bin2 ngaak6匾額匾额
Jyutpingbin2 ngaak6
Yalebín ngaahk
Definition
A horizontal or vertical inscribed wooden plaque hung above doors, walls, or pillars.
neutralplacesother
How it's used
Refers specifically to a traditional wooden board inscribed with calligraphy, often found in historical buildings, temples, or traditional shops. It carries a sense of cultural heritage and formality, distinguishing it from modern signs or advertisements. While it can be used in a metaphorical sense to describe a prestigious title or award, its primary association remains with architectural decoration.
Measure word
faai3塊faiExamples
There is a very old plaque hanging at the entrance of the ancestral hall.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with general signage like 招牌, but 匾額 implies a more artistic, classical, or ceremonial function rather than a commercial one.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
