ziu1 paai4招牌
Jyutpingziu1 paai4
Yalejīu pàaih
Definition
Shop sign or signboard showing the name of a store.
colloquialshoppingplaces
How it's used
Beyond physical signs, this word is frequently used metaphorically to refer to a shop's signature product or specialty. When a restaurant claims a dish is their 招牌, it implies that the item is their most famous or reliable offering. It can also describe a person's trademark behavior or a specific skill they are well-known for.
Measure word
faai3塊faiExamples
The signboard of this shop is huge.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin usage where it can sometimes refer to a brand name in a more abstract sense. In Cantonese, it almost always retains a connection to a specific physical display or a highly recognizable signature item.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
