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به‌طور مثال

B2 adverb 11 min read

به‌طور مثال

be-tor-e mesal

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips به‌طور مثال in 30 Seconds

Explanation به‌طور مثال in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to form simple sentences. While 'به‌طور مثال' (be-tor-e mesāl) might be a bit long for an absolute beginner, it is very helpful to recognize. Think of it as a magic phrase that lets you add more information to your sentence. If you know the word for 'fruit' (mive) and the word for 'apple' (sib), you can say: 'I like fruit, for example, apple.' This helps you communicate more even with a small vocabulary. At this level, don't worry about the grammar too much; just remember that it means 'for example.' You can use it to point at things or list your favorite foods and hobbies. It's a great way to make your basic Persian sound a little more organized. Just remember to say 'be-tor-e mesāl' and then say your example. It's like a bridge between a big group of things and one specific thing.

For A2 learners, 'به‌طور مثال' is a useful tool for expanding your descriptions. At this level, you are moving beyond single words and into full sentences about your life, work, and interests. You can use this phrase to give more detail. For instance, if you say 'I have many hobbies,' you can follow it with 'به‌طور مثال، کتاب خواندن' (for example, reading books). It helps you avoid making a lot of short, choppy sentences. Instead of saying 'I like sports. I like football.', you can say 'I like sports, for example football.' This makes your speaking flow better. You should also start to notice this phrase in simple stories or news for learners. It usually comes after a comma. At the A2 level, you should practice using it with simple categories like colors, animals, countries, and daily activities.

At the B1 level, you are becoming an intermediate speaker. You can now talk about more complex topics like your opinions, plans for the future, and social issues. 'به‌طور مثال' becomes very important here because it helps you support your arguments. If you say 'Tehran is a big city with many problems,' you need to give an example, like 'به‌طور مثال، ترافیک' (for example, traffic). This shows that you can not only state a fact but also provide evidence for it. You will also see this phrase used more in written Persian, such as in blogs or personal emails. You should start to distinguish between this formal phrase and the more casual 'masalan.' Use 'به‌طور مثال' when you are trying to be more serious or clear. It's a key part of moving from 'survival' Persian to 'conversational' Persian where you can actually hold a logical discussion.

At the B2 level, which is where this word is officially categorized, you are expected to have a good command of formal and informal registers. 'به‌طور مثال' is a staple of your academic and professional vocabulary. You should use it to introduce specific data, case studies, or illustrations in your essays and presentations. You are now learning how to structure paragraphs logically. This phrase acts as a 'discourse marker,' signaling to the reader that you are about to clarify a complex point. You should also be comfortable using it at the beginning of a sentence to link it to the previous one. For example, 'The economy is changing. For example, many people now work from home.' At this level, you should also be aware of its synonyms like 'barāye nemune' and know when to use each one to avoid repetition. This phrase helps you achieve the 'cohesion' and 'coherence' required for B2-level writing.

For C1 learners, 'به‌طور مثال' is a tool for precision and stylistic variety. You are likely reading complex literature, legal documents, or academic journals where this phrase appears frequently. At this level, you should focus on the subtle rhythm it adds to your prose. You can use it to introduce nuanced examples that don't just illustrate a point but also add a new layer of meaning. You should also be able to use it in very long, complex sentences without losing the grammatical thread. For instance, you might use it to introduce a parenthetical thought in the middle of a multi-clause sentence. You should also be able to compare its use with more classical or literary alternatives like 'az jomle' or 'chonān-ke.' Your goal at C1 is to use 'به‌طور مثال' so naturally that it seamlessly integrates into your sophisticated arguments, making your Persian sound highly educated and persuasive.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native or native-like mastery of Persian. 'به‌طور مثال' is just one of many rhetorical devices at your disposal. You understand not just its meaning, but its 'weight' in a sentence. You can use it to create specific rhetorical effects, such as a deliberate pause for emphasis before providing a crucial piece of evidence. You are also aware of how this phrase has been used in contemporary Persian thought and literature. You might even use it ironically or in complex stylistic structures. At this level, you are also a master of punctuation and can use this phrase to guide the reader's breath and focus through a text. You can switch between 'be-tor-e mesāl' and its most formal counterparts like 'به عنوانِ نمونه' with perfect accuracy based on the specific requirements of the genre you are writing in, whether it's a legal brief, a philosophical treatise, or a high-level political speech.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

به‌طور مثال in 30 Seconds

Formal adverb meaning 'for example.'
Used in academic and professional contexts.
Connects general ideas to specific illustrations.
Essential for B2+ level Persian proficiency.

The Persian phrase به‌طور مثال (be-tor-e mesāl) is a sophisticated adverbial construction used primarily to introduce an illustration, instance, or specific case that clarifies a general statement. In the hierarchy of Persian transitional phrases, it sits comfortably within the formal and semi-formal registers, making it an essential tool for B2-level learners who are transitioning from basic communication to academic or professional discourse. The phrase is composed of three distinct elements: the preposition be (to/in), the noun tor (manner/way/mode), and the noun mesāl (example/likeness). When combined, they literally translate to 'in the manner of an example,' which functions identically to the English 'for example' or 'for instance.'

Grammatical Composition: The phrase utilizes the 'Ezafe' construction (the short 'e' sound) between 'tor' and 'mesāl,' though in modern written Persian, the 'e' is often implied rather than written. It functions as a sentence adverb, usually modifying the entire clause that follows it.
Register and Context: While 'masalan' (مثلاً) is the ubiquitous choice for daily conversation, 'be-tor-e mesāl' is preferred in essays, news reports, and formal presentations. Using it signals that the speaker is providing a structured, thought-out piece of evidence.

بسیاری از کشورهای جهان، به‌طور مثال آلمان و ژاپن، با مشکل پیری جمعیت روبرو هستند.
Translation: Many countries in the world, for example Germany and Japan, are facing the problem of an aging population.

Understanding the nuance of this phrase requires recognizing that Persian speakers value rhetorical structure. By using be-tor-e mesāl, you are not just listing things; you are providing a logical bridge. It is often used to break down complex abstract concepts into tangible realities. For instance, if discussing 'economic stability,' one might use this phrase to point toward specific indicators like low inflation or high employment rates. It is also a versatile phrase that can appear at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a new thought, or in the middle of a sentence to provide immediate clarification for a noun or verb phrase.

او به ورزش‌های گروهی علاقه دارد؛ به‌طور مثال بسکتبال و والیبال.
Translation: He is interested in team sports; for example, basketball and volleyball.

In terms of phonology, the phrase is pronounced /be to-re me-sāl/. The emphasis is usually on the final syllable of 'mesāl,' following standard Persian stress patterns for nouns and adverbial phrases. Learners should be careful not to rush the 'be-tor' part, as distinct articulation of the 'r' followed by the Ezafe 'e' is a hallmark of clear, educated speech. In very fast or colloquial speech, this phrase is rarely used, as speakers will almost always default to the shorter 'masalan.'

Syntactic Flexibility: This phrase can be followed by a single noun, a list of nouns, or an entire subordinate clause. This flexibility makes it one of the most useful 'connectors' in the Persian language for building coherent paragraphs.

می‌توانید از روش‌های مختلفی استفاده کنید، به‌طور مثال می‌توانید هر روز تمرین کنید.
Translation: You can use various methods, for example, you can practice every day.

Finally, it is worth noting that 'mesāl' itself is a word with deep roots in Persian literature and philosophy, often referring to the 'world of images' or 'ideal forms' (Ālam-e Mesāl). While the adverbial phrase 'be-tor-e mesāl' is purely functional today, it carries a weight of precision that other informal synonyms lack. When you use it, you are asking your listener to look at a specific 'image' or 'example' to better understand your abstract point.

Mastering the placement and punctuation of به‌طور مثال is key to sounding like a native speaker at the B2 level. Unlike some Persian adverbs that are restricted to specific slots, this phrase is highly mobile. However, its placement dictates the flow and emphasis of the sentence. Most commonly, it acts as a parenthetical insertion, often set off by commas in modern writing, though Persian punctuation is generally more flexible than English.

At the Beginning of a Sentence: When starting a sentence with 'به‌طور مثال,' you are usually referencing the entire preceding sentence or paragraph. It acts as a bridge between a general theory and a specific application. In this position, it is often followed by a comma.

به‌طور مثال، اگر قیمت بنزین افزایش یابد، هزینه حمل و نقل نیز بالا می‌رود.
Translation: For example, if the price of gasoline increases, the cost of transportation also goes up.

In the example above, the phrase introduces a hypothetical scenario to illustrate a broader economic point. This is a classic B2-level sentence structure, combining a transitional phrase with a conditional clause ('agar...').

In the Middle of a Sentence: When placed in the middle, it usually follows the noun or concept it is illustrating. This is very common when listing items. It often follows a comma and is followed by the list itself.

ادبیات کلاسیک ایران، به‌طور مثال آثار حافظ و سعدی، در تمام جهان شناخته شده است.
Translation: Iranian classical literature, for example the works of Hafez and Saadi, is known throughout the world.

Notice how the phrase acts as an appositive, providing specific names to ground the general term 'classical literature.' This usage is vital for descriptive writing and academic reports. It helps the reader narrow their focus from a broad category to specific entities.

او مهارت‌های زیادی دارد، به‌طور مثال در برنامه‌نویسی و طراحی وب سرآمد است.
Translation: He has many skills; for example, he excels in programming and web design.

A common pattern is [General Statement] + [Comma] + [به‌طور مثال] + [Specific Evidence]. This logical flow is the backbone of persuasive speaking in Persian. Learners should practice connecting two independent thoughts using this phrase. It prevents sentences from feeling like a series of disconnected facts and instead creates a narrative thread.

Combining with Other Adverbs: You can combine it with words like 'فقط' (only) or 'تنها' (only) to say 'only for example' (تنها به‌طور مثال), though this is less common. Usually, it stands alone as the primary logical connector of the sentence.

می‌توانیم به موضوعات مختلفی بپردازیم؛ به‌طور مثال محیط زیست.
Translation: We can address various topics; for example, the environment.

In summary, whether you are writing a university entrance essay (Konkur) or giving a business presentation, 'به‌طور مثال' is your go-to phrase for providing clarity. It ensures your audience follows your logic and understands the practical implications of your general claims.

If you are walking through a bazaar in Tehran or sitting in a taxi, you are unlikely to hear به‌طور مثال very often. In those high-speed, colloquial environments, the Arabic loanword masalan (مثلاً) reigns supreme. However, as you move into the spheres of education, media, and professional life, be-tor-e mesāl becomes a frequent and necessary part of the soundscape. It is the language of the 'intellectual' and the 'professional.'

The News and Media: On channels like IRIB or BBC Persian, news anchors and analysts use this phrase constantly. When discussing government policies, international relations, or social trends, they use it to ground their analysis in specific data points. It provides a sense of objectivity and thoroughness to their reporting.

کارشناس اقتصادی گفت: «تورم بر بخش‌های مختلف تاثیر گذاشته است، به‌طور مثال در بخش مسکن شاهد رشد بیست درصدی بودیم.»
Translation: The economic expert said: 'Inflation has affected various sectors; for example, in the housing sector, we saw a twenty percent growth.'

In the classroom or lecture hall, professors use this phrase to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Persian academic culture highly values the ability to provide 'mesāl' (examples). A student who can use 'be-tor-e mesāl' effectively in an oral exam or a written paper is seen as having a better grasp of the material because they can apply abstract rules to concrete instances.

استاد توضیح داد: «فعل‌های مرکب در فارسی بسیار رایج هستند، به‌طور مثال فعل "صحبت کردن".»
Translation: The professor explained: 'Compound verbs are very common in Persian, for example, the verb "to speak".'

You will also encounter this phrase in high-quality Persian podcasts and YouTube tutorials. Content creators who aim for an educational or 'explainer' style of content use 'be-tor-e mesāl' to maintain a professional tone while still being accessible. It acts as a signal to the listener: 'Pay attention, I am about to give you a concrete illustration of the concept I just explained.'

Formal Correspondence: In business emails or official letters, this phrase is the standard. If you are writing to a university admissions office or a potential employer in Iran, using 'be-tor-e mesāl' instead of the more casual 'masalan' shows respect for the formality of the communication and demonstrates your high level of Persian proficiency.

در رزومه خود به تجربیات مرتبط اشاره کنید، به‌طور مثال پروژه‌هایی که در دوران تحصیل انجام داده‌اید.
Translation: Mention relevant experiences in your resume, for example, projects you completed during your studies.

Ultimately, 'به‌طور مثال' is a hallmark of 'Ketābi' (bookish/formal) Persian. While it might feel a bit stiff in a friendly chat over tea, it is the gold standard for any situation where you want your Persian to sound precise, logical, and educated.

Even advanced learners can stumble when using به‌طور مثال. Because it feels like a direct translation of 'for example,' English speakers often assume it follows the exact same grammatical rules. While it is similar, there are specific pitfalls in Persian syntax and register that you should avoid to maintain natural-sounding speech and writing.

Mistake 1: Register Mismatch: The most common error is using 'به‌طور مثال' in a very casual, slang-heavy conversation. It sounds out of place, much like saying 'furthermore' or 'notwithstanding' while hanging out with friends. In casual settings, always prefer 'masalan' (مثلاً).

Incorrect (Too Formal): داداش، به‌طور مثال بریم سینما؟
Correct (Natural): داداش، مثلاً بریم سینما؟
Note: Using the formal phrase with the slang 'dādāsh' (bro) creates a jarring contrast.

Another issue is the 'Ezafe' confusion. Some learners forget the 'e' sound linking 'tor' and 'mesāl,' pronouncing it as 'be-tor mesāl.' While this might be understood, it sounds unpolished. The 'e' is grammatically necessary because 'mesāl' is modifying the 'manner' (tor).

Mistake 2: Redundancy with 'Mesl-e': Learners often try to combine 'be-tor-e mesāl' with 'mesl-e' (like/such as) in the same breath. This is redundant. Choose one or the other. For example, saying 'به‌طور مثال مثلِ سیب' (For example like an apple) is repetitive.

Redundant: میوه‌های تابستانی، به‌طور مثال مثلِ هندوانه...
Better: میوه‌های تابستانی، به‌طور مثال هندوانه...
Note: Keep it concise by using only the adverbial phrase.

Mistake 3: Misplacing the Phrase in Complex Sentences: In Persian, the verb usually comes at the end. If you place 'به‌طور مثال' after the verb, it sounds like an afterthought rather than a structured part of the sentence. It should almost always precede the example it is introducing.

Awkward: او ورزش می‌کند، فوتبال به‌طور مثال.
Correct: او ورزش می‌کند، به‌طور مثال فوتبال.
Note: The phrase should act as a gateway to the example.

Finally, avoid over-using the phrase. While it is a great connector, using it in every other sentence makes your writing feel robotic and repetitive. Vary your transitions by using synonyms like 'barāye nemune' (for instance) or 'az jomle' (including/among others) to keep the reader engaged.

Persian is a language rich in synonyms, and 'به‌طور مثال' is just one of several ways to introduce examples. Depending on your desired register and the specific context of your sentence, you might choose a different phrase. Understanding these nuances is what separates a B2 learner from a C1/C2 master.

مثلاً (Masalan): This is the most common alternative. It is an Arabic-style adverb (tanvin). It is versatile and used in both speech and writing. However, it is slightly less formal than 'به‌طور مثال.' If 'به‌طور مثال' is 'For example,' 'masalan' is 'Like...' or 'Say...' in a conversational context.
برای مثال (Barāye Mesāl): Very similar to 'به‌طور مثال,' but literally translates to 'for example.' It is slightly more direct and very common in modern journalistic Persian. It is a safe, neutral choice for any situation.
به عنوانِ نمونه (Be Onvān-e Nemune): Literally 'as a sample/instance.' This is highly formal and often used in scientific or technical writing when you are presenting a specific case study or a physical sample for analysis.

Comparison:
1. بیا مثلاً بریم پارک. (Casual)
2. به‌طور مثال، می‌توان به پارک رفت. (Formal)
3. به عنوان نمونه، پارک ملت را در نظر بگیرید. (Highly Formal/Specific)

Another useful alternative is az jomle (از جمله), which means 'including' or 'among which.' This is used when the examples are part of a larger group that has already been mentioned. It is very elegant and common in literature.

مانندِ (Mānand-e) / مثلِ (Mesl-e): These mean 'like' or 'such as.' They are prepositions rather than adverbs. You use them to directly compare two things. 'به‌طور مثال' is better for introducing a whole new sentence or a distinct list, while 'mānand-e' is better for quick, mid-sentence comparisons.

In summary, choose 'به‌طور مثال' when you want to sound structured and professional. Use 'masalan' for everyday talk. Use 'be onvān-e nemune' for academic precision, and 'az jomle' when you are listing items within a category. Mixing these up will make your Persian sound much more natural and sophisticated.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"دولت باید سیاست‌های حمایتی اتخاذ کند، به‌طور مثال کاهش مالیات برای کسب‌وکارهای کوچک."

Neutral

"او به میوه‌ها علاقه دارد، به‌طور مثال گیلاس و هلو."

Informal

"مثلاً بیا بریم سینما."

Child friendly

"حیوانات زیادی در جنگل هستند، به‌طور مثال شیر و پلنگ."

Slang

"N/A"

Fun Fact

The word 'mesāl' is linked to the concept of 'Ālam-e Mesāl' in Islamic philosophy, which is the intermediate world of forms between the physical and the purely spiritual.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /be to-re me-sɒːl/

US /be to-re me-sɑːl/

The primary stress in the phrase falls on the final syllable: me-SĀL. The 'be-tor-e' part is spoken with a rising but lower pitch.

Rhymes With

نهال (nahāl) کمال (kamāl) جمال (jamāl) خیال (khiyāl) شمال (shomāl) محال (mahāl) وصال (vesāl) ملال (malāl)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'be-tor mesāl' without the Ezafe 'e' sound.
Replacing the 'th' (ث) sound in 'mesāl' with a 'sh' or 'ch' sound (it should be a simple 's').
Stress on the first syllable 'be'.
Shortening the long 'ā' in 'mesāl' to a short 'a' like in 'cat'.
Merging 'be' and 'tor' into one syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in text once the components are known.

Writing 6/5

Requires knowledge of where to place commas and which register is appropriate.

Speaking 5/5

The Ezafe sound and the formal tone can be tricky for beginners to integrate naturally.

Listening 4/5

Clearly articulated in formal speech, making it easy to catch.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

به (be) طور (tor) مثال (mesāl) مثلاً (masalan) مانند (mānand)

Learn Next

به‌طور کلی (be-tor-e kolli) به‌عبارت دیگر (be-ebārat-e digar) در نتیجه (dar natije) با این حال (bā in hāl) از سوی دیگر (az su-ye digar)

Advanced

تمثیل (tamsil) مصداق (mesdāq) شاهد (shāhed) گواه (govāh) نمونه عینی (nemune-ye eyni)

Grammar to Know

Ezafe Construction

به‌طورِ مثال (The 'e' links 'tor' and 'mesāl').

Sentence Adverbs

به‌طور مثال، او نیامد. (Modifies the whole sentence).

Punctuation with Transitions

استفاده از ویرگول (comma) بعد از 'به‌طور مثال' در ابتدای جمله.

Formal vs. Informal Adverbs

Comparison between 'به‌طور مثال' and 'مثلاً'.

Noun Clarification

Using the phrase to specify a general noun group.

Examples by Level

من میوه دوست دارم، به‌طور مثال سیب.

I like fruit, for example, apple.

Simple list introduction.

او ورزش می‌کند، به‌طور مثال فوتبال.

He plays sports, for example, football.

Using the phrase to specify a category.

ما حیوان خانگی داریم، به‌طور مثال سگ.

We have pets, for example, a dog.

Introducing a singular example.

او رنگ‌های زیبا را دوست دارد، به‌طور مثال آبی.

She likes beautiful colors, for example, blue.

Adjective-noun agreement with the example.

در این اتاق وسایل زیادی هست، به‌طور مثال صندلی.

There are many things in this room, for example, a chair.

Locative sentence structure.

من زبان می‌خوانم، به‌طور مثال فارسی.

I study languages, for example, Persian.

Direct object specified by the phrase.

او غذاهای ایرانی می‌پزد، به‌طور مثال جوجه‌کباب.

She cooks Iranian food, for example, Jujeh Kabab.

Using the phrase with a compound noun.

در شهر ما پارک‌های زیادی هست، به‌طور مثال پارک ملت.

There are many parks in our city, for example, Mellat Park.

Proper noun as an example.

من به موسیقی علاقه دارم، به‌طور مثال موسیقی سنتی.

I am interested in music, for example, traditional music.

Interest verb with specific example.

کشورهای زیادی در آسیا هستند، به‌طور مثال ایران و چین.

There are many countries in Asia, for example, Iran and China.

Plural examples connected by 'va' (and).

شما می‌توانید به جاهای مختلفی بروید، به‌طور مثال موزه.

You can go to various places, for example, the museum.

Modal verb 'tavānestan' with an example.

او در شرکت کارهای مختلفی انجام می‌دهد، به‌طور مثال حسابداری.

He does various jobs at the company, for example, accounting.

Job-related vocabulary.

در زمستان هوا سرد است، به‌طور مثال در تبریز.

In winter the weather is cold, for example, in Tabriz.

Prepositional phrase as an example.

من کتاب‌های علمی می‌خوانم، به‌طور مثال درباره فضا.

I read scientific books, for example, about space.

Example starting with a preposition.

او به میوه‌های شیرین علاقه دارد، به‌طور مثال خرما.

He likes sweet fruits, for example, dates.

Specific noun clarifying a general adjective.

ما هر روز ورزش می‌کنیم، به‌طور مثال پیاده‌روی.

We exercise every day, for example, walking.

Verbal noun as an example.

تکنولوژی زندگی ما را تغییر داده است، به‌طور مثال استفاده از اینترنت.

Technology has changed our lives, for example, the use of the internet.

Abstract concept illustrated by a concrete action.

بسیاری از بیماری‌ها با تغذیه سالم درمان می‌شوند، به‌طور مثال دیابت.

Many diseases are treated with healthy nutrition, for example, diabetes.

Passive voice followed by an example.

زبان‌های خارجی فرصت‌های شغلی ایجاد می‌کنند، به‌طور مثال زبان انگلیسی.

Foreign languages create job opportunities, for example, the English language.

Subject-verb-object structure with clarification.

آلودگی هوا دلایل مختلفی دارد، به‌طور مثال دود کارخانه‌ها.

Air pollution has various causes, for example, factory smoke.

Causal relationship illustrated.

او به هنر علاقه زیادی دارد، به‌طور مثال نقاشی و خطاطی.

He has a great interest in art, for example, painting and calligraphy.

Compound subjects in the example.

سفر کردن تجربیات جدیدی به ما می‌دهد، به‌طور مثال آشنایی با فرهنگ‌ها.

Traveling gives us new experiences, for example, getting to know cultures.

Gerund-like phrase as an example.

بیکاری بر جامعه اثر می‌گذارد، به‌طور مثال افزایش فقر.

Unemployment affects society, for example, the increase of poverty.

Impact/Effect structure.

برنامه‌های تلویزیون متنوع هستند، به‌طور مثال مستندهای علمی.

TV programs are diverse, for example, scientific documentaries.

Adjective 'motanave' (diverse) followed by examples.

توسعه پایدار نیازمند مدیریت منابع است، به‌طور مثال مدیریت آب.

Sustainable development requires resource management, for example, water management.

Formal academic vocabulary.

ادبیات معاصر ایران ویژگی‌های خاصی دارد، به‌طور مثال واقع‌گرایی اجتماعی.

Contemporary Iranian literature has specific characteristics, for example, social realism.

Literary analysis terminology.

بحران‌های اقتصادی جهانی بر کشورهای در حال توسعه تاثیر می‌گذارند، به‌طور مثال از طریق کاهش صادرات.

Global economic crises affect developing countries, for example, through a decrease in exports.

Complex prepositional phrase as an example.

حقوق شهروندی باید در جامعه رعایت شود، به‌طور مثال حق آزادی بیان.

Citizens' rights must be respected in society, for example, the right to freedom of expression.

Legal/Civic terminology.

روانشناسی مدرن به بررسی رفتارهای پیچیده می‌پردازد، به‌طور مثال الگوهای خواب.

Modern psychology deals with examining complex behaviors, for example, sleep patterns.

Scientific inquiry structure.

معماری سنتی ایران با اقلیم سازگار است، به‌طور مثال استفاده از بادگیر.

Traditional Iranian architecture is compatible with the climate, for example, the use of windcatchers.

Cultural-technical description.

آموزش مجازی مزایای بسیاری دارد، به‌طور مثال انعطاف‌پذیری در زمان.

Virtual education has many advantages, for example, flexibility in time.

Evaluating pros and cons.

تنوع زیستی در خطر است، به‌طور مثال انقراض گونه‌های نادر.

Biodiversity is at risk, for example, the extinction of rare species.

Environmental science focus.

تحلیل ساختارگرایانه متون ادبی می‌تواند ابعاد پنهان متن را آشکار سازد، به‌طور مثال از طریق بررسی تقابل‌های دوتایی.

Structuralist analysis of literary texts can reveal hidden dimensions of the text, for example, through the examination of binary oppositions.

High-level academic discourse.

سیاست‌های پولی بانک مرکزی می‌تواند بر نرخ تورم اثرگذار باشد، به‌طور مثال با تغییر در نرخ بهره.

Central bank monetary policies can be influential on the inflation rate, for example, by changing the interest rate.

Economic policy analysis.

جامعه‌شناسی شهری به مطالعه تضادهای اجتماعی در کلان‌شهرها می‌پردازد، به‌طور مثال شکاف طبقاتی.

Urban sociology deals with the study of social conflicts in metropolises, for example, the class gap.

Sociological terminology.

پدیدارشناسی در فلسفه به تجربه مستقیم آگاهی توجه دارد، به‌طور مثال در آثار ادموند هوسرل.

Phenomenology in philosophy pays attention to the direct experience of consciousness, for example, in the works of Edmund Husserl.

Philosophical context.

هوش مصنوعی در حوزه‌های گوناگون کاربرد دارد، به‌طور مثال در تشخیص پزشکی با استفاده از الگوریتم‌های یادگیری عمیق.

Artificial intelligence has applications in various fields, for example, in medical diagnosis using deep learning algorithms.

Technical/Scientific complexity.

حقوق بین‌الملل به دنبال حل منازعات از طریق دیپلماسی است، به‌طور مثال از طریق میانجی‌گری سازمان‌های بین‌المللی.

International law seeks to resolve conflicts through diplomacy, for example, through the mediation of international organizations.

Legal and diplomatic terminology.

هنر انتزاعی از بازنمایی واقعیت فیزیکی دوری می‌کند، به‌طور مثال در آثار نقاشان سبک اکسپرسیونیسم انتزاعی.

Abstract art avoids representing physical reality, for example, in the works of abstract expressionist painters.

Art history and criticism.

تغییرات اقلیمی منجر به حوادث غیرمترقبه جوی می‌شود، به‌طور مثال سیل‌های ناگهانی در مناطق خشک.

Climate change leads to unexpected weather events, for example, flash floods in arid regions.

Environmental cause and effect.

گفتمان‌های قدرت در جوامع مدرن به شکلی ظریف بازتولید می‌شوند، به‌طور مثال از طریق نهادهای آموزشی و رسانه‌های جمعی.

Power discourses in modern societies are reproduced in a subtle way, for example, through educational institutions and mass media.

Critical theory and discourse analysis.

هرمنوتیک متن به دنبال کشف لایه‌های معنایی متکثر است، به‌طور مثال با واکاوی پیش‌فرض‌های زبانی نویسنده.

Hermeneutics of the text seeks to discover multiple semantic layers, for example, by analyzing the author's linguistic presuppositions.

Advanced linguistic and philosophical study.

ساختارشکنی در نقد ادبی به دنبال آشکارسازی تناقض‌های درونی متن است، به‌طور مثال در خوانش‌های دریدایی از متون کلاسیک.

Deconstruction in literary criticism seeks to reveal the internal contradictions of the text, for example, in Derridean readings of classical texts.

Post-structuralist literary theory.

ژئوپلیتیک منطقه تحت تاثیر متغیرهای متعددی قرار دارد، به‌طور مثال توازن قوا میان قدرت‌های بزرگ جهانی.

The geopolitics of the region is influenced by numerous variables, for example, the balance of power among major global powers.

Geopolitical and strategic analysis.

زیباشناسی پست‌مدرن بر تکثرگرایی و نفی روایت‌های کلان تاکید دارد، به‌طور مثال در معماری تلفیقی معاصر.

Postmodern aesthetics emphasizes pluralism and the rejection of grand narratives, for example, in contemporary eclectic architecture.

Aesthetic and cultural theory.

اقتصاد سیاسی به بررسی تعامل میان فرآیندهای سیاسی و اقتصادی می‌پردازد، به‌طور مثال در تحلیل سیاست‌های رفاهی.

Political economy examines the interaction between political and economic processes, for example, in the analysis of welfare policies.

Interdisciplinary academic focus.

زبان‌شناسی کاربردی به حل مشکلات مرتبط با زبان در دنیای واقعی می‌پردازد، به‌طور مثال در طراحی آزمون‌های استاندارد زبانی.

Applied linguistics deals with solving language-related problems in the real world, for example, in the design of standardized language tests.

Professional linguistic context.

اخلاق زیستی به چالش‌های اخلاقی ناشی از پیشرفت‌های پزشکی می‌پردازد، به‌طور مثال در موضوع مهندسی ژنتیک.

Bioethics deals with ethical challenges arising from medical advancements, for example, in the subject of genetic engineering.

Ethical and scientific discourse.

Common Collocations

به‌طور مثال می‌توان گفت

تنها به‌طور مثال

به‌طور مثال در موردِ

به‌طور مثال فرض کنید

به‌طور مثال اشاره کرد

به‌طور مثال در بخشِ

به‌طور مثال در ایامِ

به‌طور مثال از طریقِ

به‌طور مثال در سالِ

به‌طور مثال در کشورهایِ

Common Phrases

به‌طور مثال عرض می‌کنم

— I am saying this as an example. Used in polite conversation to clarify a point.

به‌طور مثال عرض می‌کنم که این کار ریسک دارد.

به‌طور مثال در نظر بگیرید

— Consider this as an example. Used to invite the listener to analyze a case.

به‌طور مثال شرایطِ فعلی را در نظر بگیرید.

به‌طور مثال باید گفت

— As an example, it must be said. Used to introduce a necessary illustration.

به‌طور مثال باید گفت که آموزش کلید موفقیت است.

به‌طور مثال می‌توان به... اشاره کرد

— One can point to... as an example. A standard academic formula.

به‌طور مثال می‌توان به معماری اصفهان اشاره کرد.

فقط به‌طور مثال

— Just as an example. Used to de-emphasize the specific instance.

این حرف را فقط به‌طور مثال زدم.

به‌طور مثال در این باره

— For example, regarding this matter. Used to narrow down a topic.

به‌طور مثال در این باره تحقیقات زیادی شده است.

به‌طور مثال در اینجا

— For example, here. Used to point to a specific location or point in a text.

به‌طور مثال در اینجا نویسنده تغییر لحن می‌دهد.

به‌طور مثال در آن زمان

— For example, at that time. Used for historical illustrations.

به‌طور مثال در آن زمان اینترنت وجود نداشت.

به‌طور مثال در این زمینه

— For example, in this field. Used in professional contexts.

به‌طور مثال در این زمینه او متخصص است.

به‌طور مثال برایِ

— For example, for... Used to show purpose or benefit.

به‌طور مثال برایِ سلامتی باید ورزش کرد.

Often Confused With

به‌طور مثال vs به‌عنوان مثال

Very similar, but 'به‌عنوان' implies 'as' or 'in the capacity of' an example.

به‌طور مثال vs مثلاً

The informal version; using 'به‌طور مثال' in a casual chat sounds too stiff.

به‌طور مثال vs به‌طور کلی

The opposite meaning (generally vs. specifically).

Idioms & Expressions

"مشت نمونه خروار"

— A handful is a sample of a heap. Used to say that a small example represents the whole quality.

این اشتباهِ کوچک، مشت نمونه خروار است.

Idiomatic/Formal

"مثال زدن"

— To give an example or to illustrate.

استاد برایِ ما مثال زد.

General

"ضرب‌المثل"

— Proverb. Literally 'striking an example.'

این یک ضرب‌المثلِ قدیمی است.

General

"بی‌مثال"

— Unparalleled; unique; without example.

زیباییِ این شهر بی‌مثال است.

Literary

"مثلِ آبِ خوردن"

— As easy as drinking water. Very easy.

این امتحان مثلِ آبِ خوردن بود.

Informal

"مثلِ روز روشن بودن"

— To be as clear as day.

حقیقت مثلِ روز روشن است.

Informal

"مثلِ ریگ"

— Like pebbles. Used to describe a huge quantity, usually of money.

او مثلِ ریگ پول خرج می‌کند.

Informal

"مثلِ سگ پشیمان شدن"

— To regret something deeply (literally 'to regret like a dog').

او از کارش مثلِ سگ پشیمان شد.

Slang/Informal

"مثلِ شاخِ شمشاد"

— Like a boxwood branch. Used to describe someone tall, handsome, and healthy.

پسرش مثلِ شاخِ شمشاد است.

Informal/Poetic

"مثلِ خر در گل ماندن"

— To be stuck like a donkey in the mud. To be helpless in a situation.

در این مسئله مثلِ خر در گل ماندم.

Slang

Easily Confused

به‌طور مثال vs مثلاً

Both mean 'for example.'

'Masalan' is an Arabic adverbial form (tanvin) and is more common in speech. 'Be-tor-e mesāl' is a Persian prepositional phrase and is more formal.

بیا مثلاً حرف بزنیم. (Informal) vs. به‌طور مثال، می‌توان گفت... (Formal)

به‌طور مثال vs مانندِ

Both introduce examples.

'Mānand-e' is a preposition meaning 'like.' It must be followed by a noun. 'Be-tor-e mesāl' is an adverb and can start a whole sentence.

میوه‌هایی مانندِ سیب. vs. به‌طور مثال، سیب میوه‌ی خوبی است.

به‌طور مثال vs نمونه

Both relate to 'example.'

'Nemune' is a noun meaning 'sample' or 'model.' 'Mesāl' is 'example' in a more abstract or illustrative sense.

این یک نمونه‌ی خوب است. vs. به‌طور مثال، این را ببینید.

به‌طور مثال vs به‌عنوانِ

Both start with 'be-'.

'Be-onvān-e' means 'as' or 'in the title of.' It doesn't always introduce an example.

او به‌عنوان مدیر کار می‌کند. (He works as a manager.)

به‌طور مثال vs فرضاً

Both introduce hypothetical examples.

'Farzan' specifically implies a 'supposition' or 'hypothesis,' while 'be-tor-e mesāl' can be a real-world fact.

فرضاً اگر پول نداشته باشی... (Supposing you have no money...)

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] + [به‌طور مثال] + [Specific Noun].

میوه به‌طور مثال سیب.

[Sentence] + [،] + [به‌طور مثال] + [Noun].

من ورزش می‌کنم، به‌طور مثال شنا.

[Sentence] + [;] + [به‌طور مثال] + [Clause].

هوا گرم است؛ به‌طور مثال دیروز چهل درجه بود.

[به‌طور مثال] + [،] + [Conditional Sentence].

به‌طور مثال، اگر باران ببارد، بازی لغو می‌شود.

[Abstract Noun] + [،] + [به‌طور مثال] + [Technical Example].

عدالت اجتماعی، به‌طور مثال توزیع عادلانه ثروت.

[Complex Argument] + [،] + [به‌طور مثال از طریقِ] + [Process].

توسعه سیاسی، به‌طور مثال از طریق تقویت احزاب.

[General Category] + [،] + [به‌طور مثال] + [List of 3+ Nouns].

کشورهای اروپایی، به‌طور مثال فرانسه، آلمان و ایتالیا.

[Personal Opinion] + [،] + [به‌طور مثال] + [Personal Experience].

سفر خوب است، به‌طور مثال سفر من به شیراز.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in written and broadcast Persian; low in casual speech.

Common Mistakes

به‌طورِ مثال مثلِ سیب → به‌طورِ مثال سیب
Using both 'be-tor-e mesāl' and 'mesl-e' is redundant. They both serve the same function of introducing an example.
به‌طورِ مثال در آخرِ جمله → به‌طورِ مثال در ابتدایِ مثال
English speakers often put 'for example' at the end of a list. In Persian, it almost always comes before the list.
تلفظِ 'به‌طور مثال' بدونِ اضافه → به‌طورِ مثال (با صدایِ اِ)
The 'e' sound is necessary to link the words grammatically. Skipping it sounds uneducated.
استفاده در مکالمه دوستانه → استفاده از 'مثلاً'
'Be-tor-e mesāl' is too formal for a chat with friends. It sounds like you are reading from a textbook.
غلط املایی در کلمه 'مثال' → مثال (با ث)
Learners often write it with 'Sin' (س) because they sound the same. Always use 'Se' (ث).

Tips

Placement

Always place 'به‌طور مثال' before the noun or clause you are illustrating. This creates a clear logical flow for the listener.

Use in Essays

When writing for the Konkur or university, use this phrase to introduce your evidence. It shows you have a formal academic style.

The Ezafe

Don't forget the 'e' sound! Say 'be-tor-E mesāl'. Omitting it makes the phrase sound broken.

Synonym Variety

If you have already used 'به‌طور مثال' once in a paragraph, use 'برای نمونه' or 'از جمله' the next time to keep your writing interesting.

Punctuation

In modern Persian, a comma after 'به‌طور مثال' (when it starts a sentence) is highly recommended for clarity.

News Anchors

Watch the evening news on VOA Persian or BBC Persian. You will hear this phrase used to introduce statistics and reports.

Avoid Casual Use

If you are buying fruit at the market, don't say 'be-tor-e mesāl.' Just say the name of the fruit or use 'masalan'.

Logical Bridge

Think of this phrase as a signpost. It tells the reader: 'I've given you the theory, now here is the reality.'

Wisdom

Iranians appreciate well-chosen examples. Using this phrase helps you provide those examples in a dignified way.

Prefix 'Be-tor'

Remember that 'be-tor' is a common prefix for adverbs. Learning this phrase helps you learn 'be-tor-e kolli' (generally) and others.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Be-Tor' as 'By-Way-Of' and 'Mesal' as 'Muscle'. You use an example to give your argument more 'muscle' or strength.

Visual Association

Imagine a bridge connecting a large cloud (a general idea) to a single solid rock (a specific example). The bridge is labeled 'به‌طور مثال'.

Word Web

مثال به‌طور مثلاً نمونه مانند توضیح روش دلیل

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about your favorite city, using 'به‌طور مثال' once in each sentence to describe a specific place, a food, and a feeling.

Word Origin

The phrase is a Persian construction using Arabic loanwords. 'Be' is a Persian preposition. 'Tor' comes from the Arabic 'tawr' (manner/state), and 'mesāl' comes from the Arabic 'mithāl' (likeness/example).

Original meaning: The original meaning in Arabic-influenced Persian was 'in the manner of a likeness' or 'following the form of an example.'

Indo-European (Persian) with Semitic (Arabic) loanwords.

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; it is a neutral, functional phrase.

It is equivalent to 'for example' but slightly more formal than 'like.'

Used frequently in 'Golestan' by Saadi (though in more classical forms) to introduce moral lessons. A staple phrase in contemporary Iranian academic journals like 'Motaleat-e Tarikhi'. Commonly heard in the speeches of Iranian intellectuals like Abdolkarim Soroush.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Academic Writing

به‌طور مثال در این پژوهش...
به‌طور مثال می‌توان گفت...
به‌طور مثال بر اساسِ داده‌ها...
به‌طور مثال در فصلِ اول...

Professional Presentations

به‌طور مثال به این نمودار توجه کنید.
به‌طور مثال در پروژه‌ی قبلی...
به‌طور مثال برایِ حلِ این مشکل...
به‌طور مثال در بازارِ ایران...

News Reporting

به‌طور مثال در شهرِ تهران...
به‌طور مثال مقاماتِ رسمی اعلام کردند...
به‌طور مثال در پیِ این حادثه...
به‌طور مثال شاهدان عینی گفتند...

Teaching/Tutoring

به‌طور مثال به این فعل نگاه کنید.
به‌طور مثال در این جمله...
به‌طور مثال برایِ تمرین...
به‌طور مثال در فرهنگِ لغت...

Formal Debate

به‌طور مثال اگر ادعای شما درست باشد...
به‌طور مثال در تاریخ دیده شده که...
به‌طور مثال برخلافِ نظرِ شما...
به‌طور مثال در جوامعِ دموکراتیک...

Conversation Starters

"آیا می‌توانید به‌طور مثال یک کتابِ خوب به من معرفی کنید؟"

"به‌طور مثال، بهترین زمان برای سفر به ایران چه فصلی است؟"

"در فرهنگِ شما، به‌طور مثال چه غذاهایی در عید پخته می‌شود؟"

"به‌طور مثال، برای یادگیری بهترِ فارسی چه پیشنهادی دارید؟"

"آیا می‌توانید به‌طور مثال درباره‌ی یکی از سنت‌های ایرانی توضیح دهید؟"

Journal Prompts

درباره‌ی اهدافِ خود در سالِ جدید بنویسید و به‌طور مثال سه مورد را توضیح دهید.

تغییراتِ شهرِ خود را توصیف کنید؛ به‌طور مثال در موردِ ساختمان‌ها یا حمل و نقل.

یک روزِ ایده‌آل را شرح دهید، به‌طور مثال چه کارهایی انجام می‌دهید و کجا می‌روید.

درباره‌ی اهمیتِ یادگیری زبان بنویسید، به‌طور مثال چگونه بر زندگی شما اثر گذاشته است.

یک خاطره‌ی سفر را بازگو کنید، به‌طور مثال یک اتفاقِ جالب که در آن سفر رخ داد.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically yes, but it sounds very awkward and is almost never done in Persian. It should always come before the example it introduces. Unlike English where you can say '...football, for example,' in Persian you say ', for example football.'

The difference is very subtle. 'برای مثال' (Barāye mesāl) is slightly more modern and common in journalism. 'به‌طور مثال' (Be-tor-e mesāl) feels a bit more structured and formal. You can use them interchangeably in most B2-level writing.

In standard Persian script, the 'e' (Ezafe) is not written as a letter. Sometimes a small 'vav' or 'ye' is used in other contexts, but here it is just an invisible vowel sound. In very formal texts, a tiny stroke (kasra) might be added under the 'r'.

It is a hybrid. 'Be' is Persian, while 'Tor' and 'Mesāl' are Arabic loanwords. This type of construction is very common in formal Persian, which absorbed much Arabic vocabulary over centuries.

It's better not to. It sounds repetitive, like saying 'for example like.' Choose one: either 'به‌طور مثال سیب' or 'مثلِ سیب'.

Using it in a very casual conversation with friends. It makes you sound like a textbook or a news anchor. Use 'masalan' instead.

Even though 'mesāl' is written with the letter 'Se' (ث), which was 'th' in Arabic, in Persian it is pronounced exactly like a normal 's' (س). Don't try to make a 'th' sound like in English 'think'.

Yes, it is an excellent way to start a supporting paragraph in an essay. It signals that the paragraph will provide a detailed case study or illustration of the main thesis.

Modern formal poetry might use it, but classical poetry usually uses more rhythmic alternatives like 'chon' or 'mānand'.

No, as an adverbial phrase, it is invariable. You cannot make it plural.