Skip to content
Kotomora

模

imitation, copy, mock

JLPTN1StatusJōyō · grade 6FrequencyTop 1,000Strokes14

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

Explore all words using 模 →

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.