示范

• Pinyin: shì fàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 示 = altar radical showing divine revelation; 范 = 艹 (grass) + 氾 (overflow), originally a bamboo mold

Meaning

To demonstrate; to set an example; demonstration.

Used when showing how to do something by actually doing it yourself. Common in teaching, training, and instructional contexts. Can be used as both a verb (to demonstrate) and a noun (demonstration). Often collocates with 动作 (movements), 教学 (teaching), or 作用 (role).

Examples

1. 老师先示范一遍，然后让学生跟着做。 The teacher first demonstrates once, then has the students follow along.
2. 请看我的示范动作。 Please watch my demonstration movements.
3. 这所学校是全省的示范学校。 This school is a model school for the whole province.

Usage Guide

Context: teaching, training, sports

Tone: instructional

Do Say

• 我来给大家示范一下。(Let me demonstrate for everyone.)
• 起到示范作用。(To play an exemplary role.)

Don't Say

• 示范你的名字 — 示范 is for showing actions/procedures, not for telling; use 说 or 告诉

Origin & History

Compound of 示 (to show) + 范 (model/example), meaning to show by example.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal