برای مثال
برای مثال in 30 Seconds
- A formal Persian phrase meaning 'for example' used to introduce specific instances that support or clarify a general statement in speech and writing.
- Consists of 'barāye' (for) and 'mesāl' (example), functioning as a vital logical connector across all levels of Persian linguistic proficiency and registers.
- Commonly placed at the beginning of a clause or after a semicolon, often followed by a comma in written Persian to ensure clarity.
- A key marker of intermediate and advanced fluency, allowing speakers to move from abstract concepts to concrete, persuasive evidence in their discourse.
The Persian phrase برای مثال (pronounced as 'barāye mesāl') is one of the most fundamental transitional markers in the Persian language. It functions identically to the English phrase 'for example' or 'for instance.' At its core, it is a compound prepositional phrase consisting of the preposition barāye (for) and the noun mesāl (example, instance, or parable). While it is categorizable as a noun phrase in its internal structure, its syntactic function is almost always adverbial or connective, serving to introduce specific instances that support a general statement. In Persian communication, whether formal or informal, providing evidence or clarification is a hallmark of clear expression, and this phrase serves as the primary bridge between a general concept and its tangible applications.
- Linguistic Origin
- The word 'mesāl' is derived from the Arabic root m-th-l, which relates to likeness, similarity, or standing as a representative. In Persian, it has evolved to represent the standard way to introduce an illustration.
- Functional Versatility
- It is used in academic writing to cite evidence, in legal documents to clarify clauses, and in daily speech to explain complex ideas to friends or family.
- Register and Tone
- While highly common in formal writing, it is also perfectly acceptable in neutral spoken Persian. In very informal slang, speakers might shorten it or use 'meslan,' but 'barāye mesāl' remains the gold standard for clarity.
بسیاری از میوهها در تابستان میرسند؛ برای مثال، هلو و گیلاس.
(Many fruits ripen in summer; for example, peaches and cherries.)
Understanding when to use this phrase involves recognizing the moment a speaker moves from the 'macro' to the 'micro.' If you are describing the beauty of Iranian architecture, you would use this phrase to specifically mention the mosques of Isfahan. It acts as a cognitive signpost, telling the listener, 'I am about to prove my point with a specific case.' This is crucial in Persian rhetoric, which often values the movement from general wisdom to specific application. In the context of the CEFR B2 level, mastery of this phrase indicates that the learner can construct complex arguments and support them with varied evidence, moving beyond simple sentences into cohesive discourse.
Furthermore, the word 'mesāl' itself carries cultural weight. Persian literature is filled with 'amsāl' (the plural of mesāl, meaning proverbs or parables). Therefore, using 'barāye mesāl' isn't just a grammatical necessity; it taps into a long tradition of using storytelling and specific examples to convey deeper truths. When you use this phrase, you are participating in a linguistic tradition that prizes the 'mesāl' as a tool for enlightenment. Whether you are discussing climate change, culinary habits, or historical events, this phrase provides the structural integrity your Persian sentences need to sound professional and well-thought-out.
او به ورزشهای زیادی علاقه دارد، برای مثال شنا و تنیس.
(He is interested in many sports, for example, swimming and tennis.)
In a pedagogical sense, this phrase is a 'safety net' for learners. If you find yourself struggling to explain a complex Persian concept, you can simply say 'barāye mesāl' and then provide a simpler, more concrete noun or scenario. This allows for smoother communication and reduces the cognitive load during conversation. It is one of the first 'logical connectors' that a student should master to transition from intermediate to advanced fluency, as it allows for the expansion of ideas without requiring overly complex verb conjugations or rare vocabulary.
- Synonym Comparison
- Compared to 'meslan' (مثلاً), 'barāye mesāl' is more formal and structured. 'Meslan' is often used as a filler word or in very quick speech, whereas 'barāye mesāl' demands a moment of focus on the example provided.
Using برای مثال correctly requires an understanding of sentence flow and punctuation in Persian. Unlike some Persian particles that have rigid placement, this phrase is quite flexible, though its most common position is at the beginning of a supplementary clause or immediately following a general statement. In written Persian, it is often preceded by a semicolon or a full stop and followed by a comma, mirroring the English usage of 'For example, ...'
- Sentence Initial Position
- When starting a new sentence to elaborate on the previous one. Example: 'Persian culture is rich. For example, its poetry is world-renowned.'
- Mid-Sentence Insertion
- Used within a single sentence to list items. Example: 'You should eat vegetables, for example, spinach and carrots, every day.'
برای مثال، میتوان به تاثیرات تکنولوژی بر آموزش اشاره کرد.
(For example, one can point to the effects of technology on education.)
One of the key grammatical considerations is the relationship between the phrase and the nouns that follow. In Persian, 'barāye mesāl' does not change the case or the ending of the following words. It acts as an independent adverbial unit. However, it is important to ensure that the example provided actually matches the category mentioned before it. For instance, if you say 'I like traditional musical instruments,' your 'barāye mesāl' should be followed by things like 'Tar' or 'Setar,' not 'Piano.'
In more advanced academic contexts, 'barāye mesāl' can be integrated into complex structures such as 'به عنوان یک مثالِ بارز' (as a striking example). This shows the adaptability of the core concept. When writing an essay in Persian, using 'barāye mesāl' helps organize the paragraph. It provides a logical transition that guides the reader through your supporting evidence. Without such connectors, Persian prose can feel disjointed or overly repetitive.
ایران دارای شهرهای تاریخی بسیاری است؛ برای مثال شیراز و اصفهان.
(Iran has many historical cities; for example, Shiraz and Isfahan.)
For learners, a common hurdle is deciding between 'barāye mesāl' and 'masalan.' While 'masalan' is shorter and very common in speech, 'barāye mesāl' is preferred in any situation where you want to sound more educated or precise. In a job interview or a university presentation, 'barāye mesāl' is the superior choice. It signals to the listener that you are about to provide a structured, relevant piece of information rather than just a casual thought.
Finally, let's look at the rhythmic aspect. Persian is a very melodic language. 'Barāye mesāl' has a balanced, three-syllable (ba-rā-ye) plus two-syllable (me-sāl) structure that provides a nice pause in the cadence of a sentence. This pause gives the listener a split second to prepare for the specific details you are about to share. Mastering this rhythmic pause is a sign of high-level fluency.
- Common Phrasing
- Often used with the verb 'zadan' (to hit/to strike) in the form 'mesāl zadan' (to give an example). You might say, 'Let me give an example' (be-gozārid ye mesāl bezanam).
If you turn on a Persian news broadcast like BBC Persian or Iran International, you will hear برای مثال constantly. Journalists use it to ground abstract political or economic theories in real-world data. For instance, a reporter might be discussing inflation and then say, 'Barāye mesāl, the price of bread has doubled in the last month.' This usage is professional, clear, and authoritative.
در اخبار شنیدم که آلودگی هوا افزایش یافته است؛ برای مثال در تهران.
(I heard on the news that air pollution has increased; for example, in Tehran.)
In the classroom or university setting, this phrase is the backbone of academic discourse. Professors use it to explain complex scientific laws or historical trends. If you are a student in Iran, you will see this phrase in every textbook, from mathematics to literature. It is the tool that transforms theory into practice. When a teacher says 'barāye mesāl,' every student knows to pay closer attention because the 'abstract' is about to become 'concrete.'
- Podcast and Media
- In popular Persian podcasts (like ChannelB or Radio Marz), the hosts use this phrase to narrate stories. It helps in painting a vivid picture for the listener by providing specific details of a scene or a character's behavior.
- Legal and Official Settings
- In contracts, 'barāye mesāl' is used to define the scope of a term. For example, 'Force majeure events, for example, earthquakes or floods...' This ensures there is no ambiguity in legal interpretations.
In daily social life, you'll hear it during debates or long stories. Iranians love to discuss politics, philosophy, and poetry over tea. In these discussions, 'barāye mesāl' is used to back up one's opinion. If someone argues that 'life in the village is better than the city,' they will inevitably follow up with 'barāye mesāl, the air is cleaner.' It is an essential tool for the art of Persian persuasion.
Furthermore, in the digital age, you will see this phrase in Persian blogs, YouTube tutorials, and social media captions. A tech YouTuber explaining a new app feature will say, 'Barāye mesāl, you can use this button to save files.' It bridges the gap between the interface and the user's needs. Its ubiquity across all media formats—from ancient manuscripts to modern tweets—proves its status as a cornerstone of the language.
این نرمافزار قابلیتهای زیادی دارد؛ برای مثال ویرایش خودکار ویدیو.
(This software has many capabilities; for example, automatic video editing.)
Even in the world of Persian cinema, dialogue often includes this phrase to make characters sound more realistic or pedantic, depending on the role. A doctor character might use it to explain a diagnosis, while a father might use it to lecture his son. By paying attention to who uses this phrase in movies, you can learn a lot about the character's social standing and level of education.
While برای مثال is straightforward, learners often make subtle errors in its application. The most frequent mistake is confusing it with the word مثلاً (masalan). While they mean the same thing, 'masalan' is often used as a filler word (like 'like' or 'say' in English), whereas 'barāye mesāl' is a formal introduction. Using 'masalan' in a formal essay can make the writing seem amateurish, while using 'barāye mesāl' too often in casual chat can make you sound like a textbook.
- Punctuation Errors
- In Persian, a common mistake is forgetting the comma after the phrase. Without the comma, the sentence can run together, making it harder for the reader to identify where the general statement ends and the example begins.
- Misplacement
- Placing the phrase at the very end of a sentence (e.g., 'I like fruit, apples for example') is less common in Persian than in English. It is much more natural to place it before the example.
❌ من میوهها را دوست دارم، سیب برای مثال.
(Awkward: I like fruits, apples for example.)✅ من میوهها را دوست دارم؛ برای مثال، سیب.
(Correct: I like fruits; for example, apples.)
Another error is 'example overload.' Some learners use 'barāye mesāl' multiple times in a single paragraph. This creates a repetitive and 'staccato' rhythm. To avoid this, advanced learners should vary their connectors using phrases like 'به عنوان نمونه' (as a sample) or 'از جمله' (including). This variety is what separates a B2 learner from a C1 or C2 speaker.
There is also the 'Ezafe' mistake. Some learners try to link 'barāye mesāl' to the following word using the Ezafe (the -e sound). For example, they might say 'barāye mesāl-e sib' (for the example of apple). This is grammatically incorrect. 'Barāye mesāl' should stand alone as a phrase, followed by a pause or a comma, and then the example itself.
Lastly, be careful with the word 'mesāl' versus 'masal.' While 'mesāl' means example, 'masal' means proverb. Saying 'barāye masal' would mean 'for the proverb,' which usually doesn't make sense unless you are actually introducing a proverb. Precision in vowels (e vs a) is key to being understood clearly by native speakers.
اشتباه رایج: استفاده از برای مثال به جای 'مثلاً' در جملات بسیار کوتاه و غیررسمی.
(Common mistake: Using 'barāye mesāl' instead of 'masalan' in very short, informal sentences.)
To truly master Persian, you need to know the siblings and cousins of برای مثال. While it is the most common, using it exclusively can make your speech sound robotic. Depending on the context—whether you are writing a poem, a scientific paper, or a text message—there are several other ways to introduce an illustration.
- مثلاً (Masalan)
- The most common informal alternative. It’s an Arabic adverbial form. Use it in conversation. It can also mean 'suppose' or 'hypothetically.'
- به عنوان نمونه (Be onvān-e nemuneh)
- Literally 'as a sample.' This is slightly more formal and is great for academic writing when you are providing a physical or data-based sample.
- از جمله (Az jomleh)
- Meaning 'among which' or 'including.' This is used when the examples are part of a larger set that you have already mentioned.
او زبانهای زیادی میداند، از جمله فارسی و فرانسوی.
(He knows many languages, including Persian and French.)
Another sophisticated alternative is 'مانندِ' (mānand-e) or 'مثلِ' (mesl-e), which mean 'like.' These are used for direct comparisons. While 'barāye mesāl' introduces a whole new clause or thought, 'mānand-e' is usually followed immediately by the noun. For example, 'Fruits like apples' would be 'mive-hā-yi mānand-e sib.'
In very formal or archaic Persian, you might encounter 'فیالمثل' (fil-masal), which is a direct loan from Arabic meaning 'in the example.' You will mostly see this in older literature or very traditional legal texts. It’s not recommended for modern learners to use in daily life, but recognizing it is a sign of a truly advanced (C1/C2) level of reading comprehension.
There is also the phrase 'به طور مثال' (be tour-e mesāl), which is a synonym that means 'by way of example.' It is almost interchangeable with 'barāye mesāl,' but some writers prefer it for its slightly more rhythmic flow in specific sentence structures. Understanding these nuances allows you to paint with a full palette of Persian vocabulary, making your communication more engaging and precise.
میتوان به مسائل اقتصادی، به طور مثال تورم، اشاره کرد.
(One can point to economic issues, by way of example, inflation.)
Examples by Level
من میوه دوست دارم، برای مثال سیب.
I like fruit, for example, apples.
Simple placement after the main noun.
او ورزش میکند، برای مثال فوتبال.
He exercises, for example, football.
Connecting a verb to a specific noun.
ما رنگها را میشناسیم، برای مثال قرمز.
We know the colors, for example, red.
Introducing a specific item from a category.
من غذا میخورم، برای مثال پیتزا.
I eat food, for example, pizza.
Basic list introduction.
او کتاب میخواند، برای مثال داستان.
She reads books, for example, stories.
Defining the type of object.
اینجا سرد است، برای مثال در زمستان.
It is cold here, for example, in winter.
Using the phrase with a time expression.
من حیوان دارم، برای مثال گربه.
I have an animal, for example, a cat.
Simple categorization.
او به تهران میرود، برای مثال با قطار.
He goes to Tehran, for example, by train.
Introducing a method or means.
ایران شهرهای زیبایی دارد. برای مثال، شیراز.
Iran has beautiful cities. For example, Shiraz.
Starting a new sentence with the phrase.
من زبان یاد میگیرم، برای مثال فارسی.
I am learning languages, for example, Persian.
Using a comma before the phrase.
ما در خانه کار میکنیم. برای مثال، من آشپزی میکنم.
We work at home. For example, I cook.
Introducing a full clause as an example.
او به موسیقی علاقه دارد، برای مثال موسیقی سنتی.
She is interested in music, for example, traditional music.
Specifying a sub-genre.
در بازار همه چیز هست، برای مثال لباس و کفش.
Everything is in the market, for example, clothes and shoes.
Listing multiple items.
بچهها بازی میکنند، برای مثال قایمباشک.
Children play games, for example, hide and seek.
Noun as an example of an activity.
فصلها متفاوت هستند. برای مثال، تابستان گرم است.
Seasons are different. For example, summer is hot.
Providing an explanatory sentence.
او میوههای تازه میخرد، برای مثال هندوانه.
He buys fresh fruits, for example, watermelon.
Categorical example.
تکنولوژی زندگی ما را تغییر داده است؛ برای مثال، اینترنت.
Technology has changed our lives; for example, the internet.
Using a semicolon for better sentence flow.
بسیاری از مردم به سفر علاقه دارند، برای مثال سفر به شمال ایران.
Many people are interested in travel, for example, traveling to northern Iran.
Introducing a gerund-like phrase.
ورزش برای سلامتی مفید است. برای مثال، پیادهروی روزانه.
Exercise is good for health. For example, daily walking.
Starting a supporting sentence.
او در کارهای داوطلبانه شرکت میکند، برای مثال کمک به کودکان.
She participates in volunteer work, for example, helping children.
Using a complex noun phrase as an example.
غذاهای ایرانی متنوع هستند؛ برای مثال قرمهسبزی و فسنجان.
Iranian foods are diverse; for example, Ghormeh Sabzi and Fesenjan.
Listing iconic cultural items.
یادگیری زبان سخت است، برای مثال یادگیری گرامر.
Learning a language is hard, for example, learning grammar.
Specifying a difficult aspect of a task.
مشکلات محیط زیستی جدی هستند. برای مثال، کمبود آب.
Environmental problems are serious. For example, water shortage.
Providing a concrete example of an abstract problem.
او به هنر علاقه دارد، برای مثال نقاشی و خطاطی.
He is interested in art, for example, painting and calligraphy.
Using multiple nouns to broaden the example.
کشورهای در حال توسعه با چالشهای اقتصادی روبرو هستند؛ برای مثال، تورم بالا.
Developing countries face economic challenges; for example, high inflation.
Using technical vocabulary (inflation) with the phrase.
ادبیات کلاسیک ایران بسیار غنی است. برای مثال، شاهنامه فردوسی.
Iran's classical literature is very rich. For example, Ferdowsi's Shahnameh.
Introducing a specific masterpiece.
میتوان از انرژیهای تجدیدپذیر استفاده کرد، برای مثال انرژی خورشیدی.
Renewable energies can be used, for example, solar energy.
Applying the phrase to scientific topics.
او در زمینههای مختلفی تخصص دارد؛ برای مثال، برنامهنویسی وب.
He has expertise in various fields; for example, web programming.
Defining professional expertise.
گردشگری میتواند به اقتصاد کمک کند. برای مثال، ایجاد شغل برای جوانان.
Tourism can help the economy. For example, creating jobs for youth.
Using a verbal noun phrase as an illustration.
تغییرات اقلیمی بر کشاورزی تاثیر میگذارد، برای مثال کاهش تولید گندم.
Climate change affects agriculture, for example, the reduction of wheat production.
Showing a cause-and-effect example.
هنر مدرن گاهی درکناپذیر است؛ برای مثال، نقاشیهای انتزاعی.
Modern art is sometimes incomprehensible; for example, abstract paintings.
Using an adjective-noun pair as an example.
سیستم آموزشی باید بهروز شود. برای مثال، استفاده از هوش مصنوعی در کلاس.
The education system must be updated. For example, using AI in the classroom.
Suggesting a specific innovative solution.
ساختار سیاسی جوامع متفاوت است؛ برای مثال، تفاوت بین دموکراسی و آریستوکراسی.
The political structure of societies differs; for example, the difference between democracy and aristocracy.
Introducing a comparative example.
روانشناسی مدرن به بررسی رفتارهای پیچیده میپردازد، برای مثال ریشههای اضطراب در کودکی.
Modern psychology examines complex behaviors, for example, the roots of anxiety in childhood.
Using a highly specific, multi-word academic example.
پیشرفتهای پزشکی خیرهکننده بودهاند. برای مثال، مهندسی ژنتیک و درمانهای نوین.
Medical advancements have been stunning. For example, genetic engineering and modern treatments.
Grouping two advanced concepts as examples.
معماری ایرانی تلفیقی از هنر و مهندسی است؛ برای مثال گنبدهای دوپوش در اصفهان.
Iranian architecture is a fusion of art and engineering; for example, the double-shelled domes in Isfahan.
Using technical architectural terms.
فلسفه اگزیستانسیالیسم بر آزادی فردی تاکید دارد، برای مثال در آثار ژان پل سارتر.
Existentialist philosophy emphasizes individual freedom, for example, in the works of Jean-Paul Sartre.
Citing an author as an example of a philosophical movement.
زبانهای باستانی بر زبانهای مدرن تاثیر گذاشتهاند. برای مثال، واژگان سانسکریت در فارسی.
Ancient languages have influenced modern languages. For example, Sanskrit vocabulary in Persian.
Illustrating a linguistic theory.
نوسانات بازار سرمایه غیرقابل پیشبینی است؛ برای مثال، سقوط ناگهانی ارزش سهام در سال گذشته.
Capital market fluctuations are unpredictable; for example, the sudden crash of stock values last year.
Providing a specific historical data point.
جامعهشناسی شهری به مطالعه معضلات کلانشهرها میپردازد، برای مثال حاشیهنشینی.
Urban sociology studies the problems of metropolises, for example, marginalization.
Using a sociological term as an example.
پارادایمهای علمی همواره در حال دگرگونی هستند؛ برای مثال، گذار از فیزیک کلاسیک به مکانیک کوانتومی.
Scientific paradigms are constantly shifting; for example, the transition from classical physics to quantum mechanics.
Describing a high-level intellectual transition.
پیچیدگیهای زبانی در اشعار حافظ مشهود است. برای مثال، ایهامهای چندلایه در غزلیات او.
Linguistic complexities are evident in Hafez's poetry. For example, the multi-layered ambiguities in his sonnets.
Discussing advanced literary devices (ambiguity).
تحولات ژئوپلیتیک معاصر پیامدهای گستردهای دارند، برای مثال بازتعریف ائتلافهای منطقهای.
Contemporary geopolitical developments have broad consequences, for example, the redefinition of regional alliances.
Analyzing global political shifts.
عرفان اسلامی بر سیر و سلوک باطنی تاکید دارد؛ برای مثال، مفاهیم 'فنا' و 'بقا' در آثار عطار.
Islamic mysticism emphasizes the inner spiritual journey; for example, the concepts of 'annihilation' and 'subsistence' in Attar's works.
Using esoteric philosophical terminology.
بحرانهای مالی جهانی ساختاری هستند. برای مثال، ناپایداری ناشی از مشتقات پیچیده مالی.
Global financial crises are structural. For example, the instability caused by complex financial derivatives.
Discussing complex economic structures.
هرمنوتیک مدرن به دنبال کشف لایههای پنهان متن است، برای مثال در نظریات گادامر.
Modern hermeneutics seeks to discover the hidden layers of the text, for example, in Gadamer's theories.
Referencing a specific philosophical school.
زیباشناسی در سینمای پسا-مدرن به چالش کشیده میشود؛ برای مثال، درهمآمیختگی واقعیت و رویا.
Aesthetics in post-modern cinema are challenged; for example, the blurring of reality and dreams.
Analyzing cinematic theory.
عدالت اجتماعی مستلزم بازنگری در ساختارهای قدرت است. برای مثال، توزیع عادلانه ثروت در جوامع دموکراتیک.
Social justice requires a revision of power structures. For example, the fair distribution of wealth in democratic societies.
Formulating a complex socio-political argument.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— I am saying this as an example. Used in formal polite speech.
برای مثال عرض میکنم که وقت چقدر مهم است.
— Just for example. Used to clarify that the instance isn't the only one.
این را فقط برای مثال گفتم.
— Could there be a better example? A rhetorical question.
او قهرمان شد؛ مثال از این بهتر؟
— By mentioning one example. Formal writing style.
نویسنده به ذکر یک مثال اکتفا کرد.
— A practical example. Used in technical or teaching contexts.
ما به یک مثال کاربردی نیاز داریم.
— An objective/tangible example. Used in science or philosophy.
این یک مثال عینی از فرسایش است.
— In this example. Used to refer back to an illustration.
در این مثال، متغیرها ثابت هستند.
— Based on this example. Used for drawing conclusions.
بر اساس این مثال، میتوان نتیجه گرفت...
Idioms & Expressions
— It is beyond compar
Summary
The phrase 'برای مثال' is the most reliable and professional way to introduce an example in Persian. Whether you are speaking casually or writing an academic paper, using this phrase helps you provide clarity and evidence, making your communication more effective. Example: 'بسیاری از کشورها، برای مثال ایران، تاریخ طولانی دارند.' (Many countries, for example Iran, have a long history.)
- A formal Persian phrase meaning 'for example' used to introduce specific instances that support or clarify a general statement in speech and writing.
- Consists of 'barāye' (for) and 'mesāl' (example), functioning as a vital logical connector across all levels of Persian linguistic proficiency and registers.
- Commonly placed at the beginning of a clause or after a semicolon, often followed by a comma in written Persian to ensure clarity.
- A key marker of intermediate and advanced fluency, allowing speakers to move from abstract concepts to concrete, persuasive evidence in their discourse.
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
More academic words
اعمال کردن
B2To apply, to implement; to put into operation or effect.
عامل شدن
B2To cause; to make something happen.
اعتبار علمی
B2Academic credibility, academic reputation.
اعتبار بخشیدن
B2To validate, to confirm or give official approval to something.
اعتبار سنجی کردن
B2To check or prove the validity or accuracy of something.
اعتباربخشی
B2Accreditation; the official recognition that a person or institution is qualified.
اعتمادپذیر
B2Capable of being relied on; trustworthy and dependable.
اعتراف کردن
B2To confess or acknowledge; to admit that one has committed a crime or done something wrong.
عضو هیئت علمی
B2A faculty member; a professional academic engaged in teaching and research at a university.
عقلانی
B2Rational; based on or in accordance with reason or logic.