mónǐ: 模拟 - Simulate, Imitate, Analog

• Keywords: 模拟, moni, moni meaning, simulate in Chinese, imitate in Chinese, analog in Chinese, Chinese word for simulation, 模拟考试, mock exam Chinese, analog vs digital Chinese, flight simulator Chinese
• Summary: Learn the versatile Chinese word 模拟 (mónǐ), which means to simulate, imitate, or model. This page explores its crucial role in technology (analog signals), education (mock exams), and gaming (simulation games). Understand the difference between 模拟 (mónǐ) and 模仿 (mófǎng) to master how to talk about everything from scientific simulations to imitating a voice in Mandarin Chinese.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): mó nǐ
• Part of Speech: Verb, Adjective
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: To imitate a process, system, or situation; to create a model of something.
• In a Nutshell: 模拟 (mónǐ) is all about creating a copy or a trial version of something real, usually for practice, testing, or understanding. Think of a pilot training in a flight simulator, a student taking a practice test before the real one, or a computer program that models climate change. It’s about replicating a system or situation, not just a simple action.

• 模 (mó): This character means “model,” “pattern,” or “mold.” The left part, 木 (mù), is the radical for “tree” or “wood,” hinting at early molds or patterns being carved from wood.
• 拟 (nǐ): This character means “to plan,” “to draft,” or “to imitate.” The left part, 扌(tí), is the “hand” radical, indicating an action done with one's hands.
• Together, 模拟 (mónǐ) literally translates to “to imitate a model.” This perfectly captures the essence of creating a simulation based on a real-world pattern or system.

While 模拟 (mónǐ) is a modern and often technical term, its most significant cultural impact in China is in the field of education. The concept of the 模拟考试 (mónǐ kǎoshì), or “mock exam,” is a critical rite of passage for every Chinese student preparing for the formidable gaokao (高考), the national college entrance exam. In Western cultures, practice tests like the SATs are common, but they are often seen as a preparation tool. In China, the 模拟考试 is a much more intense and formalized affair. These exams are full-scale dress rehearsals, designed to 模拟 the exact timing, pressure, and environment of the real gaokao. The results are taken very seriously by students, parents, and teachers, often determining final study strategies. This reflects the cultural value placed on meticulous preparation, diligence, and the belief that success is achieved through repeated, disciplined practice. It's a simulation not just of an exam, but of one of the most high-stakes moments in a person's life.

模拟 (mónǐ) is a common word in various modern contexts.

• In Education: The most frequent use is 模拟考试 (mónǐ kǎoshì), meaning “mock exam” or “simulated test.” You will hear this constantly in any conversation about the Chinese education system.
• In Technology: It's used to mean “analog” as opposed to “digital.”
  • 模拟信号 (mónǐ xìnhào): Analog signal
  • 数字信号 (shùzì xìnhào): Digital signal
• In Gaming and Training: This refers to simulation as a genre or tool.
  • 模拟游戏 (mónǐ yóuxì): Simulation game (e.g., The Sims, city-building games).
  • 飞行模拟器 (fēixíng mónǐ qì): Flight simulator.
• As a General Verb: It can be used as a verb meaning “to simulate” or “to model” a situation or process.
  • 模拟地震 (mónǐ dìzhèn): To simulate an earthquake.
  • 模拟面试 (mónǐ miànshì): To do a mock interview.

• Example 1:
  • 为了准备高考，我们下周要进行一次模拟考试。
  • Pinyin: Wèile zhǔnbèi gāokǎo, wǒmen xiàzhōu yào jìnxíng yīcì mónǐ kǎoshì.
  • English: In order to prepare for the Gaokao, we are going to have a mock exam next week.
  • Analysis: This is the most common usage a learner will encounter. 模拟 here functions as an adjective describing the type of 考试 (exam).
• Example 2:
  • 这个软件可以模拟不同天气条件下的驾驶情况。
  • Pinyin: Zhège ruǎnjiàn kěyǐ mónǐ bùtóng tiānqì tiáojiàn xià de jiàshǐ qíngkuàng.
  • English: This software can simulate driving conditions under different weather patterns.
  • Analysis: Here, 模拟 is a verb meaning “to simulate.” The object is a complex situation (“driving conditions”).
• Example 3:
  • 飞行员在模拟器上练习了上百个小时。
  • Pinyin: Fēixíngyuán zài mónǐ qì shàng liànxíle shàng bǎi gè xiǎoshí.
  • English: The pilot practiced for hundreds of hours on the simulator.
  • Analysis: 模拟器 (mónǐqì) is a set phrase for “simulator,” combining “simulate” with 器 (qì), a device or instrument.
• Example 4:
  • 很多孩子喜欢玩城市模拟类游戏。
  • Pinyin: Hěnduō háizi xǐhuān wán chéngshì mónǐ lèi yóuxì.
  • English: Many kids like to play city simulation-type games.
  • Analysis: 模拟 is used here to describe a genre of game (游戏).
• Example 5:
  • 在老式电视机中，我们接收的是模拟信号。
  • Pinyin: Zài lǎoshì diànshìjī zhōng, wǒmen jiēshōu de shì mónǐ xìnhào.
  • English: In old-fashioned television sets, what we received were analog signals.
  • Analysis: This shows 模拟 in its technical, adjectival sense of “analog.” It's almost always paired with 信号 (xìnhào - signal).
• Example 6:
  • 老师让我们模拟一个求职面试的场景。
  • Pinyin: Lǎoshī ràng wǒmen mónǐ yīgè qiúzhí miànshì de chǎngjǐng.
  • English: The teacher had us simulate a job interview scenario.
  • Analysis: A great example of simulating a process or scenario (场景). This is different from simply copying how someone talks.
• Example 7:
  • 科学家们用计算机模拟了黑洞的形成过程。
  • Pinyin: Kēxuéjiāmen yòng jìsuànjī mónǐ le hēidòng de xíngchéng guòchéng.
  • English: The scientists used a computer to simulate the formation process of a black hole.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates the verb 模拟 used in a highly scientific and technical context.
• Example 8:
  • 这次消防演习是为了模拟真实火灾的应急响应。
  • Pinyin: Zhècì xiāofáng yǎnxí shì wèile mónǐ zhēnshí huǒzāi de yìngjí xiǎngyìng.
  • English: This fire drill was to simulate the emergency response to a real fire.
  • Analysis: Here, 模拟 explains the purpose of an action (the drill).
• Example 9:
  • 他的工作是模拟人类的对话模式来训练人工智能。
  • Pinyin: Tā de gōngzuò shì mónǐ rénlèi de duìhuà móshì lái xùnliàn réngōng zhìnéng.
  • English: His job is to simulate human conversation patterns to train artificial intelligence.
  • Analysis: This highlights the “modeling” aspect of 模拟. He is creating a model of a pattern (对话模式).
• Example 10:
  • 你能模拟一下老板发现我们迟到时的反应吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ néng mónǐ yīxià lǎobǎn fāxiàn wǒmen chídào shí de fǎnyìng ma?
  • English: Can you imitate/act out the boss's reaction when he finds out we're late?
  • Analysis: This is a more casual use, but still fits. You are being asked to simulate a situation and a reaction, not just copy a single sound or gesture.

The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 模拟 (mónǐ) and 模仿 (mófǎng). Both can be translated as “to imitate,” but they are not interchangeable.

• 模拟 (mónǐ): Simulate a SYSTEM, PROCESS, or SITUATION.
  • Focus: Replicating the functionality, conditions, or environment of something complex.
  • Keywords: System, process, test, model, scenario, conditions.
  • Example: 模拟一次考试 (Simulate an exam), 模拟驾驶 (Simulate driving).
• 模仿 (mófǎng): Imitate an ACTION, STYLE, or APPEARANCE.
  • Focus: Copying the observable behavior or look of a person, animal, or object.
  • Keywords: Action, voice, sound, behavior, style, signature.
  • Example: 模仿鸟叫 (Imitate a bird call), 模仿明星的穿着 (Imitate a celebrity's style).

Common Mistake:

• Incorrect: 他很会模拟迈克尔·杰克逊跳舞。 (He is good at simulating Michael Jackson's dancing.)
  • Why it's wrong: Dancing is a series of actions and a style, not a complex system. You are copying his appearance and movements.
• Correct: 他很会模仿迈克尔·杰克逊跳舞。 (He is good at imitating Michael Jackson's dancing.)

• 模仿 (mófǎng) - To imitate, to mimic. Focuses on copying actions, sounds, or styles. Less systematic than 模拟.
• 仿真 (fǎngzhēn) - Simulation, emulation. A more technical term than 模拟, often used in engineering and computer science to mean creating a highly accurate, true-to-life model. (Literally “imitating the real.”)
• 模型 (móxíng) - Model, mold. The noun for the pattern or object that is being simulated or copied.
• 演习 (yǎnxí) - A drill or exercise (e.g., military drill, fire drill). An 演习 is a type of 模拟 for practicing a specific response.
• 复制 (fùzhì) - To copy, to duplicate. Refers to making an exact, identical copy of something, like photocopying a document or duplicating a file.
• 山寨 (shānzhài) - A colloquial term for a knockoff or copycat product. It implies imitation, but often with a negative connotation of being cheap or pirated.
• 数字 (shùzì) - Digital. The direct antonym of 模拟 (analog) in a technological context.