‘型号’ (xíng hào) literally combines ‘型’ (xíng), meaning ‘type’, ‘form’, or ‘model’, and ‘号’ (hào), meaning ‘number’ or ‘designation’. Together, they form a compound noun meaning ‘model number’ — a standardized alphanumeric code used to identify a specific version or variant of a manufactured product, such as electronics, vehicles, machinery, or appliances. It is not used for living things or abstract concepts, but strictly for mass-produced items with distinct technical specifications.

This term appears frequently in technical documentation, product labels, online shopping listings, and customer service contexts. Unlike generic terms like ‘种类’ (zhǒng lèi, ‘kind’) or ‘类型’ (lèi xíng, ‘type’), ‘型号’ always implies an official, fixed identifier assigned by the manufacturer — often essential for ordering replacement parts, checking compatibility, or verifying warranty coverage. It carries a formal, practical register and is rarely used in casual conversation unless discussing purchases or repairs.