Meanings of 模
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About 模
Podcast: 模
Podcast: 模
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AI Study Notes for 模
模 (mó, mold/model) vs 样 (yàng, sample/type) — use 模 when referring to a specific mold or model for shaping, while 样 is more general, referring to a type or sample.
Be cautious with the tone, as 模 (mó) has a second tone that can be confused with the first tone of 'mó' (to wipe). It’s often used in contexts related to models or standards, so collocations like 模式 (móshì - model/pattern) are common. In more formal contexts, it’s better to use this word to describe design or standards rather than in casual conversation.
Although 模 (mó) may not appear in the earlier HSK levels, it connects well with other words related to imitation and standards, such as 复制 (fùzhì - to copy) and 标准 (biāozhǔn - standard). Students should focus on understanding its application in various contexts and familiarize themselves with related terms.
Learners often confuse 模 (mó) with similar-sounding characters, such as 摸 (mō - to touch). For example, saying '我想摸一个模' (wǒ xiǎng mō yīgè mó - I want to touch a mold) mixes the meanings; it should be '我想用一个模' (wǒ xiǎng yòng yīgè mó - I want to use a mold).
Pronunciation of 模
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Jason Explains 模 to You
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Learning Lab
Knowing 模 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.
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Etymology of 模
Phonosemantic compound. 木 represents the meaning and 莫 represents the sound.
tree
Origin
模 = 木 + 莫. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 模
Parts
Which of these is part of 模?
How to say to imitate in Chinese
“to imitate” in Chinese is模
The character 模 (mó) primarily means 'mold' or 'model,' referring to a physical form used for shaping materials or a standard for imitation. It can also signify a pattern or norm that serves as a guide for behavior or design. In contexts like manufacturing or art, it indicates a template that can be replicated.
When to use 模
Be cautious with the tone, as 模 (mó) has a second tone that can be confused with the first tone of 'mó' (to wipe). It’s often used in contexts related to models or standards, so collocations like 模式 (móshì - model/pattern) are common. In more formal contexts, it’s better to use this word to describe design or standards rather than in casual conversation.
模 or something close to it
模 (mó, mold/model) vs 样 (yàng, sample/type) — use 模 when referring to a specific mold or model for shaping, while 样 is more general, referring to a type or sample.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 模 (mó) with similar-sounding characters, such as 摸 (mō - to touch). For example, saying '我想摸一个模' (wǒ xiǎng mō yīgè mó - I want to touch a mold) mixes the meanings; it should be '我想用一个模' (wǒ xiǎng yòng yīgè mó - I want to use a mold).
Write 模
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Practice writing 模 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 模
模 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 8 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
你可以和戴维·贝克汉姆的纸板____型合影。
You can have your picture taken with a cutout of David Beckham.
Common Confusions with 模
Same pronunciation but different meaning and usage.
Related in meaning but different in usage; 模 is a noun, while 模仿 is a verb.
Which one
Which one means “to imitate”?
Example Sentences for 模 (10)
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Word Family of 模
Words with 模
What does 模特 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 模
模 (mó) generally refers to the concept of a mold or pattern, whereas 模型 (móxíng) specifically means 'model' or 'prototype.' The distinction lies in the specificity of 模型 being a physical representation or scale model, while 模 can be more abstract.
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