模型
móxíng
The English word 'model' can be translated into Chinese as 模型 (móxíng).
The term 模型 is used for both physical miniature objects (like a model airplane) and abstract conceptual frameworks (like a mathematical or theoretical model).
Meaning: miniature (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 模型 can refer to a physical miniature, it is distinct from 模特 (mótè), which refers specifically to a fashion model (a person).
How do you pronounce it?
móxíng
Did you know?
- The word 模特 (mótè), used for fashion models, is actually a phonetic loanword from English. It sounds very similar to the English word 'model' itself.
- In Chinese, if you want to talk about a 'model student' to praise their behavior, you would not use 模型. Instead, you would use 模范 (mófàn), which implies a standard to be emulated.
- The character 模 in 模型 originally referred to a mold used for casting, reflecting an ancient transition from casting bronze to creating replicas.
Examples in context
- 希臘人建立了幾何學的理論模型。The Greeks invented a theoretical model of geometry.This sentence demonstrates the use of 模型 in the context of a theoretical model.Tatoeba #3149147 by cienias, translation #7779295 by sharris123
- 每个3D模型的顶点都有大量数据与之相关，并影响颜色，材质和光照的行为。Every vertex of a 3D model has a huge amount of data associated with it, influencing the behavior of colors, textures, and lighting.This sentence shows how 模型 is used when discussing a 3D model.Tatoeba #12617585 by Enzo, translation #10649856 by Auride
- 我造了一架模型飛機。I made a model plane.This sentence provides an example of using 模型 for a physical model plane.Tatoeba #340090 by nickyeow, translation #261960 by CK
- 她是一位优秀的模特，经常在时装周上走秀。She is an excellent model who often walks the runway during fashion weeks.
- 这个品牌聘请国际知名模特代言他们的产品。This brand hires internationally renowned models to endorse their products.
- 他是我的榜样，他的努力和奉献精神让我受益匪浅。He is my role model, his hard work and spirit of dedication have greatly benefited me.
- 社会需要更多具备良好道德的公民榜样。Society needs more model citizens with good morals.
- 佢係一個出色嘅模特兒，經常係時裝週嘅舞台上示範。He is an outstanding model who often demonstrates on the stage during fashion weeks.
- 佢係我嘅榜樣，佢嘅努力同奉獻精神都帶嚟好多啟發。He is my role model, his hard work and spirit of dedication have brought me a lot of inspiration.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a miniature architectural display in a shop.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen这个建筑模型很漂亮。Zhège jiànzhù móxíng hěn piàoliang.This architectural model is very beautiful.
- 志强 Zhiqiang是的，细节做得非常精致。Shì de, xìjié zuò de fēicháng jīngzhì.Yes, the details are very exquisite.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen你想买这个模型回家吗？Nǐ xiǎng mǎi zhège móxíng huí jiā ma?Do you want to buy this model to take home?
- 志强 Zhiqiang太贵了，我还是看一看吧。Tài guì le, wǒ háishì kàn yī kàn ba.It is too expensive, I'll just have a look.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “model” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
