على سبيل المثال
For example
Literalmente: On the path of the example
Use it to bridge general ideas to specific cases in any professional or polite setting.
En 15 segundos
- The standard way to say 'for example' in Arabic.
- Works in both formal writing and polite conversation.
- Literally means 'on the path of the example.'
- Extremely versatile and never changes its form.
Significado
This is the standard, most reliable way to say 'for example' in Arabic. It acts like a bridge that connects your big idea to a specific, real-world illustration.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Explaining food preferences
أحب الفواكه، على سبيل المثال، التفاح والبرتقال.
I love fruit, for example, apples and oranges.
In a business meeting
نواجه بعض التحديات، على سبيل المثال، ضيق الوقت.
We face some challenges, for example, the lack of time.
Texting a friend about plans
يمكننا القيام بأشياء كثيرة، على سبيل المثال الذهاب إلى السينما.
We can do many things, for example, going to the cinema.
Contexto cultural
The word 'Sabil' (path) has deep roots in Islamic and Arabic history, often referring to a way or a charitable path. Using it in this expression gives the act of giving an example a sense of 'guidance.' It became the standard intellectual connector during the translation movement in the Golden Age of Islam.
The Comma Rule
In written Arabic, it is very common to place a comma before and after this phrase to help the reader breathe.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it three times in one minute, you'll sound like a professor. Mix it up with 'مثلاً' in casual settings.
En 15 segundos
- The standard way to say 'for example' in Arabic.
- Works in both formal writing and polite conversation.
- Literally means 'on the path of the example.'
- Extremely versatile and never changes its form.
What It Means
Think of على سبيل المثال as your conversational flashlight. You are talking about a broad topic. You want to make it clearer. You use this phrase to point at a specific instance. It is the gold standard for clarity in Arabic. It tells your listener, 'Here is a concrete case of what I mean.'
How To Use It
You can drop this phrase almost anywhere. Most people put it right before the example. You can also tuck it at the end of a sentence for emphasis. It works exactly like the English 'for example' or 'for instance.' It is grammatically stable. You do not need to change it for gender or number. It stays exactly as it is whether you are talking to one person or a hundred.
When To Use It
Use it when you are explaining something complex. It is great in a business meeting. Use it when you are teaching a friend a new skill. It is perfect for writing emails or essays. If you are at a restaurant and want to specify a dish you like, this is your phrase. It makes you sound organized and thoughtful. It shows you care about being understood.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it in extremely fast, slang-heavy street talk. In those cases, it might feel a bit 'heavy' or too formal. If you are just shouting to a friend across the street, use the shorter مثلاً. Do not use it if you are only listing items without a prior general statement. It needs a 'general' idea to precede the 'specific' example. Using it too many times in one paragraph can make you sound like a textbook.
Cultural Background
Arabic culture prizes eloquence and clarity. Using على سبيل المثال shows a certain level of education. It stems from classical Arabic logic and rhetoric. In the past, scholars used 'paths' or 'ways' (سبيل) to describe methods of reasoning. Today, it is a staple of Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). It is understood from Morocco to Iraq without any confusion.
Common Variations
The most common 'little brother' of this phrase is مثلاً. It is much shorter and very common in daily dialects. You might also hear كـ attached to a word, which means 'like.' In very formal writing, you might see وَمِن ذَلِك which means 'and of that.' However, على سبيل المثال remains the most versatile and respected version for any B2 learner.
Notas de uso
This phrase is highly versatile and sits comfortably in the 'neutral' to 'formal' register. It is the safest choice for any learner who wants to sound clear and educated without being overly stiff.
The Comma Rule
In written Arabic, it is very common to place a comma before and after this phrase to help the reader breathe.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it three times in one minute, you'll sound like a professor. Mix it up with 'مثلاً' in casual settings.
The 'Path' Logic
Arabs love metaphors involving paths. Using 'Sabil' makes your logic feel like a journey you are taking the listener on.
Ejemplos
6أحب الفواكه، على سبيل المثال، التفاح والبرتقال.
I love fruit, for example, apples and oranges.
A classic use to narrow down a category.
نواجه بعض التحديات، على سبيل المثال، ضيق الوقت.
We face some challenges, for example, the lack of time.
Professional and direct for identifying problems.
يمكننا القيام بأشياء كثيرة، على سبيل المثال الذهاب إلى السينما.
We can do many things, for example, going to the cinema.
Polite and suggestive in a casual chat.
هو فوضوي جداً، على سبيل المثال، يترك ملابسه في المطبخ!
He is very messy, for example, he leaves his clothes in the kitchen!
Used here to provide 'evidence' for a complaint.
أنت دائماً تساعدني، على سبيل المثال عندما أقرضتني سيارتك.
You always help me, for example, when you lent me your car.
Used to highlight a specific kind act.
هناك مدن جميلة في مصر، على سبيل المثال أسوان.
There are beautiful cities in Egypt, for example, Aswan.
A simple way to give a recommendation.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence about hobbies.
أمارس الرياضة يومياً، ___، الجري والسباحة.
The sentence lists specific sports after a general statement, so 'for example' is required.
Complete the professional statement.
نحتاج إلى ميزانية أكبر، ___، لشراء الأجهزة الجديدة.
This provides a specific reason/example for needing a larger budget.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality Range of 'For Example'
Shortened forms used in the street.
زي (Zay)
Common in daily dialect.
مثلاً (Mathalan)
Perfect for almost any situation.
على سبيل المثال
Academic or high literature.
وَمِن ذَلِك
Where to use 'على سبيل المثال'
Job Interview
Listing your skills.
Giving Directions
Mentioning landmarks.
Writing an Email
Clarifying a request.
Socializing
Sharing life stories.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, it is perfectly fine, though it might feel slightly formal. If you are texting a best friend, مثلاً is more common.
Yes, you can say your example and then add على سبيل المثال at the end, though it is less common than putting it at the start.
على سبيل المثال is the full, neutral version. مثلاً is the shorter, more adverbial version used frequently in dialects.
No, this phrase is 'frozen.' It never changes regardless of who is speaking or what is being discussed.
While it is Modern Standard Arabic, every Arabic speaker understands it perfectly because of news and education.
Usually, you need a statement before it. However, you can start a sentence with it if the previous sentence set the context.
It sounds like 'Sa-beel.' Ensure you stretch the 'ee' sound slightly.
In very informal notes, some might just write the first letters, but it is best to write it out fully for clarity.
Absolutely! It makes you sound structured, professional, and very articulate.
The most common mistake is forgetting the 'Al' in المثال. Make sure you say على سبيل المثال and not just على سبيل مثال.
Frases relacionadas
مثلاً
For instance / For example (shorter, more casual)
مثل
Like / Such as
بمعنى آخر
In other words
وغير ذلك
And so on / And other things
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