‘Kǎimó’ represents an ideal paragon or role model worthy of deep respect and imitation.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A person or thing serving as a perfect example.
- Highly formal and positive tone for moral or professional excellence.
- Often used to describe people with exceptional character or achievements.
Overview
- 1概述：‘楷模’是一个褒义词，由‘楷’（法式、标准）和‘模’（模子、规范）组成。它在现代汉语中代表着最高的褒扬，指代那些在特定领域或道德层面表现卓越，值得全社会推崇的人。2) 使用习惯：通常作为名词使用，常接在‘成为’、‘树立’、‘寻找’等动词之后。它也可以作为定语，修饰‘人物’或‘行为’。3) 常见语境：该词频繁出现在正式场合，如新闻报道、颁奖典礼、政府公文以及教育语境中。例如，评价一位无私奉献的医生为‘医德楷模’。4) 同义词辨析：与‘榜样’相比，‘楷模’的语气更加庄重、正式；与‘典范’相比，‘楷模’更强调人的行为和品格，而‘典范’有时可以用于事物或作品；与‘表率’相比，‘表率’侧重于身先士卒的带动作用，而‘楷模’更侧重于长久的、标准性的示范意义。
Examples
雷锋是全中国人民学习的楷模。
historical/educationalLei Feng is a model for all Chinese people to learn from.
张经理在廉洁自律方面为全员树立了楷模。
formal/professionalManager Zhang set a paragon of integrity and self-discipline for all staff.
他在逆境中永不言弃的精神，堪称时代的楷模。
academic/literaryHis spirit of never giving up in adversity can be called a model of our times.
作为家长，我们应该在言行上成为孩子的楷模。
everyday/formalAs parents, we should be role models for our children in our words and deeds.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
一代楷模
A model for a generation
行业楷模
An industry role model
Often Confused With
‘榜样’ is more common and can be used for small things/people. ‘楷模’ is much more formal and prestigious.
‘模特’ refers specifically to a fashion model or an artist's model, not a moral example.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
‘楷模’ is almost exclusively used in formal writing or speeches. It carries a sense of authority and collective recognition. It is rarely used in casual, spoken conversation unless the speaker wants to emphasize the gravity of the person's influence.
Common Mistakes
Do not use '楷模' to describe inanimate objects like 'this computer is a model of technology' (use 典范 instead). Also, ensure the context is positive; it cannot be used for 'a model of bad behavior'.
Tips
Use in Formal Commendations
Save this word for formal speeches, essays, or performance reviews to show high respect.
Avoid Casual Daily Chat
Using '楷模' for small, everyday favors might sound overly dramatic or sarcastic; use '榜样' instead.
Confucian Moral Standards
The concept of 'Kǎimó' is deeply tied to the Chinese cultural emphasis on moral leadership and self-cultivation.
Word Origin
Originally, 'Kǎi' was a legendary straight-growing tree found at the tomb of Confucius, symbolizing integrity. 'Mó' was another legendary tree whose leaves changed color with the seasons in a predictable way, symbolizing regularity and patterns.
Cultural Context
In China, the government often awards the title '时代楷模' (Role Model of the Era) to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to society, reinforcing social values.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Kǎi' (楷) from 'Kǎishū' (楷书, standard script), which is the standard way to write. 'Mó' (模) is a mold. Together, they mean the 'standard mold' for people.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions‘榜样’比较口语化，范围更广；‘楷模’则非常正式，通常用于社会公认的、具有重大影响力的杰出人物。
通常不建议。它主要用于形容人及其行为或精神，形容物品或作品时通常使用‘典范’。
没有。‘楷模’是一个纯粹的褒义词，表达的是赞赏和崇敬。
可以用来表彰表现极为突出的员工，例如：‘他是我们公司勤奋工作的楷模’。
Test Yourself
这位老教授一生致力于科研，是所有年轻学者的___。
‘楷模’指值得效法的榜样，符合赞扬老教授的语境。‘模特’是fashion model，‘模式’是pattern，‘模样’是appearance。
选择正确的句子：
b项符合‘楷模’作为时代榜样的正式用法。a项应为‘模特’，c项应为‘典范’，d项语意矛盾。
他 / 行为 / 道德 / 成了 / 的 / 楷模 / 大家的
‘他的行为’是主语，‘成了’是谓语，‘大家的道德楷模’是宾语，逻辑最通顺。
Score: /3
Summary
‘Kǎimó’ represents an ideal paragon or role model worthy of deep respect and imitation.
- A person or thing serving as a perfect example.
- Highly formal and positive tone for moral or professional excellence.
- Often used to describe people with exceptional character or achievements.
Use in Formal Commendations
Save this word for formal speeches, essays, or performance reviews to show high respect.
Avoid Casual Daily Chat
Using '楷模' for small, everyday favors might sound overly dramatic or sarcastic; use '榜样' instead.
Confucian Moral Standards
The concept of 'Kǎimó' is deeply tied to the Chinese cultural emphasis on moral leadership and self-cultivation.
Examples
4 of 4雷锋是全中国人民学习的楷模。
Lei Feng is a model for all Chinese people to learn from.
张经理在廉洁自律方面为全员树立了楷模。
Manager Zhang set a paragon of integrity and self-discipline for all staff.
他在逆境中永不言弃的精神，堪称时代的楷模。
His spirit of never giving up in adversity can be called a model of our times.
作为家长，我们应该在言行上成为孩子的楷模。
As parents, we should be role models for our children in our words and deeds.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
大约
B1Used to show that a number or amount is not exact; approximately.
上边
A2above, on top
上面
A1on, above, over
