楷模

• Pinyin: kǎi mó
• Hanzi breakdown: 楷 = 木 (wood) + 皆 (all) — model, standard (also regular script); 模 = 木 (wood) + 莫 — model, pattern

Meaning

Model; paragon; exemplar; role model.

A person whose behavior or achievements are worthy of imitation — a role model or exemplar. A fairly formal and elevated term. Collocates with 学习 (learn from), 道德 (moral), 榜样 (example), 树立 (establish).

Examples

1. 她几十年如一日照顾孤寡老人，被评为全国道德楷模。 She has cared for elderly people without families for decades and was recognized as a national moral role model.
2. 老一辈革命家的奉献精神是我们学习的楷模。 The dedication of the older generation of revolutionaries is an example for us to learn from.
3. 作为行业楷模，这家企业的环保实践值得其他公司借鉴。 As an industry exemplar, this company's environmental practices are worth other companies learning from.

Usage Guide

Context: praise, official, education

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 他是我们学习的楷模。(He is a role model for us to learn from.)
• 这种行为堪称楷模。(This behavior can be called exemplary.)

Don't Say

• 这只猫是楷模。(楷模 is typically for humans and their virtuous behavior — for animals, other words would be more appropriate)

Origin & History

楷 (model, standard — also the name of a tree and a calligraphy style) + 模 (model, pattern). A model or pattern to follow.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal