Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Model" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "model", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
手本
てほん (tehon)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
象る
かたどる (katadoru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "model" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 手本 and 象る.
In Japanese, 手本 (てほん (tehon)) is typically associated with "model, example, pattern" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Something or someone that serves as a good example to follow, imitate, or learn from. Can be a person, a work, or a specific behavior..
On the other hand, 象る (かたどる (katadoru)) maps to "to model after; to pattern after; to shape (in the form of)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents To make something in the shape or form of something else, often a real object or symbol.. A literal translation of "model" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "手本"
彼は若者の手本となるような人物だ。
He is a person who serves as a role model for young people.
Bilingual Context for "象る"
このチョコレートは、富士山を象って作られている。
This chocolate is shaped like Mount Fuji.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は若者の ＿＿＿ となるような人物だ。" (Meaning: "He is a person who serves as a role model for young people.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "手本" fits here because it means "model, example, pattern" in the context of: "He is a person who serves as a role model for young people.". "象る" represents "to model after; to pattern after; to shape (in the form of)".