Meaning and Usage
"見本" (みほん) means "sample" or "specimen" and is commonly used to refer to a physical example of a product or item that shows what the final version looks like. It is often used in shopping, manufacturing, and exhibitions.
Common Contexts
You will hear "見本" when asking to see a sample before buying or ordering something, or when referring to a model or prototype. For example, in stores, customers might ask to see a "見本" before deciding to purchase.
Collocations and Patterns
- 見本を見せる: to show a sample
- 見本通りに作る: to make something exactly like the sample
- 見本市: a trade fair or exhibition where samples are displayed
Register and Nuance
"見本" is a neutral term suitable for both casual and formal situations. It is polite enough for business contexts but also common in everyday conversation.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "見本" with "模型" (もけい, model) or "サンプル" (sample in katakana). "見本" usually refers to a physical example used for reference or display, while "模型" is more about scale models, and "サンプル" can be broader, including digital or abstract samples.