Flag 与 Pennant 的区别是什么？
形状决定一切：矩形与渐尖三角形。一句话答案、对比表和真实实例。
一句话答案
Shape is the difference: a flag is a rectangle flown from one edge, while a pennant tapers to a point or swallowtail and is much longer than it is tall. Pennants are used for naval signals, ranks and celebrations — "pennant race" in baseball comes from the championship pennant.
Flag
A flag is a rectangular (or occasionally square) cloth flown from a pole as a signal or symbol. Ratios like 2:3 or 1:2 keep the design readable at distance.
Canada — a standard rectangular flag
Nepal — the only non-rectangular national flag — two stacked pennant shapes
Pennant
A pennant is a narrow, tapering flag — typically triangular or swallow-tailed — flown by ships to show status, by militaries for ranks, and by fans and clubs as a commemorative banner.
- Canada — a standard rectangular flag
- Nepal — the only non-rectangular national flag — two stacked pennant shapes
| Flag | Pennant | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Rectangle, wider than tall | Triangle or swallowtail, much longer than tall |
| How it flies | Full width flies free | Tapers along the fly to a point or split end |
| Main uses | National and organisational symbols | Naval signals, officer ranks, clubs, championships |
| Example | The flag of Canada | A commodore's pennant at a yacht club |
国旗术语常见问题
What makes a pennant different from a flag?
The silhouette. Pennants taper — usually to a triangle or swallowtail — and are far longer than they are tall. Flags stay rectangular so their designs stay readable.
Do any countries use pennants as national flags?
No current national flag is a pennant. Nepal has the closest thing: two stacked pennant-like shapes, and it is the only national flag that is not a rectangle or square.