gam1 zi6 ziu1 paai4金字招牌
Jyutpinggam1 zi6 ziu1 paai4
Yalegām jih jīu pàaih
Definition
A gold-lettered signboard, symbolizing an excellent, well-established, and highly reputable brand.
- gold-lettered signboard
- figurativean excellent brand; a stellar reputation; gold standard
- figurativea vainglorious title
colloquialworkother
How it's used
Originally referring to a literal signboard with gold-leaf characters, this term now functions as a metaphor for a brand or person with an impeccable, long-standing reputation. It implies a level of trust and quality that is difficult to challenge. While often used positively to describe reliability, it can also be used ironically when someone relies on past glory despite current failures.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
This old shop is the gold standard in the industry.
They want to use their established reputation to scam people.
Related words
Common phrases
to ruin one's own established reputation
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply having a famous name. It specifically carries the connotation of a long-standing, proven track record of excellence, similar to a hallmark of quality.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
