名牌
míng pái HSK 5

English Meaning

Categories

📚 Example Sentences

她喜欢买名牌衣服。
Tā xǐhuān mǎi míngpái yīfu.
She likes to buy brand-name clothes.
这个包是名牌。
Zhège bāo shì míngpái.
This bag is a famous brand.
名牌产品通常很贵。
Míngpái chǎnpǐn tōngcháng hěn guì.
Brand-name products are usually expensive.
这是名牌。
Zhè shì míngpái.
This is a famous brand.
名牌很贵。
Míngpái hěn guì.
Famous brands are expensive.

💡 Memory Tip

Break it down: 名 (míng) means 'name' or 'famous,' and 牌 (pái) means 'plate' or 'brand.' Think of a 'name plate' on a luxury item or a university's famous name on a diploma.

📝 Usage Notes

It is used in both formal and informal contexts, in spoken and written Chinese. Common contexts include discussions about consumer goods (fashion, cars), education (universities), and services, often implying a sense of status or superior quality.

📖 Grammar Points

It is primarily used as an attributive noun, often placed before another noun to modify it (e.g., 名牌大学 - prestigious university). It can also be the object of verbs like 买 (buy), 穿 (wear), or 追求 (pursue).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese consumer culture, there is often a strong emphasis on 名牌 as symbols of success, social status, and quality assurance. However, there can also be a critical view of excessive 名牌 consumption as materialistic. In education, attending a 名牌大学 is highly valued for career prospects and family honor.

🔄 Similar Words

品牌 (pǐnpái) also means 'brand' but is a neutral, broader term for any brand (famous or not). 名牌 specifically emphasizes that the brand is famous or prestigious. 著名 (zhùmíng) means 'famous' or 'renowned' and is a general adjective, not limited to brands.

Master this word with quizzes, flashcards & more

Learn 名牌 in CILI →

Related Words