锦旗

• Pinyin: jǐn qí
• Hanzi breakdown: 锦 = 钅(metal) + 帛 (silk) — brocade, beautiful fabric; 旗 = 方 + 其 — flag, banner

Meaning

Silk banner; pennant of appreciation. A ceremonial banner given to express gratitude or commendation.

A traditional form of public recognition in China, typically a red silk banner with gold characters expressing thanks or praise. Commonly given to doctors, police, teachers, or organizations that have provided exceptional service. Still widely used today, though sometimes considered old-fashioned.

Examples

1. 患者家属特意做了一面锦旗送给救命恩人。 The patient's family specially made a silk banner to present to their lifesaver.
2. 居民们给社区志愿者送上了写有感谢话语的锦旗。 Residents presented a silk banner with words of thanks to the community volunteers.
3. 这面锦旗是公司获得的最高荣誉之一。 This silk banner is one of the highest honors the company has received.

Usage Guide

Context: ceremonies, appreciation, public recognition

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 送锦旗表示感谢。(Present a silk banner to express gratitude.)
• 收到一面锦旗。(Received a silk banner.)

Don't Say

• 给朋友送锦旗 (Don't give 锦旗 to friends casually — it's a formal public gesture of appreciation, typically from organizations or for professional services)

Origin & History

Composed of 锦 (brocade; beautiful silk) + 旗 (flag; banner). Historically made of fine silk, now often synthetic material with embroidered or printed text.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Traditional/formal contexts