正牌

zhèngpái

adjective #31,166

Meanings

1 genuine
2 authentic
3 officially recognized
4 the real (vs. knockoff)

Characters

proper; legitimate; main

brand; sign; plate

Examples

这是正牌货，不是仿冒品。

Zhè shì zhèngpái huò, bù shì fǎngmào pǐn.

This is genuine, not a knockoff.

他是正牌的医生，不是江湖郎中。

Tā shì zhèngpái de yīshēng, bù shì jiānghú lángzhōng.

He's a properly licensed doctor, not a quack.

她现在是他的正牌女朋友。

Tā xiànzài shì tā de zhèngpái nǚpéngyǒu.

She's his official girlfriend now.

Tips

usage

正牌 contrasts with 山寨 (shānzhài, 'knockoff/copycat') and 假冒 (jiǎmào, 'counterfeit'). Beyond products, it's used for credentials (正牌大学 'an accredited university'), professionals, and even relationships (正牌女朋友 'official girlfriend' as opposed to a fling or mistress). Casual but pointed.

Stroke Order

正 zhèng

牌 pái