop signboard, and the reputation or brand image of a business. Unlike 牌 (pái, a general sign or tablet) or 牌子 (pái zi, brand/trademark), 招牌 specifically refers to a shop's sign and the prestige it represents. It is also used attributively, e.g. 招牌菜 (signature dish).
noun
signboardshop signreputationbrand image (of a business)
Examples
- 招牌。Nà jiā lǎo diàn de zhāo pai yǐjīng tuìsè le.That old shop's signboard has already faded.
- 招牌，。Zhè jiā cāntīng de zhāo pai hěn hǎo, hěn duō rén mù míng ér lái.This restaurant has a great reputation; many people come seeking its fame.
- 招牌，。Tángcù yú shì zhèlǐ de zhāo pai cài, jīhū měi zhuō dōu huì diǎn.Sweet and sour fish is the signature dish here; almost every table orders it.
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