<p>This '令牌敲响‘ is confusing. Possibly, the author was thinking of, or referring to a metal plate similar to a cymbal, maybe hanging on a string, which could be hit with a stick to produce a sound. The old guy hit it to drive out the demons. Sure would drive me crazy! 'Out out damn spot!'</p>

<p>I would translate '令牌‘ as 'badge of authority', or maybe here 'cymbal of authority'.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-05-24T08:24:01.107Z
when you say "symbol of authority", do you mean in the context of a physical image (a symbol that shows someone's authority), or as in a person who has authority (a person who is a symbol of authority)? 
Just wanted to check, as it's somewhat unclear which you mean without elaboration
sqrtbottle
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-05-24T08:30:40.810Z
haha, cymbal is not symbol. cymbal = 钹，镲，铙
Pedroski
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-05-24T08:31:59.437Z
My mistake! I assumed it was a typo, but it wasn't haha. Thanks for clearing that up for me >_>
sqrtbottle
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-05-24T00:35:30.157Z
2015-05-24T00:35:30.157Z
Pedroski
<p>In some contexts, like Computer Science, it can mean 'token', e.g. 令牌环 is 'token ring'. </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-05-23T17:42:15.803Z
Ehh, meant in history and stuff (or novels)
john2546
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-05-23T20:15:56.837Z
OK, just be sure to specify your context next time.
imrek
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-05-23T20:20:07.603Z
Btw, try using an image search, and check what it looks like. It actually does look like a badge or a pendant without the string attached to it.
imrek
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-05-23T17:28:29.640Z
2015-05-23T17:28:29.640Z
imrek
<p>I'd translate it as insignia, or token of command.  The modern use of a 令牌 is in one time passwords as a translation for "security/autentication token."</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-05-27T03:01:28.753Z
2015-05-27T03:01:28.753Z
Greg Blandino
<p>Actually, it seems to be more of an amulet of sorts used by Daoists in rituals.</p>

<p>So you might try something like 'mystical/magical pendant/amulet'</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-05-24T10:22:52.533Z
2015-05-24T10:22:52.533Z
Ringil
<p>I'm not sure if an equivalent existed in western military history.</p>

<p>A general would issue a 令牌 when a subordinate needs to act with the general's authority. For example, you'd need a 令牌 from a city's garrison commander to have the gates opened for you at night.</p>

<p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/ESevG.jpg" alt="enter image description here"></p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-05-24T03:40:34.247Z
2015-05-24T14:48:13.700Z
2015-05-24T14:48:13.700Z
Ampersand
<p>I have "commanding badge", but it doesn't sound too well. It there a specific name for the actual "令牌"?</p>

<p>EDIT: In the context of history/novels</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-05-23T15:48:08.910Z
Give some context please.
flaudre
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-05-24T14:46:44.150Z
f you mean the history of Taoism then see baike.baidu.com/view/544102.htm. Or do you mean modern military history? Or do you mean some on-line community devoted to historical novels, like a stackexchange, that gives badges?
Colin McLarty
<translation>
English equivalent of "令牌"?
# English equivalent of "令牌"?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2015-05-23)

I have "commanding badge", but it doesn't sound too well. It there a specific name for the actual "令牌"?

EDIT: In the context of history/novels

**Tags:** translation

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Give some context please.  
> **username_2**: f you mean the history of Taoism then see baike.baidu.com/view/544102.htm. Or do you mean modern military history? Or do you mean some on-line community devoted to historical novels, like a stackexchange, that gives badges?  

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## 5 answers

### Answer by username_3 on 2015-05-24. Score: 1

This '令牌敲响‘ is confusing. Possibly, the author was thinking of, or referring to a metal plate similar to a cymbal, maybe hanging on a string, which could be hit with a stick to produce a sound. The old guy hit it to drive out the demons. Sure would drive me crazy! 'Out out damn spot!'

I would translate '令牌‘ as 'badge of authority', or maybe here 'cymbal of authority'.

> **Comments:**
> **username_4**: when you say "symbol of authority", do you mean in the context of a physical image (a symbol that shows someone's authority), or as in a person who has authority (a person who is a symbol of authority)?  Just wanted to check, as it's somewhat unclear which you mean without elaboration  
> **username_3**: haha, cymbal is not symbol. cymbal = 钹，镲，铙  
> **username_4**: My mistake! I assumed it was a typo, but it wasn't haha. Thanks for clearing that up for me >_>  

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### Answer by username_5 on 2015-05-23. Score: 0

In some contexts, like Computer Science, it can mean 'token', e.g. 令牌环 is 'token ring'.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Ehh, meant in history and stuff (or novels)  
> **username_5**: OK, just be sure to specify your context next time.  
> **username_5**: Btw, try using an image search, and check what it looks like. It actually does look like a badge or a pendant without the string attached to it.  

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### Answer by username_6 on 2015-05-27. Score: 0

I'd translate it as insignia, or token of command. The modern use of a 令牌 is in one time passwords as a translation for "security/autentication token."


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### Answer by username_7 on 2015-05-24. Score: 0

Actually, it seems to be more of an amulet of sorts used by Daoists in rituals.

So you might try something like 'mystical/magical pendant/amulet'


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### Answer by username_8 on 2015-05-24. Score: 0

I'm not sure if an equivalent existed in western military history.

A general would issue a 令牌 when a subordinate needs to act with the general's authority. For example, you'd need a 令牌 from a city's garrison commander to have the gates opened for you at night.

![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/ESevG.jpg)


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