見本（みほん、mihon）
- sample

The Japanese word 見本 (みほん) primarily means "sample," "specimen," "example," or "model." It refers to something that is presented to show what something else is like or to serve as a standard for comparison. It can be a physical object, a piece of writing, a behavior, or anything that represents a particular type or quality. The word 見本 suggests the idea of "looking at" something to understand or learn from it. 見本 is often used in the context of learning, crafts, or presentations, where a reference is needed.

⚫︎この服の見本を見てください。 Translation: Please look at the sample of this clothing. ⚫︎商品の見本が展示されています。 Translation: Samples of the products are on display. ⚫︎見本の絵を参考に、絵を描きました。 Translation: I drew a picture by referring to the example picture.

⚫︎You can use 見本 when you want someone to look at an example. ⚫︎You can use 見本 to request to see a demonstration of something. ⚫︎It’s useful when you are providing an illustration or a reference. ⚫︎見本 is a versatile word, appropriate in both formal and informal situations, especially if the context is about presenting something.

⚫︎The word 見本 is typically written with the kanji 見 (み, meaning "to see" or "to look") and 本 (ほん, meaning "base," "origin," or "source"). ⚫︎The reading is みほん in hiragana. ⚫︎There are no significant variations in the okurigana for this word.

⚫︎サンプル (sanpuru): This is a loanword from English, meaning "sample." It's often used for samples of products. ⚫︎例 (れい): Meaning "example." ⚫︎モデル (moderu): Meaning "model." Used when referring to a model for something. ⚫︎実例 (じつれい): Meaning "actual example."

There aren't direct antonyms for 見本. Instead, the opposite might be described as the finished product, or the outcome after using the 見本.

このレシピは見本写真付きで分かりやすいです。 ・Translation: This recipe is easy to understand because it has sample photos. ・Explanation: This sentence uses 見本 to describe a sample photo that helps in understanding the recipe.

授業で見本の文章を読んで、書き方を学びました。 ・Translation: In class, I read a sample sentence and learned how to write. ・Explanation: This sentence illustrates how a 見本 is used in a learning context, showing an example of good writing.

The word 見本 is derived from the kanji 見 (み, meaning "to see") and 本 (ほん, meaning "origin," "basis," or "source"). Together, they convey the meaning of something that is viewed as a standard or example. It literally means "to look at the origin" or "to see the source," implying that the 見本 serves as a guide or reference.