奖牌

• Pinyin: jiǎng pái
• Hanzi breakdown: 奖 = 将 + 大 — award; 牌 = 片 (slice) + 卑 (low, phonetic) — plate, card, brand

Meaning

Medal. A flat metal disc awarded for achievement, typically in sports or military contexts.

Most commonly refers to Olympic-style medals: 金牌 (gold), 银牌 (silver), 铜牌 (bronze). Also used for military decorations. The 奖牌榜 is the medal standings or table. More specific than 奖品, which can be any prize.

Examples

1. 她在奥运会上一共获得了三枚奖牌。 She won a total of three medals at the Olympics.
2. 这届奥运会中国队的奖牌总数位居前三。 The Chinese team's total medal count ranked in the top three at this Olympics.
3. 老战士胸前挂满了闪闪发光的奖牌。 The veteran's chest was covered with gleaming medals.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, Olympics, military

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 她拿到了一枚银牌。(She won a silver medal.)
• 奖牌榜上中国排名第二。(China ranked second on the medal table.)

Don't Say

• 用'奖牌'指非金属类奖品 (Don't use 奖牌 for non-metal prizes like certificates or trophies — use 奖品 for general prizes or specify the type)

Origin & History

Composed of 奖 (prize, award) + 牌 (tablet, plate, card). Describes a plate-shaped prize.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal