典型

• Reading: てんけい
• Romaji: tenkei
• Kanji breakdown: 典 (ten) — rule, ceremony, classic; 型 (kei/kata) — mould, type, pattern
• Pronunciation: /teŋ.keː/

Meaning

Type; pattern; archetype. A typical example or representative model of something.

A noun meaning a standard or representative example. Most often used with the adjective suffix 的 (teki): 典型的な (tenkei-teki na, typical/archetypal). Common in analysis and description: 典型的な日本人 (tenkei-teki na nihonjin, a typical Japanese person), 典型的な例 (tenkei-teki na rei, a classic example). Has a somewhat academic or analytical tone.

Examples

1. これは典型的な日本の家の造りだ。 This is the typical layout of a Japanese house.
2. 彼の行動は典型的なリーダーの姿だった。 His behavior was that of a typical leader.
3. 典型的なミスを避けるために注意が必要だ。 You need to be careful to avoid typical mistakes.

Usage Guide

Context: analysis, description, academic

Tone: analytical

Origin & History

Compound of 典 (ten, rule/ceremony/classic text) and 型 (kei/kata, mould/pattern). Together, 'a classical pattern' — the standard form against which others are measured.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated