noun
role model
A person looked up to as an example to be imitated. Used in the same way as the English term.
彼は若い選手たちのロールモデルだ。
He is a role model for young athletes.
子供にとって親は最初のロールモデルです。
Parents are a child's first role models.
Variant with interpunct; less common but seen in some contexts.
模範 is a native Japanese word meaning 'model' or 'example' in a broader sense, often used for behavior or standards, while ロールモデル specifically refers to a person one admires and wants to emulate.
お手本 is a more general term for a model or example to follow, often used in learning contexts like calligraphy or manners, whereas ロールモデル emphasizes personal admiration and life guidance.
Borrowed from English 'role model'.