典型

• Pinyin: diǎn xíng
• Hanzi breakdown: 典 = 册 (book) + 丌 (stand); 型 = 土 (earth) + 刑 (mould/form)

Meaning

Typical; representative example. Describes something that clearly embodies the characteristics of its type.

Used as a noun to mean 'a typical case or model', and as an adjective to mean 'typical' or 'representative'. Common in analysis, criticism, and education. 典型案例 (a typical case) is a frequent collocation.

Examples

1. 他是一个典型的工作狂，每天工作超过十二个小时。 He is a typical workaholic who works more than twelve hours a day.
2. 这个项目是成功转型的典型案例。 This project is a representative case of successful transformation.
3. 她的经历非常典型，代表了很多年轻人的困境。 Her experience is very typical and represents the difficulties many young people face.

Usage Guide

Context: analysis, education, everyday

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 这是一个典型的误解，很多人都会犯。(This is a typical misunderstanding that many people make.)
• 老师拿他的作文作为典型来讲解。(The teacher used his essay as a representative example to explain.)

Don't Say

• 避免用'典型'来夸奖人，它通常是中性或带有分析意味的词 (Avoid using 典型 as a compliment for a person — it is usually neutral or analytical in tone)

Origin & History

典 (classic/standard) + 型 (model/type) — together meaning 'a standard model or representative type'.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal