お手本

• Reading: おてほん
• Romaji: otehon
• Kanji breakdown: お (honorific) + 手 (hand) + 本 (book/origin) → a model to follow by hand, a copybook example
• Pronunciation: /o.te.ho.n/

Meaning

Role model or textbook example — someone or something that sets the standard others should follow.

Literally meaning 'model' or 'example to follow,' お手本 is used as a compliment to say someone is the ideal example in their field or behaviour. Can describe a person (あの先輩はお手本, that senpai is a role model), a technique (お手本みたいなスイング, a textbook swing), or a quality (お手本みたいな対応, a model response). The お prefix adds warmth and respect.

Examples

1. 後輩のお手本になれるように頑張ろう。 I'll do my best so I can be a role model for the juniors.
2. あの人のプレゼンはまさにお手本だよ。 That person's presentation is truly a textbook example.
3. お手本みたいなスイングだね、綺麗。 What a textbook-perfect swing — beautiful.

Usage Guide

Context: school, workplace, sports, casual conversation

Tone: admiring, respectful

Do Say

• お手本みたいな接客だったよ。 (That was textbook customer service.)
• あの人を見習ってお手本にしよう。 (Let's learn from that person and make them our model.)

Don't Say

• 皮肉として「お手本だね」と言うと嫌味になる (Using 'otehon da ne' sarcastically sounds passive-aggressive)

Common Mistakes

• Using お手本 sarcastically without the listener understanding the tone — it can be confusing

Origin & History

From お (honorific) + 手本 (hand + book/origin = something to copy by hand). Originally referred to calligraphy copybooks used for practice. The meaning expanded to 'model' or 'example to follow' in any context.

Cultural Context

Era: Traditional expression, continuously used

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

Regional notes: Used across all of Japan. The concept of following a role model (お手本) is deeply embedded in Japanese education and work culture.