模

mó, mú

木 + 莫

Definitions

mó (verb) to imitate; to model; to copy

mó (noun) pattern; template; standard

mú (noun) pattern; mold; die; matrix

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 木 represents the meaning and 莫 represents the sound.

Semantic: 木 Phonetic: 莫

About

模 is a phono-semantic compound where 木 (wood) gives the meaning and 莫 the sound. In its original sense, it was a wooden mold, frame, or casting that artisans used to shape clay, metals, or other materials into uniform physical objects. Over time, the meaning shifted away from these tangible molds to abstract concepts of a model, standard, pattern, or exemplary form meant to be imitated. Today, 模 is foundational in vocabulary for imitation, standardized modules, exemplary behavior, and creating something according to a predetermined pattern.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这个模型很贵。

Zhège móxíng hěn guì.

This model is very expensive.

他经常模仿明星。

Tā jīngcháng mófǎng míngxīng.

He often imitates celebrities.

照片看起来有点模糊。

Zhàopiàn kàn qǐlái yǒudiǎn móhu.

The photo looks a bit blurry.

他是我们班的模范生。

Tā shì wǒmen bān de mófànshēng.

He is a model student in our class.

我们需要模拟考试环境。

Wǒmen xūyào mónǐ kǎoshì huánjìng.

We need to simulate the exam environment.

这个模子是用来做蛋糕的。

Zhège múzi shì yòng lái zuò dàngāo de.

This mold is used to make cakes.

她的模样和我记忆中的一样。

Tā de múyàng hé wǒ jìyì zhōng de yīyàng.

Her appearance is the same as in my memory.

通过模仿和实践，他逐渐掌握了技巧。

Tōngguò mófǎng hé shíjiàn, tā zhújiàn zhǎngwò le jìqiǎo.

Through imitation and practice, he gradually mastered the skills.

Related Characters

Component: 木

Component: 莫

模