Meaning
The kanji 模 (モ, かたどる) primarily conveys the ideas of 'model,' 'imitate,' and 'pattern.' It suggests something that serves as a standard or example, as well as the act of replicating one. You'll often encounter this kanji when discussing replicas, establishing precedents, or simulating situations. Understanding 模 is key to grasping concepts in fields like design, education, and advanced manufacturing in Japan.
Historically, 模 is a phono-semantic compound kanji. Its semantic component, 木 (ki), means 'tree' or 'wood.' This often points to materials or structures made from wood. This radical suggests the physical aspect of shaping or molding something, or using a wooden template. The phonetic component is 莫 (baku, mo). While 莫 often implies 'nothing' or 'not,' here it primarily contributes its sound, hinting at the 'mo' reading.
This combination can be interpreted as using a wooden form or template to define something. It suggests creating a 'model' or 'pattern' from what might otherwise be formless or 'nothing' (莫). The visual shape doesn't directly depict 'model' itself, but rather hints at the process of creating one, especially from a material like wood. With 14 strokes, 模 is an advanced Jōyō kanji, typically introduced in secondary school (represented here as Grade 8).
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi for 模 is モ (MO). This reading is very common, appearing in most compound words related to models, patterns, imitation, or scale. It often carries a formal and abstract nuance.
模範 (mohan) — model, example. This refers to an ideal or exemplary standard that others should follow.
規模 (kibo) — scale, scope. Describes the size or extent of something, often used in economic or architectural contexts.
模擬 (mogi) — simulation, mock. Often used for practice or testing purposes, such as a mock exam or a simulation.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kanji 模 has two main Kun'yomi readings, both conveying the act of imitation or shaping:
もす (mosu) — to imitate, to copy. Found in the verb 模す, this reading offers a direct and sometimes literary way to express imitation or modeling.
自然を模す (shizen wo mosu) — to imitate nature.
師を模す (shi wo mosu) — to imitate one's teacher.
かたどる (katadoru) — to model after, to imitate, to shape. This reading is used in the verb 模る. It implies giving a physical form or shape based on an original, often with an artistic or sculptural nuance.
動物を模った (doubutsu wo katadotta) — modeled after an animal.
雪で城を模る (yuki de shiro wo katadoru) — to model a castle with snow.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 模 is central to many advanced Japanese vocabulary words, covering various aspects of modeling, imitation, and standard-setting. The words below are categorized to illustrate their usage in different contexts.
Concepts of Models & Standards:
模範 (mohan) — model, example, paragon. Refers to something excellent to be emulated.
模型 (mokei) — model, miniature, replica. A physical representation, often scaled down.
規模 (kibo) — scale, scope, magnitude. Indicates the size or extent of something.
模様 (moyou) — pattern, design, state of affairs. Can refer to visual patterns or the general situation.
模範的 (mohanteki) — exemplary, model (adjectival). Describes behavior or quality worthy of imitation.
Concepts of Imitation & Simulation:
模擬 (mogi) — simulation, mock, imitation. Commonly seen in mock exams or simulated environments.
模倣 (mohou) — imitation, mimicry. The act of copying someone or something.
模写 (mosha) — copy, reproduction (of artwork). Specifically refers to copying paintings or drawings.
模造 (mozou) — imitation, counterfeit. Often implies making a copy, sometimes illicitly.
模造品 (mozouhin) — imitation product, fake.
Actions & Abstract Concepts:
模索 (mosaku) — groping, fumbling for, exploring. Often used when searching for solutions or methods.
彫像を模る (chouzou wo katadoru) — to model a sculpture. (Using the Kun'yomi for shaping)
Example Sentences
この模型は実物を忠実に模しています。
Kono mokei wa jitsubutsu wo chuujitsu ni mo shiteimasu.
This model faithfully imitates the real thing.
彼は模範的な生徒として皆に尊敬されています。
Kare wa mohanteki na seito to shite mina ni sonkei sareteimasu.
He is respected by everyone as an exemplary student.
来月、大学で模擬試験が実施されます。
Raigetsu, daigaku de mogishiken ga jisshi saremasu.
A mock exam will be conducted at the university next month.
新しい製品の開発に向けて、解決策を模索中です。
Atarashii seihin no kaihatsu ni mukete, kaiketsusaku wo mosakuchuu desu.
We are currently exploring solutions for the development of a new product.
その画家は、有名な絵画を模写して技術を学びました。
Sono gaka wa, yuumei na kaiga wo mosha shite gijutsu wo manabimashita.
The painter learned techniques by copying famous paintings.
この彫刻は、自然の美しさを模っています。
Kono choukoku wa, shizen no utsukushisa wo katadotteimasu.
This sculpture models the beauty of nature.
彼は先生の教えを忠実に模して、目標を達成しました。
Kare wa sensei no oshie wo chuujitsu ni mo shite, mokuhyou wo tassei shimashita.
He faithfully imitated his teacher's teachings and achieved his goal.
新しいビルは環境への配慮を模範として設計されました。
Atarashii biru wa kankyou e no hairyo wo mohan to shite sekkei saremashita.
The new building was designed as a model for environmental consideration.
経済の規模は年々拡大しています。
Keizai no kibo wa nennen kakudai shiteimasu.
The scale of the economy is expanding year by year.
壁には花の模様が美しく描かれています。
Kabe ni wa hana no moyou ga utsukushiku egakareteimasu.
A beautiful flower pattern is drawn on the wall.
Memory Tip
To remember 模, consider its components: 木 (tree/wood) and 莫 (maku/baku), which often relates to 'nothing' or 'do not.' Imagine a master carpenter carving a perfect wooden (木) piece. Its flawlessness makes it the ultimate model or pattern for all others. There's literally no (莫) need for another design; this one is the ideal, the standard to imitate. Alternatively, picture a wooden (木) mold—a 'model' itself—used to create duplicates. With a perfect mold, you 'don't' (莫) have to worry about the outcome; it will perfectly mimic the original. This connection between the material and the ideal form helps cement the kanji's meanings of 'model' and 'imitate.'