Explore Words Kanji Grammar Guides

Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.

Get the Kotomora apps for iOS and Android.

Explore Words Kanji Grammar Guides About Support Privacy

Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.

典範 (てんぱん, tenpan) Japanese meaning: model | Kotomora

典てん範ぱん

て

ん

ぱ

ん

Freq.FrequencyTop 50,000

Meanings

1

model; standard; law

Formal term for an authoritative example, norm, or legal code. Often used in legal, ethical, or institutional contexts.

この憲けん法ぽうは民みん主しゅ主しゅ義ぎの典てん範ぱんとされている

Kanji

典code, ceremony, law
範pattern, example, model

Related words

模も範はん
模範 is more common for a role model or exemplary behavior in daily life, while 典範 is more formal and often used for legal or institutional standards.
規き範はん
規範 refers to a norm or standard that guides behavior, often in social or ethical contexts, and is more abstract than 典範.

Etymology

Composed of 典 (rule, law) and 範 (model, pattern). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination conveys the idea of a canonical standard.

。

This constitution is regarded as a model of democracy.

彼かれの行こう動どうは公こう務む員いんの典てん範ぱんとなるべきだ。

His conduct should serve as a standard for public officials.