模特儿

• Pinyin: mó tè r
• Hanzi breakdown: 模 = 木 (wood) + 莫 (phonetic); 特 = 牛 (ox) + 寺 (temple, phonetic); 儿 = pictograph of a person

Meaning

Model; a person who poses for photographs, art, or displays clothing on a runway.

Borrowed from the English word 'model.' Primarily refers to fashion models who walk the runway or pose for photographs. Can also refer to artists' models or anyone who serves as a visual subject. The shortened form 模特 (without 儿) is also commonly used.

Examples

1. 她的梦想是当一名时装模特儿。 Her dream is to become a fashion model.
2. 这场时装秀请了很多国际模特儿。 This fashion show invited many international models.
3. 他长得很高，朋友们都说他可以去当模特儿。 He is very tall, and his friends all say he could be a model.

Usage Guide

Context: fashion, media, entertainment

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 她是一个很有名的模特儿。(She is a very famous model.)
• 模特儿们正在后台准备走秀。(The models are backstage getting ready for the runway show.)

Don't Say

• 对普通身材的人开玩笑说'你当模特儿吧' (Don't sarcastically tell someone 'you should be a model' — it may sound mocking)

Origin & History

A phonetic borrowing from English 'model' (via French 'modèle'). The 儿 suffix is a characteristic Beijing dialect feature that softens the ending.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal