====== fànlì: 范例 - Model Example, Illustrative Case, Specimen ======
===== Quick Summary =====
  * **Keywords:** 范例, fànlì, Chinese example, model example in Chinese, illustrative example, specimen, fànlì meaning, what does fanli mean, Chinese for example, fanli vs lizi, formal Chinese.
  * **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.
===== Core Meaning =====
  * **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.
===== Character Breakdown =====
  * **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.
===== Cultural Context and Significance =====
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.
===== Practical Usage in Modern China =====
`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 Sentences =====
  * **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.
===== Nuances and Common Mistakes =====
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**。//
===== Related Terms and Concepts =====
  * [[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."