表率

• Pinyin: biǎo shuài
• Hanzi breakdown: 表 = outer appearance/to show; 率 = 玄 (profound) + 十 (ten) + 亠 (lid), meaning to lead or guide

Meaning

Role model; example; someone who leads by example. A person whose behavior serves as a standard for others to follow.

Used to describe individuals whose conduct, achievements, or moral character make them worthy of emulation. Often appears in contexts discussing leadership, parenting, or moral education. More formal than 榜样.

Examples

1. 作为团队负责人，你应该在工作态度上起表率作用。 As the team leader, you should set an example in your work attitude.
2. 父母是孩子最早的表率，一言一行都会被模仿。 Parents are children's earliest role models — every word and action will be imitated.
3. 这位老教授几十年如一日坚守岗位，堪称学界表率。 This veteran professor has maintained his dedication for decades, truly a paragon in academia.

Usage Guide

Context: leadership, education, moral discourse

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 领导干部要以身作则，做群众的表率。(Cadres should lead by example and be role models for the masses.)
• 她在科研和育人方面都是我们的表率。(She is our role model in both research and teaching.)

Don't Say

• 他穿衣服很好看，是我的表率。(Don't use 表率 for superficial things like fashion — it's reserved for moral or professional conduct)

Origin & History

表 (external, manifest) + 率 (lead, rate). Originally meant 'to lead from the front,' evolving to mean someone whose visible conduct sets the standard.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal