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 5
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 活 (living) makes the case vivid and contemporary rather than dead and historical. Can be complimentary or damning depending on context.

Stroke Order

活 huó
标 biāo
本 běn