手本|てほんtehon[2]nakadaka (mid-high)

1. nounmodel; (good) example; exemplar; paragon
   彼かれの行儀ぎょうぎをお手本てほんにしなさい。↗

   Model your manners on his.
2. nounmodel handwriting; model drawing; copybook

• Synonym模範もはんNeutralFairly formal word for an exemplar worth following, as in 「模範解答」 or 「模範生」. 「手本」 is more colloquial and also covers model handwriting or drawings to copy.
• Synonym範はんWrittenWritten style, seen in set phrases like 「範を示す」 and 「範とする」 for someone to take as a model. 「手本」 is the everyday, more colloquial choice.
• Synonym見本みほんNeutralUsually a sample or specimen, but can also mean a good example, as in 「いい見本」. 「手本」 stresses something shown for learners to imitate.
• Synonym規範きはんWrittenWritten word for norms or standards to abide by, as in 「社会規範」. 「手本」 refers to a concrete model you learn from by imitation.
• SynonymモデルNeutralLoanword covering physical models, fashion models and model cases. 「手本」 is specifically something shown for learners to copy.
• Synonym鑑かがみWrittenThe same word as 「鑑」 above; when written 「鏡」 it still means a paragon, with no change in meaning — only the spelling differs.
• SynonymロールモデルNeutralLoanword for a person whose life or conduct you model yourself on. 「手本」 is not limited to people and also covers model handwriting or drawings.
• Related好例こうれいNeutralAn apt, good instance of something, as in 「好例と言える」. 「手本」 specifically suggests something held up for others to imitate.
• Related鑑かがみWrittenThe same word as 「鑑」 above; when written 「鏡」 it still means a paragon, with no change in meaning — only the spelling differs.
• Related亀鑑きかんWrittenLiterary word for a model held up as a lesson or reference, as in 「後世の亀鑑」. In everyday speech you would say 「手本」.
• Related儀刑ぎけいWrittenRare, written word for a model or standard. In everyday use 「手本」 or 「模範」 is said instead.
• Related儀範ぎはんWrittenRare, written word for a precedent or exemplar to follow. Everyday speech uses 「模範」.
• Related儀表ぎひょうWrittenRare, written word for a paragon or model. In ordinary contexts 「手本」 is used.
• Related師表しひょうWrittenWritten word for someone who serves as both teacher and model to others. 「手本」 is the more colloquial term.
• Related鏡鑑きょうかんWrittenRare, written word for a paragon held up as a mirror or lesson. Everyday speech says 「手本」.
• Antonym反面教師はんめんきょうしNeutralAntonym: a negative example to learn a lesson from — someone or something showing what not to do, opposite 「手本」.
• Antonym悪例あくれいNeutralAntonym: a bad example or undesirable precedent, the negative counterpart of 「手本」 as a model to follow.

Use 「手本」 for a model shown for learners to imitate, including copybooks and model drawings, as in 「お手本を見せる」. For a more formal exemplar choose 「模範」; in written prose 「範」 and 「鑑」 fit. 「見本」 is a sample, 「モデル」 a model or model case, and 「ロールモデル」 a person to emulate in life. 「規範」 covers norms of behavior. The rare literary terms 「亀鑑」, 「儀刑」, 「儀範」, 「儀表」 and 「鏡鑑」 are best avoided in speech. Opposites are 「悪例」 and 「反面教師」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 初心者しょしんしゃが絵えや字じをかく際さいに参考さんこうにする絵えや字じ。
2. 物事ものごとを行おこなう際さいの模範もはんとなる人ひとやもの。