fànlì: 范例 - Model Example, Illustrative Case, Specimen

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• Summary: Learn the meaning and usage of 范例 (fànlì), a crucial HSK 5 Chinese noun for “model example” or “illustrative case.” This page breaks down what `fànlì` means, how it differs from the more common `例子 (lìzi)`, and its cultural importance in learning. Discover how to use `fànlì` correctly in academic, business, and technical contexts with ten clear example sentences and practical analysis for beginner to intermediate learners.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): fànlì
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: 5
• Concise Definition: A model example, illustrative case, or specimen used for demonstration or as a standard.
• In a Nutshell: While `范例 (fànlì)` can be translated as “example,” it's much more specific and formal than the everyday word `例子 (lìzi)`. Think of a `范例` as a textbook example or a perfect specimen. It's not just any example; it's a carefully chosen one that perfectly illustrates a rule, a principle, or a standard to be followed. It’s the “gold standard” of examples.

• 范 (fàn): This character originally depicted a mold, the kind used for casting bronze. By extension, it means “pattern,” “model,” or “standard.” It carries the idea of something that shapes other things.
• 例 (lì): This character means “example,” “case,” or “precedent.” It's the same `例` found in the more common word `例子 (lìzi)`.

Together, 范例 (fànlì) literally means a “model case” or a “pattern-example.” The combination reinforces its meaning as an exemplary case that sets a standard for others to follow or learn from.

The concept of `范例` is deeply rooted in traditional Chinese pedagogy and culture, which often emphasizes structured learning through imitation and mastery of established forms. Whether in calligraphy, martial arts, or classical literature, a student is expected to first meticulously copy the master's `范例` before developing their own style. This contrasts with some Western educational ideals that may prioritize “creativity” or “thinking outside the box” from an earlier stage. In a Chinese context, mastering the `范例` is seen as the essential foundation upon which true understanding and innovation are built. It represents a respect for proven methods and the wisdom of predecessors. Using the term `范例` implies a belief that this particular example is not just helpful, but is a standard of excellence worth emulating.

`范例` is a formal term and is rarely used in casual, spoken conversation. Its use implies a level of seriousness and authority.

• Academic and Educational Settings: This is its most common habitat. Textbooks, lectures, and research papers use `范例` to present classic examples of grammar points, scientific principles, or historical events.
  • “请看这个语法的范例。” (Please look at this model example of the grammar point.)
• Business and Technical Contexts: User manuals, training materials, legal documents, and official templates are often called `范例`. It provides a clear, correct model for employees or users to follow to avoid mistakes.
  • “填写表格前，请参考第一页的范例。” (Before filling out the form, please refer to the sample on the first page.)
• Formal Writing and Speeches: When discussing a case that perfectly embodies a larger trend or moral, a speaker or writer might use `范例` to lend weight to their argument.
  • “他的成功是一个典型的范例，说明了努力的重要性。” (His success is a classic example that illustrates the importance of hard work.)

• Example 1:
  • 这本书里有很多关于如何写商业邮件的范例。
  • Pinyin: Zhè běn shū lǐ yǒu hěn duō guānyú rúhé xiě shāngyè yóujiàn de fànlì.
  • English: This book contains many model examples of how to write business emails.
  • Analysis: Here, `范例` refers to well-structured, ideal templates that the reader should learn from and imitate.
• Example 2:
  • 老师用一个简单的范例解释了这个复杂的数学概念。
  • Pinyin: Lǎoshī yòng yí gè jiǎndān de fànlì jiěshìle zhège fùzá de shùxué gàiniàn.
  • English: The teacher used a simple, illustrative example to explain this complex mathematical concept.
  • Analysis: The example chosen was not random; it was a perfect, clear case (`范例`) to make the concept understandable.
• Example 3:
  • 我们的项目被选为公司的成功范例。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen de xiàngmù bèi xuǎn wéi gōngsī de chénggōng fànlì.
  • English: Our project was chosen as a model example of success for the company.
  • Analysis: This implies the project is now a benchmark or standard that other teams should strive to emulate.
• Example 4:
  • 这座古建筑是宋代建筑风格的经典范例。
  • Pinyin: Zhè zuò gǔ jiànzhù shì Sòng dài jiànzhù fēnggé de jīngdiǎn fànlì.
  • English: This ancient building is a classic example of Song Dynasty architectural style.
  • Analysis: `范例` is used here to mean a “specimen” or “archetype” that perfectly represents an entire category.
• Example 5:
  • 请按照我们提供的范例来填写申请表。
  • Pinyin: Qǐng ànzhào wǒmen tígōng de fànlì lái tiánxiě shēnqǐngbiǎo.
  • English: Please fill out the application form according to the sample we have provided.
  • Analysis: This is a very common usage in instructional contexts. The `范例` is the correct, official template.
• Example 6:
  • 乔布斯的故事是创新精神的一个绝佳范例。
  • Pinyin: Qiáobùsī de gùshi shì chuàngxīn jīngshén de yí gè juéjiā fànlì.
  • English: The story of Steve Jobs is an excellent illustration of the innovative spirit.
  • Analysis: Here, his entire life story is treated as a case study or a model (`范例`) that demonstrates a principle.
• Example 7:
  • 这个软件的用户手册包含了很多操作范例。
  • Pinyin: Zhège ruǎnjiàn de yònghù shǒucè bāohánle hěn duō cāozuò fànlì.
  • English: This software's user manual includes many operational examples.
  • Analysis: `范例` here refers to step-by-step walkthroughs that show the ideal way to perform a task.
• Example 8:
  • 你能给我一个具体的范例来说明你的观点吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ néng gěi wǒ yí gè jùtǐ de fànlì lái shuōmíng nǐ de guāndiǎn ma?
  • English: Can you give me a concrete, illustrative example to explain your point of view?
  • Analysis: The speaker is asking for a powerful, clear-cut example, not just any random instance. This is a formal request.
• Example 9:
  • 在学习编程时，多看别人的代码范例很有帮助。
  • Pinyin: Zài xuéxí biānchéng shí, duō kàn biérén de dàimǎ fànlì hěn yǒu bāngzhù.
  • English: When learning to program, it's very helpful to look at others' code samples.
  • Analysis: “Code samples” or “code snippets” that demonstrate good practice are a perfect use case for `范例`.
• Example 10:
  • 这不仅仅是一个普通的例子，而是一个可以载入史册的范例。
  • Pinyin: Zhè bùjǐn shì yí gè pǔtōng de lìzi, ér shì yí gè kěyǐ zǎirù shǐcè de fànlì.
  • English: This is not just an ordinary instance, but a model case worthy of being recorded in the annals of history.
  • Analysis: This sentence directly contrasts `例子` with `范例` to highlight the latter's significance as a historic, standard-setting precedent.

The most common mistake for learners is using `范例` interchangeably with `例子 (lìzi)`. This can make your Chinese sound overly formal or unnatural.

• `范例 (fànlì)` vs. `例子 (lìzi)`:
  • `例子 (lìzi)`: The general, all-purpose word for “example” or “instance.” Use it in daily conversation.
    • 我给你举个例子。 (Let me give you an example.) - Correct & Natural
  • `范例 (fànlì)`: A model, standard-setting, or illustrative example. Use it in formal, academic, or instructional contexts.
    • 我给你举个范例。 (Let me give you a model example.) - Grammatically okay, but sounds very strange and overly formal in a casual chat.
• `范例 (fànlì)` vs. `榜样 (bǎngyàng)`:
  • `榜样` means “role model” and is used exclusively for people whose behavior or character is worthy of emulation.
  • `范例` is used for things, cases, patterns, and concepts. You would not call a person a `范例`.
  • Correct: 雷锋是我们的好榜样。 (Lei Feng is our good role model.)
  • Incorrect: 雷锋是我们的好范例。

• 例子 (lìzi) - The most common and general word for “example” or “instance.” `范例` is a specific, formal type of `例子`.
• 榜样 (bǎngyàng) - A role model; an exemplary person to be emulated.
• 典范 (diǎnfàn) - A paragon, an ideal model. Even more laudatory and grand than `范例`. Often used for heroic figures, great works of art, or major achievements.
• 案例 (ànlì) - A “case” or “case study,” especially in a legal, medical, or business context. It's an analysis of a real-world situation.
• 示例 (shìlì) - A demonstration example (short for 演示的例子). Very similar to `范例`, often used in software tutorials and presentations to show how something works.
• 模范 (mófàn) - A model (person or action); an exemplar. Often used in official commendations, like `劳动模范` (Model Worker).
• 样本 (yàngběn) - A sample or specimen, especially in a scientific, medical, or statistical context (e.g., a blood sample).
• 举例 (jǔlì) - A verb meaning “to give an example” or “to cite an instance.”