模范

• Pinyin: mó fàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 模 = 木 (wood) + 莫 (not), a wooden mold; 范 = 艹 (grass) + 氾 (flood), a pattern

Meaning

Model; exemplary; role model. Someone or something worthy of imitation.

Used to describe people who set a good example or things that represent ideal standards. Common in official contexts like 劳动模范 (model worker). Carries connotations of official recognition and moral excellence.

Examples

1. 他被评为今年的劳动模范。 He was named this year's model worker.
2. 她是全班的模范学生，成绩优秀又乐于助人。 She is a model student in the class, with excellent grades and always willing to help others.
3. 这个社区是文明模范社区，环境整洁有序。 This community is a model civilized community, clean and orderly.

Usage Guide

Context: official, recognition, education

Tone: commendatory

Do Say

• 我们要向模范学习。(We should learn from role models.)
• 他起到了模范带头作用。(He played an exemplary leading role.)

Don't Say

• 这个手机是模范。(模范 describes people or abstract things as examples — use 型号 for phone models)

Origin & History

模 (mó, model/mold) + 范 (fàn, pattern/example). A mold or pattern to follow.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal