お手本（おてほん、otehon）
- model/example

The Japanese word お手本お手本 (おてほん) refers to a model, example, pattern, or exemplar to be followed. It represents something that serves as a guide for others to emulate. It can apply to various aspects, such as behavior, skills, handwriting, or even a piece of work. When someone or something is an お手本お手本, it's considered to be of high quality and worthy of imitation.

⚫︎ 字のお手本 Translation: Handwriting example/model ⚫︎ 彼女の振る舞いは私たちにとってのお手本だ。 Translation: Her behavior is a model for us. ⚫︎ 先生の作品は、学生にとってのお手本となった。 Translation: The teacher's work became a model for the students.

You can use お手本お手本 in situations where you want to describe something or someone as an ideal to be followed. It's often used when talking about excellent examples of work, good behavior, or a skill that others should strive to achieve. It can be used formally or informally, depending on the context. If you want to encourage someone to do something well, you might suggest they use something as their お手本お手本.

The word お手本お手本 is typically written in hiragana as おてほん. The kanji form is お手本お手本(手本). The kanji 手 means "hand" and 本 means "origin" or "source." The okurigana is standard, and there are no common variations.

⚫︎ 模範（もはん - mohan) - model, example ⚫︎ 見本（みほん - mihon) - sample, specimen ⚫︎ 手本（てほん - tehon) - same as お手本お手本 (handbook) ⚫︎ 範（はん - han) - model, example, pattern

While there isn't a direct antonym for お手本お手本, words that suggest a negative example or something to be avoided could be considered opposites in context. These could include: ⚫︎ 反面教師（はんめんきょうし - hanmen kyoushi) - a negative example; a person or thing that serves as a warning ⚫︎ 失敗作（しっぱいさく - shippaisaku) - failure, a failed work

この先生の絵は、学生たちのお手本として素晴らしい。 ・Translation: This teacher's painting is wonderful as a model for the students. ・Explanation: This sentence praises the teacher's painting, highlighting its quality as a guiding example for the students' artistic development.

彼女はいつも他人のお手本となるように努力している。 ・Translation: She always strives to be a model for others. ・Explanation: This sentence describes someone who consistently aims to set a good example for other people, illustrating their positive character.

The word お手本お手本 is a combination of two kanji. 手(te) which means "hand" and 本(hon) which means "origin," "source," or "foundation". When combined, the original meaning suggested a “handbook” or a literal reference that one would hold in their hands, but has evolved to mean model, example, and guide.