比如说...
For example...
Literalmente: Compare say...
Use `比如说` whenever you need to turn a vague idea into a clear, relatable example.
En 15 segundos
- The standard way to say 'for example' in any situation.
- Used to introduce specific instances or hypothetical scenarios.
- Versatile enough for both casual chats and business presentations.
Significado
This is your go-to way to introduce an example or a hypothetical scenario. It’s like saying 'for instance' or 'let's say' when you want to clarify a point.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Talking about hobbies
我喜欢户外活动，比如说爬山和游泳。
I like outdoor activities, for example, hiking and swimming.
In a business meeting
我们需要改进服务，比如说缩短响应时间。
We need to improve service, for instance, shortening response times.
Texting a friend about dinner
我们可以吃点辣的，比如说川菜？
We could eat something spicy, like Sichuan food?
Contexto cultural
The phrase reflects the high-context nature of Chinese culture where providing concrete examples helps bridge the gap between abstract ideas and shared understanding. It became ubiquitous with the rise of modern vernacular Chinese (Baihua) in the early 20th century. In different regions, like Taiwan, you might hear '譬如说' slightly more often in formal settings.
The 'Say' is Optional
In fast speech, you can just say `比如`. Adding the `说` makes it sound slightly more conversational and natural in spoken Mandarin.
Don't Overuse in One Sentence
If you have multiple examples, just use `比如说` once at the start of the list. Don't repeat it for every single item or you'll sound like a broken record!
En 15 segundos
- The standard way to say 'for example' in any situation.
- Used to introduce specific instances or hypothetical scenarios.
- Versatile enough for both casual chats and business presentations.
What It Means
比如说 is the ultimate bridge in Chinese conversation. It connects a general idea to a specific example. Think of it as a verbal 'zoom-in' button. You use it to make your abstract thoughts concrete. It helps your listener visualize exactly what you mean.
How To Use It
Place it right before your example. You can use it at the start of a sentence. You can also drop it mid-sentence after a pause. It works perfectly with lists of items. It also works for 'what if' scenarios. It’s like the 'for example' you already know and love.
When To Use It
Use it when explaining your favorite foods. Use it when describing your weekend plans. It is great for business meetings to clarify data. Use it when you're teaching someone a new skill. It’s helpful when you're stuck and need to illustrate a point. Even in texts, it keeps things clear and organized.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you only have one fact. If there's no 'example' coming, don't say it. It’s not a filler word like 'um' or 'uh.' Avoid using it in extremely poetic or ancient literature. In very short, snappy commands, it feels too wordy. If you are just listing facts, 比如 is slightly faster.
Cultural Background
Chinese communication often moves from the general to the specific. Starting with a big concept then narrowing down is standard. 比如说 reflects this logical flow perfectly. It shows you are being considerate of the listener's understanding. It’s a polite way to ensure everyone is on the same page. It’s been a staple of modern Mandarin for decades.
Common Variations
比如 is the shorter, slightly more formal version. 譬如 sounds a bit more literary or old-school. 举个例子 literally means 'give an example.' In casual slang, some might just say 像 (like). But 比如说 remains the most balanced and popular choice for daily life.
Notas de uso
Extremely versatile. It sits right in the middle of the formality scale, making it safe for almost any situation from a first date to a board meeting.
The 'Say' is Optional
In fast speech, you can just say `比如`. Adding the `说` makes it sound slightly more conversational and natural in spoken Mandarin.
Don't Overuse in One Sentence
If you have multiple examples, just use `比如说` once at the start of the list. Don't repeat it for every single item or you'll sound like a broken record!
The Softener Effect
Chinese speakers often use `比如说` to make a suggestion sound less bossy. It frames your idea as 'just one possibility' rather than a demand.
Ejemplos
6我喜欢户外活动，比如说爬山和游泳。
I like outdoor activities, for example, hiking and swimming.
Standard usage to list specific hobbies.
我们需要改进服务，比如说缩短响应时间。
We need to improve service, for instance, shortening response times.
Used here to provide a concrete professional suggestion.
我们可以吃点辣的，比如说川菜？
We could eat something spicy, like Sichuan food?
Softens a suggestion by framing it as just one example.
如果我有超能力，比如说会飞，我就不用挤地铁了。
If I had superpowers, let's say flying, I wouldn't have to crowd into the subway.
Introduces a funny 'what-if' scenario.
生活总有希望，比如说今天的天气就很美。
There is always hope in life, for example, the weather today is beautiful.
Uses a small detail to provide emotional perspective.
这里不能带宠物，比如说狗或者猫。
Pets aren't allowed here, for example, dogs or cats.
Clarifies a general rule with specific instances.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best phrase to introduce the example.
我很喜欢水果，___苹果和西瓜。
The speaker is listing specific fruits as examples of what they like.
Complete the sentence logically.
如果你想运动，___去跑步。
Running is an example of a type of exercise the person could do.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'For Example'
Just using '像' (like)
像苹果...
The versatile '比如说'
比如说苹果...
The literary '譬如'
譬如苹果...
Where to use 比如说
Ordering Food
有没有素菜？比如说...
Job Interview
我有相关经验，比如说...
Planning Trips
我想去暖和的地方，比如说...
Teaching
这个词有很多用法，比如说...
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasThey are almost identical. 比如 is slightly more concise and common in writing, while 比如说 feels more natural and rhythmic in spoken conversation.
Yes! If someone asks for a suggestion, you can start your reply with 比如说... to immediately dive into your idea.
Not at all. It is perfectly neutral. However, in very formal writing, you might see 譬如 (pìrú) used instead.
In writing, yes, a comma usually follows 比如说 to separate it from the example. In speaking, a tiny pause does the trick.
Yes, it can introduce a hypothetical. For example: 比如说你赢了彩票... (Let's say you won the lottery...).
As many as you want! You can list one thing or ten things. Just remember to use 等等 (and so on) at the end if the list is long.
Not exactly a slang version, but young people might just use 像 (xiàng) or even the English 'like' in very casual, 'Chinglish' urban settings.
No, you can follow it with a full action or phrase. 比如说去旅游 (For example, going traveling) is perfectly fine.
Using it when you are defining something rather than giving an example. Use 意思是 (means) for definitions instead.
You would say 举个例子 (jǔ gè lìzi). 比如说 is the word you use *to actually give* the example.
Frases relacionadas
比如
For example (shorter version)
举例来说
Taking an example as a starting point
例如
For instance (more formal/written)
譬如
For example (literary/formal)
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