General meaning of "to imitate or copy":
* Gayahin: This is the most common and direct translation.
* Tularan: Another common word meaning "to imitate".
* Manggagaya: This literally translates to "imitator", but can be used as a verb in some contexts.
Meaning of "to strive to equal or surpass":
* Paniwalain: This implies trying to be as good as or better than someone else.
* Lagpasan: This literally means "to surpass", but can be used to express the desire to equal or exceed someone.
* Hangaan: This translates to "admire" but can also be used to express the desire to be as good as someone else.
Specific examples:
* "Emulate a role model" could be translated as "Gayahin ang isang huwaran".
* "Emulate a famous artist" could be translated as "Paniwalain ang isang sikat na pintor".
The best translation will depend on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.