银牌

• Pinyin: yín pái
• Hanzi breakdown: 银 = 钅(金) (metal) + 艮 (phonetic); 牌 = 片 (slice) + 卑 (humble, phonetic)

Meaning

Silver medal. The second-place award in competitions and sporting events.

Specifically refers to the medal awarded to the second-place finisher in athletic competitions, academic contests, or other ranked events. Often discussed in the context of the Olympics or international competitions.

Examples

1. 他在这次比赛中获得了银牌。 He won a silver medal in this competition.
2. 虽然只拿到银牌，但她已经很满意了。 Although she only got a silver medal, she was already very satisfied.
3. 中国队在游泳项目上赢了一枚银牌。 The Chinese team won a silver medal in the swimming event.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, competition

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 她得了一枚银牌。(She won a silver medal.)
• 银牌也是很好的成绩。(A silver medal is also a great achievement.)

Don't Say

• 他银牌了这次比赛。(银牌 is a noun, not a verb — say 获得了银牌 (won a silver medal) instead)

Origin & History

银 (silver) + 牌 (plate, medal). A medal made of or representing silver, given for second place.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal