模範(もはん)

もはん
noun
model; exemplar; example to follow
1. model; exemplar; example to follow
A person, action, or thing that serves as an ideal example worthy of imitation. Often used in educational, moral, and social contexts.
みんなの模範(もはん)になりたい。
I want to be a model for everyone.
彼(かれ)は模範的(もはんてき)な生徒(せいと)だと言(い)われている。
He is said to be a model student.
I decided to take my senior's work ethic as a model and put in the effort myself.

Combines 模(も) (pattern/model) and 範(はん) (example/norm), both characters reinforcing the idea of something to be imitated or followed. Frequently used as a modifier in the form 模範的(もはんてき) (exemplary).

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 手本(てほん): example, model — more everyday and concrete; often refers to something you physically look at or copy (like calligraphy practice)
  • 見本(みほん): sample, specimen — refers to a physical sample or display item, not a moral or behavioral ideal
  • 範囲(はんい): range, scope — shares the 範(はん) character but means something entirely different