par exemple
for example
Littéralement: by example
Use `par exemple` whenever you need to clarify a general point with a specific, concrete instance.
En 15 secondes
- Means 'for example' or 'for instance'.
- Can be placed at the start, middle, or end.
- Perfect for all situations, from business to texting.
Signification
This phrase is the standard way to say 'for example' or 'for instance.' It helps you point to a specific case to explain a bigger idea.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Ordering at a café
Je voudrais une boisson chaude, un thé par exemple.
I would like a hot drink, a tea for example.
Suggesting a meeting time
Nous pourrions nous voir demain, à quatorze heures par exemple.
We could meet tomorrow, at 2 PM for example.
Texting a friend about plans
On sort ce soir ? On peut aller au ciné par exemple.
Are we going out tonight? We could go to the cinema for example.
Contexte culturel
The phrase reflects the French 'esprit cartésien' (Cartesian mind), which prizes clear, logical examples. While it is standard French, you might hear it used as an interjection of indignation in classic 19th-century literature. Today, it is a neutral staple of the language across all Francophone regions.
The End-of-Sentence Trick
If you are unsure where to put it, just add it to the very end of your sentence. It sounds very natural and gives you time to think of the example!
Don't confuse with 'Par contre'
They sound similar but 'par contre' means 'on the other hand.' If you use the wrong one, you'll be contradicting yourself instead of giving an example.
En 15 secondes
- Means 'for example' or 'for instance'.
- Can be placed at the start, middle, or end.
- Perfect for all situations, from business to texting.
What It Means
par exemple is your ultimate tool for clarity. It acts like a bridge. It connects a general thought to a specific detail. Think of it as a spotlight for your ideas. It tells your listener, "Here is a concrete piece of evidence."
How To Use It
You can drop this phrase almost anywhere. It is incredibly flexible. You can start a sentence with it. You can tuck it into the middle. You can even tack it onto the very end. It usually follows the general statement you want to clarify. If you are suggesting a time to meet, just add it after the time. It makes your suggestion feel less rigid and more like an invitation.
When To Use It
Use it when you are ordering food at a restaurant. Use it when you are planning a trip with friends. It is perfect for professional meetings when you need to provide data. It is also great for texting. If you are explaining a rule or a preference, this is your go-to phrase. It works in every social setting you can imagine.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it when you mean "actually" or "however." It is strictly for providing instances. Avoid using it if you are already using the word comme (like) to list things. Using both can sound a bit repetitive. Also, do not use it to mean "for free," which is gratuit. It only deals with examples, not costs!
Cultural Background
French culture values logic and precise expression. This phrase is the backbone of that precision. It has been used for centuries in philosophy and daily life. Interestingly, in older French, it was sometimes used as an exclamation of surprise. You might hear an older person say "Ah ça, par exemple !" to mean "Well, I never!" Today, however, it is almost exclusively used for its literal meaning.
Common Variations
In written French, you will often see the abbreviation p. ex.. It is the equivalent of the English "e.g." In very casual speech, people might just use comme. But par exemple remains the most versatile and respected choice. It never goes out of style.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is neutral and universally understood. Be careful not to use 'pour exemple'—the preposition must always be 'par'.
The End-of-Sentence Trick
If you are unsure where to put it, just add it to the very end of your sentence. It sounds very natural and gives you time to think of the example!
Don't confuse with 'Par contre'
They sound similar but 'par contre' means 'on the other hand.' If you use the wrong one, you'll be contradicting yourself instead of giving an example.
The Surprise Factor
If you hear an older French person say 'Ah ça, par exemple !', they aren't giving an example—they are actually shocked or offended!
Exemples
6Je voudrais une boisson chaude, un thé par exemple.
I would like a hot drink, a tea for example.
Here, it is used at the end of the sentence to specify the choice.
Nous pourrions nous voir demain, à quatorze heures par exemple.
We could meet tomorrow, at 2 PM for example.
It makes the suggestion sound flexible and polite.
On sort ce soir ? On peut aller au ciné par exemple.
Are we going out tonight? We could go to the cinema for example.
Very common in casual texts to offer ideas.
Il est très actif... pour dormir, par exemple !
He is very active... at sleeping, for example!
Used here to create a punchline by providing a funny example.
Tu ne m'aides jamais ! Ce matin, par exemple, j'ai tout fait seul.
You never help me! This morning, for example, I did everything alone.
Used to provide evidence for a complaint.
Choisissez un adjectif, 'grand' par exemple.
Choose an adjective, 'big' for example.
Standard instructional use.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence to suggest a fruit.
J'aime les fruits rouges, les fraises ___.
You are providing a specific instance of a red fruit, so 'par exemple' is the correct connector.
Choose the correct phrase to start the sentence.
___, on peut manger des crêpes.
Starting with 'Par exemple' introduces the idea of eating crepes as a specific option.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'par exemple'
Texting friends about pizza toppings.
On prend du jambon par exemple ?
Daily conversation at the grocery store.
Une pomme, par exemple.
Business presentation or academic writing.
Par exemple, les ventes ont augmenté.
Where to use 'par exemple'
At a Restaurant
Un dessert, une tarte par exemple.
At Work
Un nouveau projet, par exemple.
With Friends
Aller au parc par exemple.
Learning
Un verbe, 'être' par exemple.
Questions fréquentes
11 questionsIt means 'for example' or 'for instance.' It is used to introduce a specific case.
It is completely neutral. You can use it with your boss or with your best friend.
It is flexible. You can put it at the start, in the middle, or at the end, like Par exemple, j'aime le bleu or J'aime le bleu, par exemple.
Yes, in writing you will often see it as p. ex..
Comme means 'like' or 'such as.' While similar, par exemple is more specific for introducing a standalone instance.
In very old-fashioned speech, it can express surprise, but this is rare today.
Absolutely. It is very common in professional writing to clarify points.
Yes, it is standard across France, Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, and Africa.
Learners sometimes say pour exemple, which is incorrect. Always use par.
Usually, yes. If it starts a sentence, put a comma after it: Par exemple, ....
It is better to avoid it to prevent sounding repetitive. Use comme or notamment for variety.
Expressions liées
comme
notamment
ainsi que
par contre
en particulier
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