模样

móyàng · HSK 5

air

模 = pattern/mold + 样 = shape; together = the appearance or form

模 means model or mold (think of a template that shapes things), and 样 means shape or style. Combined, 模样 names the outward look, manner, or form something takes.

样 — wood radical 木 + sheep 羊
样 is a phono-semantic compound. The wood radical 木 originally hinted at meaning (a wooden model or sample), while 羊 (sheep) supplies the sound. From 'wooden pattern/template' it broadened to mean 'shape, form, kind, manner'.

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