Meaning and Usage
The word "看板" (かんばん) primarily means "signboard" or "sign" used to display information such as a shop's name, business hours, or advertisements. It is commonly seen outside stores, restaurants, and businesses to attract customers or provide essential information.
Common Contexts
"看板" is often used in everyday conversation when talking about shops or businesses. It can refer to physical signboards but also metaphorically to something that represents or symbolizes a business or person, such as a "signature product" or "main attraction".
Collocations and Patterns
- 看板を出す: to put up a signboard, often meaning to open a business or advertise.
- 看板商品: signature or main product of a store.
- 看板娘／看板息子: a popular female/male employee who attracts customers.
Register and Nuance
"看板" is a neutral term used in both casual and formal contexts. It is not overly formal but appropriate in business settings. Learners should note that "看板" refers specifically to physical or symbolic signs, not to general advertisements or posters, which might use other words like "広告".
Common Mistakes
A common confusion is mixing "看板" with "標識" (ひょうしき), which means traffic or informational signs. "看板" is more commercial or business-related, while "標識" is used for official signs like road signs.