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原型 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
原型yuánxíngmodelHSK 7, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #10730, Very Hard
原型yuánxíngprototypeHSK 7, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #10730, Very Hard
原型yuánxíngarchetypeHSK 7, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #10730, Very Hard
yuánxíng(yuan2xing2)yuan xing T2
  1. 1model
  2. 2prototype
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March 24, 2026

原型yuánxíng(yuan2xing2)

原型 refers to a model, prototype, or archetype of something. It is commonly used in contexts related to design, manufacturing, or theoretical concepts where an initial version serves as a reference for further development or replication.

Strokes19Frequency#10730DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese innovation discussions, 原型 is often highlighted in technology and product design, reflecting the importance placed on initial prototypes in a rapidly developing market.

Memory tip

Imagine a 'yuan' (元) coin as the base 'model' of a currency, and 'xing' (型) looks like a blueprint. Together, think of a coin blueprint or prototype that represents the core design of all future coins.

Meanings of 原型

yuánxíng(yuan2xing2)
1model
2prototype
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 原型

原型Simplified
19Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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Podcast: 原型

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AI Study Notes for 原型

Quick Contrast

样本 (yàngběn) - use 原型 when referring to a model or prototype that serves as a basis for further development, while 样本 is more about a sample or example used for testing or analysis.

Usage Notes

Be cautious not to confuse 原型 with similar terms like 模型 (móxíng), which means model but can imply a more physical or simplified version. 原型 is often used in both informal and formal contexts, especially in technical discussions.

HSK Study Tips

Although 原型 may not be in the HSK curriculum, understanding it can enhance your vocabulary related to technology and innovation. Focus on recognizing how it relates to other words like 模型 (model) and 典型 (typical).

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 原型 with similar-sounding words like 影像 (yǐngxiàng, image). For example, saying '这个是影像' (This is an image) instead of '这个是原型' can lead to misunderstanding. Always clarify whether you mean an original version or just an image.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 原型

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How Well Do You Know 原型?

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Learning Lab

Knowing 原型 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.

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Component Characters

原yuánformer
HSK 510 strokes厂
View full entry
型xíngmodel
HSK 49 strokes土
View full entry

How to say model in Chinese

“model” in Chinese is原型yuánxíng

原型 refers to a model, prototype, or archetype of something. It is commonly used in contexts related to design, manufacturing, or theoretical concepts where an initial version serves as a reference for further development or replication.

When to use 原型

Be cautious not to confuse 原型 with similar terms like 模型 (móxíng), which means model but can imply a more physical or simplified version. 原型 is often used in both informal and formal contexts, especially in technical discussions.

原型 or something close to it

样本 (yàngběn) - use 原型 when referring to a model or prototype that serves as a basis for further development, while 样本 is more about a sample or example used for testing or analysis.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 原型 with similar-sounding words like 影像 (yǐngxiàng, image). For example, saying '这个是影像' (This is an image) instead of '这个是原型' can lead to misunderstanding. Always clarify whether you mean an original version or just an image.

Write 原型

原
型

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

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Frequently Asked Questions about 原型

You can say '这个设计是我们的原型' (This design is our prototype).

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