標本

• Reading: ひょうほん
• Romaji: hyōhon
• Kanji breakdown: 標 (hyō/shirube) — mark, sign, sample; 本 (hon/moto) — origin, main, book
• Pronunciation: /hjoː.ho.ɴ/

Meaning

Specimen; sample; a representative example of a species, material, or population selected for examination, display, or statistical analysis.

A noun with two distinct major uses. In natural sciences, a 標本 is a preserved or mounted specimen for study or display (e.g., an insect or mineral). In statistics, 標本 (sample) is a subset drawn from a 母集団 (population) to make inferences. 標本調査 (sample survey) and 標本抽出 (sampling) are core statistical concepts. Understanding both senses is essential for N1-level reading.

Examples

1. 自然史博物館には世界各地から収集された昆虫や植物の標本が保管されている。 The natural history museum houses specimens of insects and plants collected from around the world.
2. 統計学では母集団全体を調査することが難しい場合、標本を抽出して推定を行う。 In statistics, when surveying an entire population is difficult, a sample is drawn to make estimates.
3. 研究チームは新種の可能性がある菌類の標本を採集するため、熱帯雨林に入った。 The research team entered the tropical rainforest to collect specimens of a fungus that may be a new species.

Usage Guide

Context: natural history, statistics, biology, research, museums

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 標 (hyō — mark, sign, sample) and 本 (hon — origin, main, book). The combination suggests something marked out as a representative original or primary example.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Students and professionals

Social background: Academic