Meaning
冒牌 refers to something or someone that is fake, counterfeit, or falsely represented. It describes goods that pretend to be genuine branded items, or people who falsely claim an identity or qualification they don't possess. The term carries a negative connotation of deception and inauthenticity.
Usage
Commonly used to describe counterfeit products (冒牌货), fake credentials, or imposters. Often appears in contexts involving fraud, intellectual property violations, or people pretending to be professionals they aren't. More formal than slang terms for 'fake' but less technical than legal terminology.
Examples
- 01市场上有很多冒牌的名牌包，要小心别上当。, .There are many counterfeit designer bags on the market; be careful not to be fooled.
- 02他被发现是个冒牌律师，根本没有律师资格证。, .He was discovered to be a fake lawyer who didn't have a law license at all.
Characters
Common collocations
- 冒牌货counterfeit goods; fake products
- 冒牌医生fake doctor; quack
- 冒牌专家phony expert
Antonyms
Origin
Literally means 'to falsely emit a brand/trademark.' The character 冒 means to risk or pretend, while 牌 refers to a brand or sign, together forming the concept of falsely representing a brand.