示范 (fàn shì) is a verb meaning 'to demonstrate' or 'to show by example'. It combines two characters: 示 (shì), meaning 'to show' or 'to indicate', and 范 (fàn), meaning 'model', 'pattern', or 'standard'. Together, they convey the idea of presenting something as a clear, instructive model for others to follow. The word emphasizes intentional, pedagogical showing — not just doing something in front of others, but doing it purposefully to teach or guide.

示范 is commonly used in educational, professional, or technical contexts: teachers demonstrating a math method, coaches showing proper form in sports, or engineers illustrating correct equipment operation. It often appears with objects like 方法 (method), 动作 (movement), or 技巧 (skill), and frequently pairs with verbs like 进行 (to conduct), 做 (to do), or 给…看 (to show someone). While it can be used in both formal and informal speech, it carries a slightly formal, instructional tone and is rarely used for casual, spontaneous actions.