モデル
moderu[mo̞de̞ɾɯ̟]
The English word "model" can be translated into Japanese as either モデル (moderu) or 模型.
Meaning: miniature (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| モデル | moderu | [mo̞de̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 模型 | mokei | [mo̞ke̞ː] (narrow) |
The loanword モデル is primarily used to refer to a person who works as a fashion or commercial model. For example, a fashion model is called ファッションモデル. In contrast, the word 模型 refers specifically to a physical scale model or a miniature representation of an object.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 模型 is composed of 模 (pattern/imitation) and 型 (mold/type).
How do you pronounce it?
moderu
Did you know?
- Japan has a specialized culture called プラモデル (puramoderu), a portmanteau of 'plastic' and モデル that refers specifically to plastic scale model kits.
- The term 型 (kata), found in the word 模型, is a fundamental concept in Japanese culture used to describe 'forms' or 'patterns' that govern behavior and craftsmanship.
- The kanji 模 in 模型 is the same character used in 模倣 (mohou), which refers to legal or abstract mimicry, such as plagiarism or industrial copying.
Examples in context
- モデルさんなの？Are you a model?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is a model using モデル.Tatoeba #8697554 by bunbuku, translation #2649057 by CK
- モデルガンっぽいね。It looks like a model gun.This sentence uses モデル to describe a model gun.Tatoeba #11030180 by bunbuku, translation #11031542 by CK
- 私は模型の飛行機を作った。I made a model plane.This sentence is useful for describing the creation of a miniature plane using 模型.Tatoeba #152589 by bunbuku, translation #261960 by CK
- 私はモデルです。I am a model.
- 彼女は有名なモデルです。She is a famous model.
- 彼はモデルになりたいと思っています。He wants to become a model.
- 33 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are looking at a miniature display in a shop.
- 健太 Kentaこのモデル、すごく精巧だね。Kono moderu, sugoku seikou dane.This model is very detailed.
- 陽葵 Himari本当。サイズも小さいし可愛いね。Hontou. Saizu mo chiisai shi kawaii ne.True. It's small and cute.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵はこういうの好き？Himari wa kou iu no suki?Do you like this kind of stuff, Himari?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、すごく好き！Un, sugoku suki!Yes, I love it!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “model” translations and entries モデル, 模型, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
