ロールモデル

ろーるもでる
noun
role model
1. role model
A person whose behavior, example, or success serves as a model for others to follow, especially in career or life choices.
彼女(かのじょ)はロールモデルだ。
She is a role model.
ロールモデルがいると成長(せいちょう)しやすい。
Having a role model makes it easier to grow.
女性(じょせい)管理職(かんりしょく)(すく)ないため、ロールモデルが()つかりにくい。
Because there are few female managers, it's hard to find role models.

ロールモデル is a direct borrowing from English "role model." It has become common in business, education, and gender equality discussions in Japan.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • ロールモデルになる: to become a role model
  • ロールモデルがいる: to have a role model
  • ロールモデルが不在(ふざい): lack of role models

NOTE:
The term is especially used in workplace diversity discussions, where the absence of ロールモデル for women and minorities in leadership positions is a recognized issue.