Japanese word

模範

Pronunciation

Romajimohan

Meaning

  • nounmodel

Example

先生は模範を示します。sen sei wa mo han o shime shi ma su

The teacher sets an example.

Illustration for 模範 (model)

More examples

子どもたちは、その選手を模範として練習に励みます。ko do mo ta chi wa so no sen shu o mo han to shi te ren shū ni hage mi ma su

The children practice hard, using that athlete as a role model.

Core concept

Describes a person, action, or standard held up as a pattern for others to follow.

Common phrases

  • 模範としてmo han to shi te

    as a model

  • 模範を示すmo han o shime su

    set an example

  • 模範となるmo han to na ru

    serve as a model

Similar words

手本tehon: A familiar example used as a guide for behavior, work, or skill.
典範tenpan: A formal model regarded as an ideal example for others to follow.

Definition in Japanese

人や行動、事例などの、他人が手本として見習うべき優れたあり方。hito ya kō dō ji rei na do no ta nin ga te hon to shi te mi nara u be ki sugu re ta a ri kata

Word origin

模範 (mohan) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 模 (mo, "pattern") and 範 (han, "standard"), giving the sense of a pattern set up for imitation.

Usage tips

  • 模範 (mohan) sounds formal and evaluative, whereas 手本 (tehon) is more everyday, so the former suits conduct that meets a recognized standard.

Other meanings

  • examplenoun

Opposites

  • 反面教師hanmenkyōshinegative examplenoun

Related words

  • 模範的mohantekiexemplaryna-adjective

Word lists with this word