noun HSK 5
Traditional 標本
biāo běn
specimen · sample · example

Meaning

标本 refers to a preserved sample of something, typically used for scientific study, display, or reference. It's most commonly used for biological specimens like preserved animals, plants, or insects in museums and laboratories, but can also refer to representative samples in other contexts.

Usage

This word is primarily used in scientific, medical, and educational contexts. When visiting natural history museums, you'll frequently encounter this term. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone or something as a 'textbook example' of a certain type. The word carries a formal, academic tone.

Examples

  1. 01
    博物馆里展出了许多珍贵的蝴蝶标本
    guǎn zhǎn chū le duō zhēn guì de dié biāo běn.
    The museum displays many precious butterfly specimens.
  2. 02
    医生需要采集血液标本进行化验。
    shēng yào cǎi xuè biāo běn jìn xíng huà yàn.
    The doctor needs to collect blood specimens for testing.

Characters

Measure words

  • 一个标本
  • fèn一份标本

Common collocations

  • 动物标本
    dòng biāoběn
    animal specimen
  • 植物标本
    zhí biāo běn
    plant specimen
  • 采集标本
    cǎi biāo běn
    to collect specimens
  • 制作标本
    zhì zuò biāo běn
    to prepare/make specimens

Origin

The compound combines 标 (mark/standard) and 本 (basis/origin) to convey the idea of a marked or representative original sample that serves as a reference standard.

Related