Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 商標 / 商标 | shāngbiāo |
| 牌子 | páizi |
| 品牌 | pǐnpái |
The term is used to identify a company's product. To specify that a trademark is legally registered, you can use the term 註冊商標. If you are referring specifically to trademark right or ownership, use 商标权.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 商標 (shāngbiāo) is composed of 商 (shāng), meaning commerce or business and 標 (biāo), meaning mark or sign.
Which one should you use?
商標 is the formal, legal term for a registered trademark. In contrast, 品牌 refers to the broader concept of a 'brand' or brand image. Additionally, 牌子 is a colloquial term used for a brand or a physical sign/label.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
商標 and 商标 are formal terms. In casual conversation, such as when asking about the make or brand of a product, you can use the informal term 牌子.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Taiwan and Hong Kong, the traditional characters 商標 are frequently employed.
How do you pronounce it?
shāngbiāo
Did you know?
- The character 商 in 商標 is also the name of a legendary ancient dynasty that existed before the 周 dynasty. It originally referred to a place of trade and exchange.
- The word 牌 in 牌子 originally referred to tablets used for counting or identification in ancient bureaucracy before it ever meant a commercial brand.
- The character 商 can also mean 'to negotiate' as a verb, creating a linguistic bridge between the act of bargaining and the trademark of the business.
Examples in context
- 你们公司有注册商标吗?Does your company have a registered trademark?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “trademark” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
