模 means “model, pattern, imitation”

も · mo

Also: copy, mock

On'yomi (Chinese reading)

モ, ボ

JLPT N1 · Taught in grade 6 · 14 strokes

The story

Wood (木) beside 莫: picture a carved wooden form that every new piece is pressed against and copied. 模型 is a scale model, 模様 a pattern, and 規模, read with ぼ, is the scale of anything, from a shop to a national plan.

Used in 模様 (moyou, pattern), 模型 (mokei, scale model), and 規模 (kibo, scale)

More from Copies & Models

• 仮 temporary
• 範 model
• 肖 likeness
• 擬 mimic
• 矯 straighten
• 謄 copy
• 抄 excerpt
• 倣 imitate
• 塑 model

Learn 模 and more kanji free on Fuji Learning · All kanji

Readings from KANJIDIC2, © EDRDG, CC BY-SA.