bǎngyàng: 榜样 - Role Model, Example

• Keywords: role model in Chinese, good example, 榜样 meaning, bǎngyàng, bangyang, Chinese word for role model, Chinese culture, model citizen, Lei Feng, moral example
• Summary: Learn the meaning of 榜样 (bǎngyàng), the Chinese word for a “role model” or “good example.” This page explores its deep cultural significance in Chinese society, from education to politics, where it represents a moral ideal to be emulated. We'll break down the characters, provide practical example sentences, and compare it to related terms like `偶像 (ǒuxiàng)` (idol) to give you a complete understanding of how to use 榜样 effectively.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): bǎngyàng
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: A person or thing that serves as an excellent example to be emulated; a role model.
• In a Nutshell: 榜样 is more than just a good example; it's a standard or an ideal to strive towards. It carries a strong positive and prescriptive weight, often presented by society, teachers, or parents as a model of good character, diligence, or moral integrity. Think of it as a “gold standard” for behavior that others are encouraged to follow.

• 榜 (bǎng): This character's original meaning is a wooden plank or board. It evolved to mean a public list of names posted on such a board, like an announcement or an honor roll (e.g., `光荣榜 guāngróngbǎng` - “glory roll”). It implies something publicly displayed for all to see.
• 样 (yàng): This character means “pattern,” “sample,” “model,” or “appearance.” It refers to a standard form or template.
• How they combine: Together, 榜样 (bǎngyàng) literally means a “publicly listed pattern” or a “model on display.” This perfectly captures the essence of the word: a role model is someone whose exemplary qualities are held up for public recognition and imitation.

In Chinese culture, the concept of a 榜样 is a cornerstone of moral education and social cohesion. It's deeply rooted in Confucian ideals of self-cultivation (修身, xiūshēn) and learning from moral exemplars. A key difference from the Western concept of a “role model” lies in its application. While in the West, a “role model” can be a personal and often self-chosen figure of inspiration (like an athlete, artist, or entrepreneur), a 榜样 in China often has a more formal, official, and morally prescriptive connotation. The government and state media frequently promote national 榜样 figures like Lei Feng (雷锋), a soldier celebrated for his selflessness and devotion to the Party, or “Model Workers” (劳动模范, láodòng mófàn) who exemplify diligence and contribution to the nation. This reflects a collectivist value system where individual behavior is often guided by its benefit to the group, the company, or the country. A 榜样 is not just someone to admire, but someone whose behavior you are actively encouraged—and sometimes expected—to replicate for the greater good.

The term 榜样 is used frequently in formal and semi-formal contexts.

• In Education: Teachers constantly use this word. A teacher might say, “大家要向班长学习，他是我们的好榜样。” (Everyone should learn from the class monitor; he is our good role model.)
• In the Workplace: Companies often highlight outstanding employees as 榜样 to motivate others and foster a specific corporate culture.
• In Family Life: Parents often hold up successful relatives, historical figures, or even “the kid next door” (别人家的孩子) as a 榜样 for their own children to follow.
• In Media and Politics: The term is central to official propaganda, used to describe model citizens, exemplary officials, or national heroes whose virtues are meant to inspire the populace.

The connotation of 榜样 is overwhelmingly positive. It would be incorrect to describe someone as a “bad 榜样.” It implies a standard of excellence.

• Example 1:
  • 他是所有年轻人的榜样。
  • Pinyin: Tā shì suǒyǒu niánqīngrén de bǎngyàng.
  • English: He is a role model for all young people.
  • Analysis: This is the most basic and common usage, identifying someone as a role model for a specific group.
• Example 2:
  • 父母应该为孩子树立一个好榜样。
  • Pinyin: Fùmǔ yīnggāi wèi háizi shùlì yí ge hǎo bǎngyàng.
  • English: Parents should set a good example for their children.
  • Analysis: The structure `为 (wèi)… 树立 (shùlì) 榜样` means “to set an example for…” `树立` literally means “to establish” or “to set up,” which fits the idea of creating a model to be followed.
• Example 3:
  • 我们要以雷锋同志为榜样，全心全意为人民服务。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen yào yǐ Léi Fēng tóngzhì wéi bǎngyàng, quánxīnquányì wèi rénmín fúwù.
  • English: We must take Comrade Lei Feng as our role model and serve the people wholeheartedly.
  • Analysis: The structure `以 (yǐ)… 为 (wéi) 榜样` means “to take… as a role model.” This is a very common and slightly more formal structure, often used in official or educational contexts.
• Example 4:
  • 姐姐的成功给我树立了学习的榜样。
  • Pinyin: Jiějie de chénggōng gěi wǒ shùlì le xuéxí de bǎngyàng.
  • English: My older sister's success has set an academic example for me.
  • Analysis: Here, 榜样 is modified by `学习的` (xuéxí de), specifying the domain in which the person is a role model—in this case, for studying.
• Example 5:
  • 作为老师，你的言行就是学生的榜样。
  • Pinyin: Zuòwéi lǎoshī, nǐ de yánxíng jiùshì xuéshēng de bǎngyàng.
  • English: As a teacher, your words and actions are your students' example.
  • Analysis: This sentence highlights that not just a person, but their actions (`言行`, words and deeds) can serve as a 榜样.
• Example 6:
  • 他被评为“劳动榜样”，得到了公司的嘉奖。
  • Pinyin: Tā bèi píng wéi “láodòng bǎngyàng”, dédào le gōngsī de jiājiǎng.
  • English: He was named a “model worker” and received a commendation from the company.
  • Analysis: 榜样 can be combined with other nouns to create specific titles. Here, `劳动榜样` is a variation of the more common `劳动模范` (model worker).
• Example 7:
  • 你的榜样是谁？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ de bǎngyàng shì shéi?
  • English: Who is your role model?
  • Analysis: A simple and direct question. The answer would be someone the speaker looks up to and wants to emulate.
• Example 8:
  • 我希望自己能成为一个值得别人学习的榜样。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ xīwàng zìjǐ néng chéngwéi yí ge zhídé biérén xuéxí de bǎngyàng.
  • English: I hope I can become a role model worthy of being learned from by others.
  • Analysis: This shows aspiration. The phrase `值得学习` (zhídé xuéxí - worthy of learning from) is often paired with 榜样.
• Example 9:
  • 这位科学家的奉献精神是我们的榜样。
  • Pinyin: Zhè wèi kēxuéjiā de fèngxiàn jīngshén shì wǒmen de bǎngyàng.
  • English: This scientist's spirit of dedication is our example.
  • Analysis: Similar to example 5, this shows that an abstract quality (`奉献精神` - spirit of dedication) can be the 榜样, not just the person themselves.
• Example 10:
  • 榜样的力量是无穷的。
  • Pinyin: Bǎngyàng de lìliàng shì wúqióng de.
  • English: The power of a role model is infinite.
  • Analysis: A common saying that encapsulates the cultural importance placed on having good examples to follow. `力量` (lìliàng) means “power” or “strength.”

• `榜样` is Always Positive: A common mistake for learners is to use 榜样 neutrally like the English word “example.” You cannot have a “bad 榜样.”
  • Incorrect: `他是一个坏榜样。` (He is a bad role model.)
  • Correct: `他是一个坏例子 (lìzi)。` (He is a bad example.)
  • Correct (more advanced): `他是一个反面教材 (fǎnmiàn jiàocái)。` (He is a negative example that serves as a lesson.)
• `榜样` (bǎngyàng) vs. `例子` (lìzi): `榜样` is a *person or thing to be emulated*. `例子` is a *neutral example or instance used to illustrate a point*. If you're explaining a grammar rule, you give a `例子`, not a `榜样`.
• `榜样` (bǎngyàng) vs. `偶像` (ǒuxiàng): This is a crucial distinction. A 榜样 is a model for moral character and behavior. An `偶像` is an “idol,” typically a celebrity, singer, or actor you admire or are a fan of. While your `偶像` could also be your `榜样`, the terms are not interchangeable. `偶像` is about admiration and fandom; `榜样` is about emulation and moral guidance.

• 模范 (mófàn) - A model or exemplar. Very similar to `榜样` and often used in official titles like `劳动模范` (Model Worker). It's slightly more formal.
• 典范 (diǎnfàn) - A paragon or classic model. This is more formal and literary, often used for something that is a perfect, timeless example of its kind.
• 偶像 (ǒuxiàng) - An idol (e.g., a pop star or celebrity). Focuses on admiration and fandom rather than moral emulation.
• 英雄 (yīngxióng) - A hero. While a hero can be a `榜样`, `英雄` emphasizes bravery, sacrifice, and great deeds, whereas `榜样` emphasizes moral character that can be followed in daily life.
• 表率 (biǎoshuài) - An exemplar, a model. A formal term, very similar to `榜样`, but often used specifically for leaders or people in authority who are expected to lead by example.
• 例子 (lìzi) - An example, case, or instance. A neutral, general term. Essential for distinguishing from the positive, prescriptive meaning of `榜样`.
• 反面教材 (fǎnmiàn jiàocái) - A negative example that teaches a lesson. The conceptual opposite of `榜样`. Literally “negative teaching material.”
• 榜首 (bǎngshǒu) - The top of a list; number one. Shares the character `榜` and relates to the idea of being at the top of a public ranking.