board

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 板 has 8 strokes and refers to a broad, flat board or plank.
• Basic usage: The standalone word 板 is read いた, while 看板, a signboard, is read かんばん.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Counting boards
  • 二枚の板 means two boards. 枚 counts thin, flat objects.
• Representing a business
  • 店の看板 can refer to a store's signboard or to its signature dish.