手本

• Reading: てほん
• Romaji: tehon
• Kanji breakdown: 手 (te/shu) — hand; 本 (hon/moto) — origin, model, book
• Pronunciation: /te.hoɴ/

Meaning

Model; pattern; example to copy or emulate; copybook. A standard of excellence held up for imitation.

Originally referred to a calligraphic copybook used to practise writing — the teacher's hand (手) was the model (本). Extended to mean any exemplary model in conduct, craft, or art. The phrase 手本にする (tehon ni suru — to take as a model) is common in both practical and figurative contexts. Contrasts with 見本 (mihon — sample, specimen) which is more commercial in nuance.

Examples

1. 書道の授業では先生が手本を書いてくださり、それを真似して練習した。 In calligraphy class, the teacher wrote a model for us, and we practiced by copying it.
2. 彼の生き方は若者の手本となるような誠実さに満ちていた。 His way of life was filled with an integrity that could serve as a model for young people.
3. 良い手本を見て学ぶことが技術上達の最短経路だという。 They say that learning by observing good models is the shortest path to mastering a skill.

Usage Guide

Context: education, calligraphy, arts and crafts, character development

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 手 (te — hand) and 本 (hon/moto — origin, model). The literal image is the teacher's own hand-written example that students copy, generalized to any model worthy of emulation.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo–Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal