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March 24, 2026
典型diǎnxíng(dian3xing2)
典型 refers to a model or archetype that exemplifies certain characteristics or traits. It is commonly used to describe something that is representative of a particular category or serves as a standard for comparison in various contexts, such as literature, sociology, or everyday situations.
Strokes17Frequency#3861DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 典型 can often relate to collectivist values, where certain traits or behaviors are idealized in a typical member of a community or society.
Memory Tip
Think of 典型 as a 'dynamo' (sounds like 'dian') that powers the 'typical' (sounds like 'xing') examples in a category, illuminating what makes them stand out as models.
Meanings of 典型
diǎnxíng(dian3xing2)
1model
2typical case
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 典型
典型Simplified
17Strokes
—Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#3861Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 典型
Podcast: 典型
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AI Study Notes for 典型
Quick Contrast
典范 (diànfàn) - use 典型 when emphasizing a representative example, while 典范 suggests a model to be emulated.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 典型 with similar words like 模式 (móshì), which means 'pattern.' 典型 is often used in formal contexts, especially in academic or analytical discussions, so it's important to use it appropriately.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 典型 connects with other advanced vocabulary that describes characteristics and qualities. Students should focus on using it in contexts where they describe examples or comparisons.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 典型 with 典礼 (diǎnlǐ), which means 'ceremony.' Remember, 典型 focuses on 'typical cases' rather than events. For example, saying '这是一个典礼的例子' (This is an example of a ceremony) is incorrect; it should be '这是一个典型的例子' (This is a typical example).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 典型
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How Well Do You Know 典型?
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Learning Lab
Knowing 典型 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
典型 refers to a model or archetype that exemplifies certain characteristics or traits. It is commonly used to describe something that is representative of a particular category or serves as a standard for comparison in various contexts, such as literature, sociology, or everyday situations.
When to use 典型
Be cautious not to confuse 典型 with similar words like 模式 (móshì), which means 'pattern.' 典型 is often used in formal contexts, especially in academic or analytical discussions, so it's important to use it appropriately.
典型 or something close to it
典范 (diànfàn) - use 典型 when emphasizing a representative example, while 典范 suggests a model to be emulated.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 典型 with 典礼 (diǎnlǐ), which means 'ceremony.' Remember, 典型 focuses on 'typical cases' rather than events. For example, saying '这是一个典礼的例子' (This is an example of a ceremony) is incorrect; it should be '这是一个典型的例子' (This is a typical example).
Write 典型
典
型
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Grammar Patterns of 典型
典型 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他是伊娃最深恶痛绝的那种人中的____。
He was the quintessence of all that Eva most deeply loathed.
Example Sentences for 典型 (10)
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1
他是伊娃最深恶痛绝的那种人中的典型。
tā shì yī wá zuì shēn è tòng jué de nà zhǒng rén zhōng de diǎn xíng。
He was the quintessence of all that Eva most deeply loathed.
