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标本 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
标本biāoběnspecimenHSK 7, n, 14 strokes, rank #12790, Very Hard
标本biāoběnsampleHSK 7, n, 14 strokes, rank #12790, Very Hard
标本biāoběnthe root cause and symptoms of a diseaseHSK 7, n, 14 strokes, rank #12790, Very Hard
biāoběn(biao1ben3)biao ben T1
  1. 1specimen
  2. 2sample
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March 24, 2026

标本(標本)biāoběn(biao1ben3)

标本 (biāoběn) refers to a specimen or sample that is used for study or analysis, particularly in scientific contexts. It can also denote the root cause and symptoms of a disease, making it relevant in medical discussions where understanding the fundamental aspects of a condition is crucial.

Strokes14Frequency#12790DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese medicine, understanding the 标本 of a disease is crucial for diagnosis and treatment, reflecting a holistic approach to health that emphasizes the root causes rather than just symptoms.

Memory tip

Think of 标 (biāo) as a 'mark' or 'sign,' indicating something noteworthy, and 本 (běn) as 'origin' or 'root.' Picture a scientist marking a specimen with a label to identify its origin, emphasizing its importance in research.

Meanings of 标本

biāoběn(biao1ben3)
1specimen
2sample
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 标本

标本Simplified
標本Traditional
14Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#12790Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

Podcast: 标本

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Podcast: 标本

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AI Study Notes for 标本

Quick Contrast

样本 (yàngběn) - use 标本 when referring specifically to specimens in scientific contexts, while 样本 is more general and can refer to samples in various fields.

Usage Notes

标本 is often used in formal contexts, especially in science and medicine. A common mistake is confusing it with similar words like 样本 (yàngběn), which means 'sample' in a more general sense. Ensure to use 标本 when referring specifically to specimens or medical root causes.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 标本 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to science and medicine. Students should focus on its specific usage in these fields and practice forming sentences that involve both the physical and metaphorical meanings.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 标本 with 样本; for instance, saying '我需要一个样本来研究' (I need a sample to study) when they mean a specific medical specimen. The correct term should be 标本 for that context.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 标本

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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.

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Component Characters

标biāothe topmost branches of a tree
HSK 79 strokes木
View full entry
本běnroots or stems of plants
HSK 15 strokes木
View full entry

How to say specimen in Chinese

“specimen” in Chinese is标本biāoběn

标本 (biāoběn) refers to a specimen or sample that is used for study or analysis, particularly in scientific contexts. It can also denote the root cause and symptoms of a disease, making it relevant in medical discussions where understanding the fundamental aspects of a condition is crucial.

When to use 标本

标本 is often used in formal contexts, especially in science and medicine. A common mistake is confusing it with similar words like 样本 (yàngběn), which means 'sample' in a more general sense. Ensure to use 标本 when referring specifically to specimens or medical root causes.

标本 or something close to it

样本 (yàngběn) - use 标本 when referring specifically to specimens in scientific contexts, while 样本 is more general and can refer to samples in various fields.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 标本 with 样本; for instance, saying '我需要一个样本来研究' (I need a sample to study) when they mean a specific medical specimen. The correct term should be 标本 for that context.

Write 标本

标
本

Practice writing 标本 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 标本

标本 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 3 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 1

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

收藏家们会花5万到100万美元去购入一份稀有____。

Collectors will pay $50,000 to $1 million for a rare specimen.

Example Sentences for 标本 (1)

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1
收藏家们会花5万到100万美元去购入一份稀有标本。

shōu cáng jiā mén huì huā5 5 wàn100 dào 100 wàn měi yuán qù gòu rù yī fèn xī yǒu。

Collectors will pay $50,000 to $1 million for a rare specimen.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 标本

While it's primarily used in scientific or medical contexts, you can use it metaphorically in discussions about 'roots' of problems in daily life.

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