noun
Refers to a flat, often inscribed object worn or displayed as a mark of honor, membership, or identification. Can be a medal, shield-shaped emblem, or badge.
彼は功績を称えられて金の牌を授与された。
He was awarded a gold medal in recognition of his achievements.
noun
dharani card; card with sacred text
Buddhist term: a small card or plaque on which a dharani or other sacred text is written, often used as a protective talisman.
See also: 陀羅尼
そのお守りの中には陀羅尼が書かれた牌が入っていた。
Inside the amulet was a card on which a dharani was written.
noun
In a Zen temple, a board used for posting notices or announcements.
禅寺の牌には修行の予定が記されていた。
The notice board at the Zen temple displayed the training schedule.
noun
A playing piece used in games like mahjong or dominos. Often read as パイ in this context, but はい is also possible.
See also: 牌 (パイ)
麻雀牌を並べてゲームを始めた。
We set up the mahjong tiles and started the game.
盾 means 'shield' in the sense of a protective weapon, while 牌 can refer to a shield-shaped emblem or plaque.
札 is a general term for a card, tag, or label, while 牌 often implies a thicker, more substantial plaque or tile.
The kanji 牌 originally referred to a flat wooden tablet or plaque. The reading はい is the on'yomi. The word is used in various specialized contexts, from Buddhist talismans to game tiles.