牌子

The Chinese word 牌子 (pái zi) has a rich history and etymology. It is composed of two characters: 牌 (pái), meaning "tablet" or "sign," and 子 (zi), a diminutive suffix. The earliest known use of 牌子 dates back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE), when it was used to refer to a small wooden tablet or token that served as a form of identification or authorization. These tablets were often used by officials or merchants to gain access to certain areas or to receive goods or services.Over time, the meaning of 牌子 expanded to include the concept of a "brand" or "trademark." This usage is thought to have originated during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE), when merchants began using 牌子 to distinguish their products from those of their competitors. By the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE), the term 牌子 had become synonymous with "brand" and was widely used in commercial contexts.In modern Chinese, 牌子 continues to be used in the sense of "brand" or "trademark." It is also used to refer to a "signboard" or "plaque," as well as to a "certificate" or "license." The diminutive suffix 子 adds a sense of familiarity or endearment to the word, making it a versatile term that can be used in a variety of contexts.