1.
model, example, exemplar
Something or someone that serves as a standard to be copied or imitated. Used for both physical models (such as calligraphy samples) and ideal behavior.
先生の手本を見て書く。
To write while looking at the teacher's model.
彼女は後輩の手本になる社員だ。
She's an employee who serves as a role model for junior staff.
まずは手本を見せますから、そのあと同じようにやってみてください。
I'll show you an example first, then please try to do it the same way.
KANJI:
手 (hand) + 本 (book/origin). Originally referred to a copybook for practicing calligraphy or drawing.
USAGE:
Used both concretely (a physical model to copy from, as in calligraphy practice) and figuratively (a person or behavior to emulate). The phrase 手本を見せる means "to set an example" or "to demonstrate."
手本になる (to serve as a model) can be either positive or negative depending on context — it usually implies a positive model unless qualified otherwise.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 手本を見せる: to show a model, to set an example
- 手本にする: to use as a model
- 手本になる: to serve as a model
- 良い手本: a good example
- お手本: model/example (polite)