How to Write 样 (yàng) — Meaning “Sample; Pattern; Appearance”

Imagine a wooden sheep figurine used as a sample or model to copy – wood (木) plus sheep (羊) equals a 'sample' 样. This visual trick links the components to the meaning of pattern or appearance. You can also think of a 'sheep-shaped wooden stamp' that creates the same pattern every time.

Keep the left 木 narrow and the right 羊 wider, with the horizontal strokes in 羊 parallel and evenly spaced. A common mistake is making the 木 too broad or the 羊 too tall; also ensure the vertical stroke of 木 does not extend too far downward. Practice writing the right side first with its dot, three horizontals, and vertical stroke.

样 has 羊 (sheep) on the right, while 杪 has 少 (few) and means 'treetop' or 'tip,' and 杭 has 亢 and is used in place names like Hangzhou. Visually, the right side of 样 has a dot on top followed by three horizontals, unlike the other two. Focus on the different right-side components to distinguish them.

样 is very common in daily expressions like 样子 (appearance), 一样 (same), and 榜样 (role model). The word 榜样 literally means 'sample for emulation' and reflects the Chinese cultural value of learning from good examples. You will also hear 这样 (like this) and 那样 (like that) frequently in conversations.

Common words containing 样 include: 样子 (yàng zi) — Appearance; Manner; Look; 一样 (yī yàng) — same; alike; 榜样 (bǎng yàng) — Role model.