“mihon” vs. “tehon”：Which is Used As A Perfect Meaning?

2020年4月25日2026年4月28日

0425-2020-tehon-vs-mihon-learn-japanese-online-how-to-speak-japanese-language-for-beginners-basic-study-in-japan

Japanese has two words that both relate to “examples” or “models”: 見本 (mihon) and 手本 (tehon). While they might seem interchangeable at first, they have importantly different nuances — one shows you what something looks like, the other shows you how to do something.

Yuka

Rei, is there a difference between 見本 and 手本? They both seem to mean “example” or “sample.”

Rei

Great observation! 見本 is a sample or specimen — something you look at to understand what the real thing is like (fabric swatches, product samples). 手本 is a model or exemplar — something you follow or copy to learn how to do something correctly (a teacher’s handwriting model, a role model).

TOC

At a Glance: 見本 vs 手本

Feature	見本 (mihon)	手本 (tehon)
Core meaning	Sample, specimen, example product	Model to follow, exemplar, guide
Word type	Noun	Noun
Kanji	見本（みほん）	手本（てほん）
Usage context	Product samples, swatches, demonstrations	Calligraphy models, role models, learning guides
JLPT level	N3	N3
Key verb pairing	見本を見せる (show a sample)	手本を見せる / 手本にする (show/use as model)

見本 (Mihon) — Sample and Specimen

見本 is composed of 見 (to see/look) and 本 (origin/base). A 見本 is something you look at to get an idea of what the product or thing is like — it represents the real thing without being the final item itself. You’ll encounter 見本 at fabric stores (fabric swatches), product showrooms (samples), and in any context where a preview or specimen is shown before purchase or production.

▶ 見本を見てから決めます。
Mihon wo mite kara kimemasu.
I’ll decide after looking at the sample.

▶ この生地の見本はありますか？
Kono kiji no mihon wa arimasu ka?
Do you have a swatch/sample of this fabric?

▶ 見本を配布して商品を説明した。
Mihon wo haifu shite shouhin wo setsumei shita.
We distributed samples and explained the product.

Yuka

So 見本 is like what a company gives you to try before you buy — a product sample?

Rei

Exactly! Free samples at a supermarket, fabric swatches at a clothing shop, a demo version of software — all of these are 見本 in spirit.

手本 (Tehon) — The Model to Follow

手本 combines 手 (hand) and 本 (base/origin). Originally it referred to a handwriting model that students would copy — a sheet showing the correct brush strokes to imitate. The meaning has expanded to include any model, exemplar, or role model that one should follow or aspire to. A parent who sets a good example is a 手本, a master calligrapher’s work used for copying is a 手本, and a mentor’s approach can serve as your 手本.

▶ 先生の字を手本にして練習する。
Sensei no ji wo tehon ni shite renshuu suru.
I practice using the teacher’s handwriting as a model.

▶ 親は子供の手本になるべきだ。
Oya wa kodomo no tehon ni naru beki da.
Parents should be role models for their children.

▶ 彼の生き方は私の手本だ。
Kare no ikikata wa watashi no tehon da.
The way he lives is a model for me.

Yuka

Oh! So 手本 is about something you actively follow or copy — like a role model or a guide?

Rei

Right! The key is that 手本 implies active learning or imitation. You follow it. A 見本 you just look at to understand. That’s the core distinction.

Common Mistakes

Mistake	Why It’s Wrong	Correct Usage
Using 手本 for a product sample	手本 is a model to follow/imitate, not a product preview	見本 for product/material samples
Using 見本 for a role model	見本 is a specimen to look at, not a person to emulate	手本 or 模範 (mohan) for role models
Confusing 手本 with 手本通り	手本通りにする means “to do exactly as modeled” — a useful phrase	Learn the compound: 手本通りに (tehreon doori ni)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Situation	見本	手本
Free product sample at a store	✅	❌
Calligraphy sheet for students to copy	❌	✅
Fabric swatch before ordering	✅	❌
A parent setting a good example	❌	✅
Demo product at a trade show	✅	❌
A famous artist’s work as a learning model	❌	✅

Related Vocabulary

Word	Reading	Meaning
模範	もはん (mohan)	Model, exemplar (more formal than 手本)
サンプル	sanpuru	Sample (loanword, very common in modern usage)
参考	さんこう (sankou)	Reference (something to refer to, not necessarily copy)
お手本	おてほん (otehon)	Honorific form of 手本 — the model/guide (respectful)

Decision Flowchart

Are you talking about an "example" or "model"?
         |
         v
Is it a physical sample to look at and evaluate (product, material)?
  YES → 見本 ✅
  NO  ↓
Is it a model or guide to follow, imitate, or learn from?
  YES → 手本 ✅
Is it a person you admire and follow?
  → 手本 or 模範 ✅
Is it a reference document (not to copy exactly)?
  → 参考 ✅

Quick Quiz

Yuka

I feel like I’ve got this! 見本 = look at it, 手本 = follow it?

Rei

That’s a great mnemonic! Now try the quiz.

Q1. The teacher writes characters on the board for students to copy.
Answer: 手本 ✅

Q2. A free skincare product given at the cosmetics counter.
Answer: 見本 (or サンプル) ✅

Q3. A great manager who sets an example for the team.
Answer: 手本 ✅

Q4. A swatch of wallpaper you take home to check against your wall color.
Answer: 見本 ✅

Q5. A master chef’s plating technique that apprentices study and replicate.
Answer: 手本 ✅

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