手本(てほん)

てほん
noun
model, example, exemplar
education
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(せんせい)の手本(てほん)を見(み)て書(か)く。
To write while looking at the teacher's model.
彼女(かのじょ)は後輩(こうはい)の手本(てほん)になる社員(しゃいん)だ。
She's an employee who serves as a role model for junior staff.
まずは手本(てほん)を見(み)せますから、そのあと同(おな)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.

Etymology

手(て) (hand) + 本(ほん) (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(てほん)を見(み)せる means "to set an example" or "to demonstrate."

Common collocations

  • 手本(てほん)を見(み)せる: to show a model, to set an example
  • 手本(てほん)にする: to use as a model
  • 手本(てほん)になる: to serve as a model
  • 良(よ)い手本(てほん): a good example
  • お手本(てほん): model/example (polite)

Related Words

Related: 見本(みほん)
Compare: 模範(もはん) (model)
Compare: 反面教師(はんめんきょうし) (negative example)
general
Added 2026.2.8 13:52 · Revised 2026.10.10 15:54
10500/10563_tehon