活标本

活標本
huóbiāoběn
phrase

Meanings

  1. 1 (fig.) a living example; a textbook case in the flesh
  2. 2 a real-life specimen illustrating some issue

Examples

HSK 3
Zhè wèi lǎorén shì jiù Shànghǎi shēnghuó de huóbiāoběn.
This old man is a living specimen of life in old Shanghai.
HSK 4
Tā de jīnglì jiùshì fèndòu chénggōng de huóbiāoběn.
His story is a living example of hard work leading to success.

Tips

usage
标本 usually means a specimen (as in biology or museums). Adding (living) makes the case vivid and contemporary rather than dead and historical. Can be complimentary or damning depending on context.

Stroke Order

huó
biāo
běn