榜样 (bǎng yàng) — role model; example (to follow or emulate) | TongTong Chinese Dictionary

Definition

榜样 is a PERSON to look up to and imitate — a positive role model. Unlike 例子, 案例, or 模范, it specifically refers to someone whose behavior others should follow.

noun

role modelexample (to follow or emulate)

Measure word · 个

Examples

榜样。
Tā shì wǒ men bān de bǎng yàng.
She is a role model in our class.
榜样。
Tā yǐ léi fēng wèi bǎng yàng.
He takes Lei Feng as his role model.
榜样。
Měi gè rén dōu yīng gāi xiàng hǎo de bǎng yàng xué xí.
Everyone should learn from good role models.

Origin

Compound word

构词法gòucífǎ

联合liánhéCoordinate

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

榜bǎngexample

榜 and 样 both point to a model; together they mean an example to follow.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

木旁榜

Meaning part形符xíngfú

Sound part声符shēngfú

旁

Same sound today

榜 pairs 木, a tree or wood element, with 旁, which is used for the sound.

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 樣; 样 is its simplified writing.

木羕樣

Meaning part形符xíngfú

木木mùwood

Sound part声符shēngfú

羕

羕yàng樣yàng

Same sound today

For 样, the traditional form 樣 pairs 木 (wood) with 羕 as a sound part.

Appears in

HSK 3.0 Level 6 HSK 2.0 Level 6 Abstract Concepts

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