模
imitation, copy, mock
Readings
On'yomi
- モ
- ボ
Kun'yomi
—
Nanori
- がみ
Meaning
模 centers on reproducing something's form or appearance: making an imitation, a copy, or a mock version that resembles the original.
Most common words using 模
20 of 136- 規模きぼN2
scale; scope; plan; structure
- 模様もようN3
pattern; figure; design
- 模型もけいN1
model; dummy; maquette
- 小規模しょうきぼ
small scale
- 模索もさくN1
groping (for); fumbling around (for); searching (for an answer, solution, etc.); trying to find
- 模倣もほうN1
imitation; copying
- 模範もはんN1
exemplar; model; example; pattern
- 模擬もぎ
imitation
- 相模さがみ
Sagami (former province located in present-day Kanagawa Prefecture)
- 模写もしゃ
copy (of the real thing); copying; reproduction; tracing
- 模試もし
mock exam; practice exam; practice test
- 模様替えもようがえN3
rearranging; remodeling; remodelling
- 模造もぞう
imitation; counterfeit; fake; sham; ersatz (object)
- 中規模ちゅうきぼ
mid-range; mid-scale; mid-size
- 空模様そらもよう
look of the sky; weather
- 暗中模索あんちゅうもさく
groping in the dark; exploring new avenues without having any clues
- 大規模だいきぼN2
large-scale
- 模擬試験もぎしけんN1
mock exam; practice exam; practice test
- 雨模様あまもよう
signs of rain; threat of rain
- 模擬店もぎてん
refreshment booth; refreshment stand; snack bar
Study
Etymology
模 combines 木 (tree, wood) with 莫, which likely contributes the sound and may relate to a model or pattern. The character expresses a wooden mold or pattern used for copying.
Meaning mnemonic
A wooden (木) mold (莫) is used to make copies. Picture a carpenter pressing wet clay into a wooden frame to produce identical imitations.
Reading mnemonic
For モ, imagine a mime copying a wooden puppet's movements: mime -> モ, and the mime's imitation is like a mock version of the puppet.