幌 (huǎng) - A shop sign & a curtain
幌 · huǎng
A shop sign;
a curtain;
a screen;
something used for display or deception.
A shop signa curtaina screen
Usage highlights
Shop signAs a pretextBar signUnder the guise ofDecorative curtainPut up a sign
Usage & contexts
Examples
- The shop hung out a sign (幌子).
- They used it as a pretext (以此为幌子).
- The bar had a colorful awning (酒幌).
- It was merely a cover for their activities (作为活动的幌子).
Collocations
- Shop sign(幌子)
- As a pretext(作为幌子)
- Bar sign(酒幌)
- Under the guise of(以...为幌子)
- Decorative curtain(装饰幌)
- Put up a sign(挂幌子)
Idioms
- Put up the sheep's head but sell dog meat (挂羊头卖狗肉) — using a good sign to sell inferior goods
Cultural background
FAQ- Historically used as physical signs outside shops in ancient China to indicate the type of business.
- The character often carries a negative connotation when used metaphorically, implying deception or false pretenses.
- In traditional Chinese markets, different types of shops had distinctive幌子 designs.