匾 (biǎn) - A horizontal inscribed board or plaque, often hung

匾Tone 3

biǎn ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

傲不

匾 · biǎn

A horizontal inscribed board or plaque, often hung above doors or in halls, bearing inscriptions of names, mottos, or auspicious phrases.

A horizontal inscribed board or plaque, often hung

Usage highlights

SignboardCommemorative plaqueHorizontal inscribed boardTemple plaqueInscribed board and coupletsGold

Synonyms

  • 牌— plate, signboard (broader term)
  • 额— tablet, plaque (often used with 匾)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • A shop signboard (匾额) hung above the entrance.
  • A commemorative plaque (牌匾) awarded for merit.
  • The hall's name was inscribed on a horizontal board (横匾).
  • An inscribed board in a temple (寺庙匾额).

Collocations

  • Signboard(匾额)
  • Commemorative plaque(牌匾)
  • Horizontal inscribed board(横匾)
  • Temple plaque(寺庙匾额)
  • Inscribed board and couplets(匾对)
  • Gold-lettered plaque(金匾)

Idioms

  • No specific common idiom is primarily based on this character alone; it is typically part of compound words.

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Inscribed plaques (匾额) are a traditional Chinese art form, often calligraphed by renowned figures, used to denote names of buildings, convey blessings, or commemorate events.
  • They hold significant cultural and historical value, commonly found in temples, ancestral halls, and old shops.
  • The style and inscription on a plaque can reflect the status, purpose, or philosophical outlook of the place or its owner.

FAQ